Reproductive cycle

In females of placental mammals, exhibit

cyclic changes in the activities of ovaries
and accessory ducts as well as hormones
during the reproductive phase is known as
reproductive cycle.

There are two types which are as follows:-

1. Oestrus cycle
2. Menstrual cycle

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 Menstrual cycle v/s

The menstrual cycle has It doesn’t have any of these

proliferative, secretory and

Sexual receptivity may Sexual receptivity occurs

occur throughout the usually in between the

The endometrium shed is The endometrium shed is

absorbed by the walls of

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• The Menses phase: This phase begins on the
first day of the cycle. It's when the lining of the
uterus sheds through the vagina if pregnancy
hasn’t occurred. Most people bleed for three to
five days, but a period lasting only three days to
as many as seven days is usually not a cause for
worry.

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• The Follicular phase: This phase begins on the
day of period and ends at ovulation (it overlaps
with the menses phase and ends when female
ovulate). During this time, the level of the
hormone oestrogen rises, which causes the
lining of the uterus (the endometrium) to grow
and thicken. In addition, another hormone
— Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) —
causes follicles in the ovaries to grow. During
days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles
will form a fully mature egg (ovum).

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• The Ovulatory phase: This phase occurs
roughly at about day 14 in a 28-day menstrual
cycle. A sudden increase in another hormone
— Luteinizing Hormone (LH) — causes the
ovary to release its egg. This event is Ovulation.

• The Luteal phase: This phase lasts from about

day 15 to day 28. The egg leaves the ovary and
begins to travel through your fallopian tubes to
the uterus. The level of the hormone
progesterone rises to help prepare the uterine
lining for pregnancy. If the egg becomes
fertilized by sperm and attaches itself to the
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uterine wall (implantation), female becomes
pregnant. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, oestrogen
and progesterone levels drop and the thick
lining of the uterus sheds during the period.

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The release of hormones in the female body like
Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Oestrogen,
Progesterone and Luteinizing Hormone is important
as they play a crucial role in the healthy working of
the female body.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone: This is the hormone
responsible for the creation of a healthy egg. This is
released by the Pituitary Gland. It regulates the
working of the male and female reproductive
organs- the ovaries and the testes. Any abnormality
can result in male or female infertility.
Oestrogen: This is a female sex hormone that
controls puberty and strengthens bones. There are
three types of Oestrogen.
• Oestradiol is produced by the ovaries in women
of childbearing age.
• Oestriol is the main oestrogen produced during
pregnancy, especially in the placenta
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 • Oestrone which is produced by the adrenal
glands and fatty tissue is the only oestrogen
produced after menopause.
Luteinising Hormone: This is another
gonadotrophic hormone produced by the Pituitary
gland. It is released after the ovulation phase. On
day 14 of the cycle, there is a rise in the luteinising
hormone which stimulates the follicular wall to tear
and release a mature egg from the ovary. The
hormone then stimulates the Corpus Luteum
(formed out of the remnants of the follicular wall) to
release progesterone which is required to protect
the embryo in the event of fertilisation.
Progesterone: Progesterone is released from the
Corpus Luteum in the second half of the menstrual
cycle. It prepares the female body for pregnancy if
the egg is fertilised. It stimulates the growth of
blood vessels that supply the endometrium and
stimulates the glands to secrete nutrients to
nourish the tiny embryo. During pregnancy, it helps

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in foetal development and helps to strengthen the
pelvic wall muscles in preparation for labour.
Each hormone has its own role to play in
maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle, so important
for a woman to lead a healthy life. They contribute
to the physical and mental well-being of females
and it is important to ensure that the menstrual
cycle is regular.

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 EVENTS OF MENSTRUAL
CYCLE

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

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Menstrual disorders are problems that affect a
woman's normal menstrual cycle. They include
painful cramps during menstruation, abnormally
heavy bleeding, or not having any bleeding.
Menstruation occurs during the years between
puberty and menopause.
Menstrual disorders include:
• Dysmenorrhea refers to painful cramps during
menstruation.
• Premenstrual syndrome refers to physical and
psychological symptoms occurring prior to
menstruation.
• Menorrhagia is heavy bleeding, including
prolonged menstrual periods or excessive
bleeding during a normal-length period.
• Metrorrhagia is bleeding at irregular intervals,
particularly between expected menstrual
periods.

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• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.
• Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent menstrual
periods. Hypomenorrhea refers to light periods.

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Menarche:
It is the stage of initiation of menstruation in the life
of female. It generally occurs at an age of 11-13
years. It refers to the beginning of reproductive
phase in girls.

Menopause:
It is the stage at which menstruation stops in the life
of a woman. It occurs in women at an age between
40-45 years. It refers to the end of reproductive
phase in a female.

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