Module 3: Physiology of the Female Reproductive Cycle Flashcards
What does menarche mean?
Very first menstrual flow
What does menses mean?
Regular monthly flow in the reproductive years
What does perimenopausal mean:
A women at the near end of her mentrual years
When does perimenopausal happen?
Begins around the late 40’s
How long does the perimenopausal years happen?
Around 10 years in duration
What is menopause?
When menstrual cycle ceases altogether
When is a women officially in menopause?
1 year without a menstrual period
What are female menstrual cycle hormones? 6
- GnRH
- FSH
- LH
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Relaxin
What are the three key areas to consider in the menstrual cycle?
- Hormones
- Ovaries and follicles
- Endometrium
What does FSH and LH do?
Stimulate the ovaries
Where are gonadotropins produced?
Hormones produced by the anterior pituitary
What does FSH do?
Stimulates the growth of follicles
Many follicles will be stimulated but how many will mature?
Only one will mature and produce a egg
What does LH do?
Stimulates the follicles also but to a lesser extend compared to FSH
A surge in LH is responsible for what?
Ovulation
LH supports the growth of what?
Corpus luteum but does not maintain it
In pregnancy HCG does what?
Maintains the corpus luteum
Dominant follicle after ovulation is referred to as what?
Corpus luteum
What are some ovarian steroids? 3
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Relaxin
Estrogen is secreted from what?
Granulosa cells lining the follicle
Peak secretion of estrogen occurs when?
Just before ovulation
What must happen for LH to surge?
Estrogen must hit a threshold
What is the cause for proliferation of endometrium?
Estrogen