4.2 Analysing the role of hormones in the menstrual cycle.

● state what menstruation is;

● relate menstruation to menstrual cycle;

● state the importance of the menstrual cycle;

● state the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle;

● explain the role of hormones in regulating the menstrual cycle;

● relate hormonal levels to the development of follicles, the process of ovulation, and the formation
of corpus luteum;

● relate hormonal levels to the changes in thickness of the endometrium;

● state what premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is;

● state what menopause is.

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the formation of ovum, starts in the ovaries of the foetus before birth. The germinal epithelial
cells near the surface of the ovary divide repeatedly by mitosis until many diploid oogonia are formed.
The oogonia grow to form ​primary oocytes​. These oocytes are surrounded by a layer of follicle cells
which is called a primary follicle. Every month from puberty onwards, many primary oocytes become
active and grow but only one oocytes matures. This oocyte undergoes the first meiotic division to become
a ​secondary oocyte and a first polar body. Both of them are haploid. Then, the secondary oocyte
undergoes the ​second meiotic division until metaphase II. The secondary oocyte which is lined by layers
of follicle cells is called a secondary follicle. This follicle increases in size to form the ​Graafian follicle.​
At intervals of approximately 28 days in woman, the Graafian follicle merges with the wall of the of the
ovary, the ovary wall ruptures, and the secondary oocyte is released into the oviduct. ​The release of the
​ econdary oocyte, also known as mature egg or
secondary oocyte from the ovary is known as ovulation. S
ovum. Ovum enters fallopian tube and completes the second meiotic division as soon as a sperm
penetrates it during fertilisation. Ovulation takes place from one of the ovaries, once every 28 days. Two
ovaries take turn to produce ovum. Graafian follicle released it oocyte and develop into yellowish mass of
cell called corpus luteum. Corpus luteum degenerate after 10 days if pregnancy does not take place. The
production of a few million oogonia in a foetal ovary take place in a systematic and orderly manner.
The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

● causes a Graafian follicle to develop in the ovary.
● stimulates follicle cells and the tissues of the ovary to secrete oestrogen.

Luteinising hormone (LH)

● causes ovulation and formation of corpus luteum from the follicle cell.

Oestrogen
● to heal and repair the uterine wall.
● causes the endometrium to thicken in preparation for implantation.
● when its level reaches certain point, it stops pituitary gland from producing FSH and stimulates it
to produce LH.

Progesterone
● released by corpus luteum.
● stimulates the growth and development of blood vessels in the endometrium and further thickens
the endometrium.
Levels of reproductive hormones are controlled by negative feedback mechanism.

● FSH stimulates production of oestrogen.

● Oestrogen inhibits production of FSH.
● Lack of FSH causes level of oestrogen to fall.
● Progesterone inhibits production of FSH, thus inhibiting development of another Graafian
follicle.
What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?

● a group of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.

● occurs in the week or two weeks before the menstruation.
● usually goes away after menstruation starts.
● some women are more sensitive than others towards the changes in hormones.
● can affect menstruating women of any age.
● Physical symptoms: headaches, fatigue, feel bloated, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, sleep
disturbances, and appetite changes including food cravings.
● Emotional symptoms: irritability, tension, depression, confusion, anxiety, crying,oversensitivity,
and mood swings with alternating anger and sadness and lack of concentration.

What is menopause?

● normal change in a woman’s life when he r menstruation stops.

● A woman’s body slowly produces less oestrogen and progesterone.
● often happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
● a woman has reached menopause when she has not had menstruation for 12 months in a row.
● may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats,sleeping problems, osteoporosis,
mood changes, weight gain and hair loss.