25/12/2022
UTERINE CYCLE/MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Menstrual cycle is described in phases.
Proliferative Phase (Resting Stage)
This phase begins immediately the menstruation stops. The first 2-3 days is a stage of repair of the endometrium sometimes referred to as Regenerative Phase, during this stage new endometrium is reformed. Proliferature phase last until ovulation. The endometrium is ready to received o**m. It is under the control of hormone, there is ripening of the granfian follicles which secrete oestrogen in large quantity, under the influence of the FSH from the anterior pituitary gland. The next level get to a peak it inhibit production of FSH. At the same time one graafian follicle would have mature and moves to the surface of the o***y. It bursts and discharges an o**m. This process is known as Ovulation, and takes place about the 14 days before the next me**es. As ovulation approaches, rising oestrogen level causes the cervical mucus to become thin, clear and elastic, this elasticity (spinnbarkheit) enhances the s***ms motility and increases the female’s fertility.
Oestrogen causes the endometrium to become thick, so at the end of this phase, the structure of the endometrium consists of three layers:
Basal layer, Functioning layer (surface layer), and Cuboidal ciliated epithelial layer.
Secretory Phase: This follows ovulation and is under the influence of progesterone and oestrogen. Increase in the progesterone level and development of corpus luteum further increases thickening of the endometrium and become softer. The lining become more vascular and ready to received fertilized o**m - layer increases To 3.5mm. If fertilization and implantation occurs, progesterone level continues to increase. This inhibits the maturation of another follicle. When the level of progesterone reaches it’s peak and no fertilized o**m, production of LH is inhibited. The corpus luleum degenerates and atrophies resulting in sudden drop in the progesterone level which brings about menstrual flow