I. Menstrual Cycle (see table)

A. Overview of menstrual cycle stages (28 day cycle)

Day 1. Menstruation (5 days): break down of uterine lining

Days 5-13: Follicle stage (10-14 days): development of egg within follicle

Day 14: Ovulation (1 day): release of egg

Days 15-29: Corpus luteum stage (14 days): follicle w/o egg=corpus luteum

1. Ovaries, uterus, and hormones

a. First stage is follicle stage

2. If pregnancy (no menstrual stage)

a. embryo produces chorionic gonadotropins

b. corpus luteum in ovary produces progesterone and estrogen

c. uterus: lining develops

3. Pituitary hormones during menstrual cycle

4. Ovarian hormones during cycle

5. Basal body temperature (BBT) during cycle

II. Potential side effects of menstrual cycle

A. Mood swings

1. Very controversial

2. Some evidence that moods are positive during ovulation and negative premenstrually

3. 25-75% do not experience mood swings

4. Self-report studies

5. Cultural attitudes affect extent of premenstrual blues

6. Conclusions: extent and causes of mood swings is unclear

1. Symptoms:

• cramping
• headaches
• backaches
• nausea
• bloating
• swelling in breasts and abdomen

2. Possible causes:

• too much prostaglandin in uterine lining can cause uterine cramping
• hormones may affect water retention

3. Possible cures:

• exercise
• aspirin
• reduction in salt intake
• prostaglandin inhibitors: aspirin, anaprox, naprox, ibuprofen
• good dietary habits: 3 meals, not too much alcohol or sugar
• orgasm

1. occurs in 10-95% of women, depending on definition

2. broad definition

• Symptoms of dysmenorrhea plus tension, depression, irritability, lethargy, violent behavior
• Occurs 2-10 days prior menstruation

3. narrow definition:

• extreme mood changes and physiological symptoms
• occurs 2 days prior menstruation
• occurs in 10% or less of women

4. Possible cause:

• progesterone/estrogen imbalance

5. Possible cure:

• diet change
• progesterone therapy
•  

D. Health Issues

• Toxic Shock Syndrome - TSS
  • Related to chemicals in tampons & length of use - change every 6-8 hours

III. MENOPAUSE -

A. change of life/cessation of menstruation

Climateric - lasts 15-20 years from ~ age 45-60

• decline in functioning of ovaries

B. Symptoms - hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, joint pain, osteoporosis (brittle bones)

50% experienced some

• 25% experienced none
• 69% had some symptoms but not bothered

C. HRT - hormone replacement therapy

recommended if at risk for osteoporosis

D. Sexuality

• majority continue sexual activity and enjoy it
• if ovaries removed, less testosterone, possibly less enjoyment
• empty nest - most relieved, not depressed

E. Male menopause

• decline in testosterone
• enlargement of prostate gland - 50% of 80 year olds

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List of of additional figures and tables

1. Hormone levels over menstrual cycle

2. Summary of hormones involved in menstrual cycle.