explain various phases of mensutrual cycle
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Menstruation describes the female period. The menstruation cycle begins when a woman gets her periods. The menstrual blood which leaves her body are products shed from the uterus (the uterine lining also called the endometrium). During the remainder of the menstrual cycle the uterine lining regrows. It does so in preparation for pregnancy, which occurs if the egg (oocyte) a woman releases about half way through her menstrual cycle is fertilised. When fertilisation occurs, the lining stays in place to nourish the fertilised egg. When fertilisation does not occur the menstrual cycle continues and the uterine lining is shed marking the start of the woman’s next menstrual period. Women begin menstruation at an average age of 13 (called menarche) and on average continue menstruating till age 51 (called menopause).
Menstruation involves highly complex hormonal interactions. The key hormones involved in menstruation are oestrogen and progesterone (produced by the ovaries) and luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating produced by the pituitary gland, under the influence of hormones secreted by the hypothalamus. The interactions between these organs are referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis).