Ch 11.4: Menstrual Cycle

Female Genital Cutting

____ _____ _____ affects 80- 120 million girls worldwide, Africa being #1 location for this practice. Usually preferred on girls before puberty, often performed by practitioners with formal medical training in an unsterile environment.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

(PMDD): severe, debilitating PMS symptoms- must have at least 5. Symptoms must start with 7 days of period, go away a few days after the period starts, and happen during multiple cycles.

Destructive Phase

Also called the Menstrual Phase. Progesterone and estrogen decline sharply. Endometrial lining breaks down due to the low levels of estrogen.

Follicular

Around 20 follicles begin to grow in the ovaries and the ova inside is matured during this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Luteal

During this phase, Progesterone is at its highest level, and is secreted by the corpus luteum along with estrogen.

Ovulation

During this phase, estrogen has reached its highest level, above the set point.

Ovulation

During this phase, one follicle bursts and the ovum is released.

Menstrual

During this phase, progesterone and estrogen decline sharply, and the endometrial lining breaks down.

Luteal

During this phase, the cervical mucus becomes less hospitable to sperm- drier and more acidic.

Follicular

During this phase, the cervical mucus becomes more hospitable to sperm: more alkaline and elastic, like egg- whites.

Premenstrual

During this phase, the corpus luteum degenerates and the uterus contracts.

Luteal Phase

Lasts for 14 days. Corpus luteum secretes estrogen and progesterone. Cervical mucus becomes less hospitable- drier and more acidic. Progesterone prohibits prostaglandins so the uterus does not contract and shed. Progesterone is at its highest level.

Ovulation

Occurs two weeks prior to the start of a woman's menstrual period. Estrogen has reached its highest level, above the set point. One follicle bursts and the ovum is released. Corpus luteum forms above the burst follicle.

Dysmenorrhea

Pain during menstruation; primary (caused by menstruation itself and due to prostaglandins) and secondary (caused by other problems, not typical pain)

Infibulation

Removal of the clitoral glans, all of the labia minora, and part of the labia majora; small hole left for passage of urine and menses; 15% are this type.

Follicular Phase

Technically begins at day 4-12. Endometrial lining is at its thinnest. Around 20 follicles in the ovaries begin to grow, causing the ovary inside to mature. Cervical mucus becomes more hospitable to sperm: alike and elastic, like egg whites.

Premenstrual Phase

The endometrial lining is at its thickest. The corpus luteum degenerates, causing progesterone and estrogen levels to decline and the stopping of hormone release. Prostaglandins begin to increase, causing the contraction of the uterus.

Excision

Complete removal of the clitoris, some of the labia minora.