Below, you will find links to the main articles on the site that deal with topics related to the menstrual cycle:
Period
Menstrual phase (days 1 - 5)
The most superficial layer of the uterus, called the endometrium, goes into necrosis (cell death) and detaches into flaps, leaving the veins and arteries that run through it exposed. Therefore there is a loss of about 40 milliliters of blood mixed with residues cell necrotic endometrium. At the same time, the growth of some follicles begins in the ovary, while the secretion of FSH, or Follicle-Stimulating hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, which in the woman determines the maturation of the follicle and stimulates the production of estrogen by the woman, increases. of the ovary.
Proliferative phase (days 6 - 14)
In the uterus the superficial circulation of the endometrium is reconstituted and the layer of epithelial cells that lines the vagina thickens to create a favorable environment for spermatozoa.
In the ovary only one follicle continues to mature, while the others undergo involution.
Estrogen increases significantly until it reaches a peak just before ovulation and then decreases rapidly. Progesterone, another hormone secreted by the ovary, increases slowly. The FSH decreases and then rises again just before ovulation while there is a strong increase in LH, or Lutenizing hormone, always produced by the pituitary and which collaborates with the FSH in maintaining the normal production of estrogen by the ovary beyond to determine the formation of the corpus luteum after ovulation and to stimulate the production of progesterone.
Ovulatory phase (day 14-15)
In the uterus, the endometrium reaches its maximum thickness; in the ovary there is the rupture of the follicle and the expulsion of the egg contained in it; estrogens decrease rapidly and progesterone continues to increase. The basal body temperature, best assessed in the morning as soon as you wake up with a special thermometer from insert into the vagina, it rises about half a degree.
The basal temperature measurement methods that some women use to determine the exact time of ovulation are based on this measurement. It must be remembered that this method cannot possibly be effective for contraceptive purposes, due to the fact that most women do not have regular cycles, but rather it can be very useful when planning a pregnancy.Therefore, it is by no means proven that all women, three days after the slight temperature rise, can be considered no longer fertile.
Initial secretory phase (days 16 - 23)
In the uterus, the endometrial epithelium remains at its maximum thickness; in the vagina, on the other hand, the epithelium thins; the corpus luteum is formed in the ovary; estrogen and progesterone increase, while FSH and LH decrease.
Late secretory phase (24 - 28 days)
In the ovary the regression of the corpus luteum begins; estrogen and progesterone decrease while FSH and LH remain at low levels.
The reduction in progesterone levels leads to the flaking of the uterine mucosa (endometrium), therefore to menstruation; at this point the menstrual cycle can start again.
