Ovulation

Menstrual cycle 



It is the series of changes such as hormonal changes which are experienced by a woman to prepare her body for a pregnancy. Menstrual period takes place when the egg released by the ovaries is not fertilized, resulting to shedding of the lining of the uterus through the vagina. This cycle consists of three phases namely, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.

FOLLICULAR PHASE 



During the follicular phase, low levels of estrogen and progesterone can be observed, as a result shedding of the endometrium occurs resulting to menstrual bleeding. Also, the follicle stimulating hormone level increases resulting to stimulation of the development of the follicles. Afterwards, the levels of the follicle stimulating hormone would decrease and only one follicle would develop. First day of menstrual bleeding

OVULATORY PHASE  

Occurs for 16 to 32 hours Increase in the luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones  Stimulation of ovulation  Increase in the estrogen and progesterone level

LUTEAL PHASE  

For 14 days Decrease in the luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones  After release of the egg the follicle will form corpos luteum  Thickening of the uterus lining in preparation for possible fertilization  If fertilization would not occur, the corpus luteum would degenerate  decrease in the levels of progesterone and estrogen  start of new menstrual cycle