The Menstrual Cycle

Front 1

What's a hormone?

Back 1

-It's a chemical which controls body functions.
-It's produced by glands
-It's transported through bloodstream

Front 2

What is the role of the Contraceptive Pill?

Back 2

The Contraceptive Pill is used by women to prevent them from becoming pregnant. This happens because the pill contains Hormones which stop the pituitary gland making FSH. This means that no eggs will mature in the ovary.

Front 3

Why and how would you inject FSH into the blood?

Back 3

You would do it because if your own level of FSH is too low, the ovaries won't release eggs. You do it by injecting FSH into the blood using a needle, which then stimulates the ovaries to produce mature eggs.

Front 4

What is the process of IVF?

Back 4

1. Removal of eggs
2. Fertilised with sperm outside body
3. Embryos inserted into woman's womb

Front 5

Describe how the Hormones FSH, LH and Oestrogen are involved in the control of the Menstrual Cycle.

Back 5

1. FSH stimulates the production of Oestrogen.
2. Oestrogen inhibits the FSH and produces LH.
3. LH stimulates egg/ovum release.

Front 6

What causes the lining of the womb to become thicker?

Back 6

Oestrogen

Front 7

What happens if the egg is not fertilised?

Back 7

The womb lining breaks down, causing bleeding from the vagina

Front 8

Which two hormones do the contraceptive pill contain?

Back 8

Oestrogen and Progesterone

Front 9

What is the mini pill?

Back 9

The mini pill is a contraceptive pill which contains only progesterone.

Front 10

What are the advantages & disadvantages of the mini pill?

Back 10

Advantages: Causes fewer side effects
Disadvantages: Must be taken punctually for it to work & is less reliable than the combined pill

Front 11

Why is oestrogen used in 'the pill'?

Back 11

Because even though it stimulates the release of eggs, if it's used everyday to keep the level of it permanently high, it inhibits the production of FSH and after a while egg production stops