NR 507FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE Reproductive Endometrial cycle and the occurrence of ovulation

FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE Reproductive Endometrial cycle and the occurrence of ovulation -menstrual cyclestarts with menarche (first menstruation) ends with menopause (cessation of menstrual flow for 1 year) -Cycles -anovulatory at first may vary in length from 10 to 60 days or more. -As adolescence proceeds into adulthood, regular patterns of menstruation and ovulation are established at intervals ranging from 21 to 45 days. -Menstruation continues to recur in a recognizable and characteristic pattern during adulthood, with the length of the menstrual cycle varying considerably among women. - commonly accepted cycle average is 28 (27 to 30) days, with rhythmic intervals of 21 to 35 days considered normal. -Approximately 2 to 8 years before menopause, cycles begin to lengthen again with variation related to changing hormone levels -2 phases: 1) follicular/proliferative phase (postmenstrual) -lasts until about day 14. - endometrium grows to form a lush lining inside of the uterus. 2) luteal/secretory phase (premenstrual) - this is where the body secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone. -These hormones work together to prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation. -lasts for 12 days -During menstruation (menses), the functional layer of the endometrium disintegrates and is discharged through the vagina.  The estrogen and progesterone start to decline and the endometrial lining begins to shed. This lasts for 3-5 days and the process restarts. Menstruation is followed by the follicular/proliferative phase.