DAYS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The graphs are an outline of changes in endometrium, follicle growth and hormones through the menstrual cycle.

The important things to remember are:
1) There is a peak in progesterone in luteal phase

2) Two peaks are observed in oestradiol - one in late follicular/mid cycle and one in luteal phase

3) LH rises progressively across the follicular phase to midcycle surge

4) Inter - cycle rise in FSH. FSH falls across the follicular phase and generally keeps low until the end of the luteal phase.

5) FSH rise allows selection of the dominant follicle. This survives the fall in FSH by acquiring LH receptors.

6) Mid cycle LH surge causes ovulation and formation of the CL.

Male

Cross Section of Seminiferous Tubule