Explain the stages of menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle has menses, proliferative phase, ovulation, and secretory phase, controlled mainly by FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.

Various Stages of Menstrual Cycle

• Follicular phase – first half of the cycle; follicle develops
• Luteal phase – second half of the cycle; corpus luteum forms
• FSH – helps follicles grow
• LH – rises sharply and causes ovulation
• Ovarian cycle – shows follicle growth, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation
• Estrogens – increase before ovulation and help thicken the uterine lining
• Progesterone – rises after ovulation and maintains the uterine lining
• Menses – shedding of the uterine lining
• Proliferative phase – rebuilding/thickening of the uterine lining
• Secretory phase – uterine lining becomes ready for implantation
• Ovulation – release of the egg around day 14