Page 51 - ترم ثاني كتاب تمريض صحة الام الكتروني

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2): Female Reproductive cycle

Introduction

In the previous study session, you learned about the anatomy and physiology of the female
reproductive system. The hormones estrogen and progesterone were briefly introduced.
In this study module you will learn much more about the role of these and other important
hormones involved in the regulation of the human menstrual cycle, the monthly

production of mature ova (eggs) by females of reproductive age, and the preparation of
the uterus as a welcoming environment for the start of a pregnancy.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, the students should be

able to:

1- Describe the physiological processes and changes during the menstrual cycle.

2- Describe the hormonal regulation of the female reproductive cycle.

3. Provide health teaching during the female reproductive cycle.

The female reproductive hormones

The various functions of the body are regulated by the nervous system and the hormonal

system. Both these systems are involved in controlling the activity of the female
reproductive system in a regular monthly series of events known as the menstrual cycle,
as we will now describe.

A hormone is a signaling chemical produced in the body, which circulates in the blood;

different hormones control or regulate the activity of different cells or organs. The
functions of the five main hormones that regulate the female reproductive system are
described in Box 1, and their interactions are illustrated in Figure 1.

Box 1 Hormones regulating the female reproductive system

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced by a part of the brain called

the hypothalamus. When it circulates in the blood, it causes the release of two important

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