Menstrual Cycle:
- Female reproductive system undergoes some changes at puberty.
- Those changes repeat at the interval of every 28 – 30 days. These repetitive changes are called as menstrual cycle.
- Menstrual cycle is a natural process.
- Controlled by four hormones. Thosef our hormones are
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Estrogenr
- Pogesterone.
- One of the several follicles in the ovary starts to develop along with the oocyte present in it, under the effect of follicle stimulating hormone.
- This developing follicle secretes estrogen.
- Endometrium of the uterus starts to develop (during first cycle) or regenerate (during subsequent cycles) under the effect of estrogen.
- Meanwhile, developing follicle completes its development.
- It bursts under the effect of luteinizing hormone and oocyte is released. This is called as ovulation.
- Remaining tissue of the burst follicle forms the corpus luteum.
- Corpus luteum starts to secrete progesterone.
- Endometrial glands secrete their secretion under the effect of progesterone.
- Such endometrium is ready for implantation of embryo.
- If oocyte is not fertilized within 24 hours, corpus luteum becomes inactive and transforms into corpus albicans.
- Due to this, secretion of estrogen and progesterone stops completely.
- Endometrium starts to degenerate in absence of these two hormones.
- Tissues of degenerating endometrium and unfertilized ovum are discarded out through vagina.This is accompanied with continuous bleeding.
- Bleeding continues approximately for five days. This is called as menstruation.
- Unless the oocyte is fertilized and embryo is implanted, this process is repeated every month.
- If the embryo is implanted, repetition of this cycle is temporarily stopped till the parturition and thereafter period of breast feeding.
- Menstrual cycle is a natural process and the women experience severe pains during this period.
- Severe weakness is felt due to heavy bleeding.
- There is higher possibility of infections too during this overall period.
- Due to all such reasons, there is need of rest along with special personal hygiene.