Question

Explain the menstrual phase in a human female. State the levels of ovarian and pituitary hormones during this phase.

Answer 1

• The menstrual phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts till the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. The following events occur during this phase:

• The uterus sheds its inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels which exits the body from the vagina in the form of menstrual fluid.

• Blood loss of 10 ml to 80 ml is considered normal.

• You may experience abdominal cramps. These cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterine and the abdominal muscles to expel the menstrual fluid.

• The pituitary gland to coordinate the release of two other hormones called FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone and LH or luteinizing hormone. FSH, in turn, stimulates the ovary to produce estrogen and LH stimulates the ovary to produce progesterone.
• On Day 1 of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels are low. Low levels of estrogen and progesterone signal the pituitary gland to produce Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). FSH begins the process of maturing a follicle (fluid-filled sac in the ovary containing an egg).