THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
The menstrual cycle is the process of ovulation and menstruation in females. There are about 28 to 35 days in a normal menstrual cycle,
with ovulation occurring on one of the 11th to 15th days.
6 days after menstruation, the ovaries start to secrete
oestrogen, prompting the uterine lining to start repairing and thicken for
preparation of the fertilised egg. The uterine lining is richly supplied with
blood capillaries to nourish the egg.
After the 14th day, the egg is released from the
ovary. Progesterone is secreted to help maintain the uterine lining should the
egg be fertilised. If the egg is not fertilised by the 25th day,
progesterone is no longer supplied and the uterine lining breaks down. The whole cycle is then repeated again.
As shown above, oestrogen and progesterone play a major role
in the menstrual cycle. Women who suffer from fertility problems are shown to
have a low level of progesterone to help maintain the uterine lining which provides
support to the fetus, or low amounts of oestrogen.
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