Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) • Stimulates growth of follicles • Follicles produce ESTROGEN (Estradiol)
Follicular Development
OVULATION
OVULATION
Ovulation
The Luteal Phase
What is Estrogen Doing? • Stimulates growth of cells in the lining of the uterus, the cervix and the vagina • Causes breast to be more receptive to progesterone • Causes changes in cervical mucous
Changes in Cervix and Cervical Mucous Around ovulation: • Cervix opens • Fibers line up under influence of estrogen permitting sperm to get through
Changes in Cervix and Cervical Mucous After ovulation • Cervix closes • Fibers of mucous tangle up
What about Progesterone? • Secreted by the Corpus Luteum after ovulation
What about Progesterone? • Helps with the functioning of lining of the uterus (in preparation for fertilization) • Prepares breasts for possible pregnancy • Signals the pituitary to stop producing LH
What Triggers Menstruation? • No fertilization • Corpus Luteum regresses after about 12 days • Progesterone & estrogen products drop off sharply • Endometrium sloughs off
What happens if fertilization does occur? • Corpus luteum remains active • Progesterone levels remain high • • uterine lining remains strong Implantation occurs h. CG from fetus takes over
What is the hormonal signature of the…. Follicular phase 1. 2. 3. 4. Low E, low P High E levels, low P levels High LH, decreasing E, low P
What is the hormonal signature of the…. Luteal phase 1. 2. 3. 4. Low E, low P High E levels, low P levels High LH, decreasing E, low P
What is the hormonal signature of the…. First day of menstrual bleeding 1. 2. 3. 4. Low E, low P High E levels, low P levels High LH, decreasing E, low P
What is the hormonal signature of the…. Peri-ovulatory period 1. 2. 3. 4. Low E, low P High E levels, low P levels High LH, decreasing E, low P