Ovarian cycle: physiology, phase, possible deviations

Ovarian cycle - a recurrent ovarian changes caused by the influence of gonadotropin-releasing pituitary hormones. It consists of three distinct periods, each of which is characterized by certain features. Another name for this concept - ovarian cycle, which means that its relationship with ovulation.

Physiology ovarian cycle

To better understand the nature of ovarian cycle, you need more to deal with changes in the female body, caused by hormones. These hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary and called Follicle. Start ovarian period in adult women starts with the development of a number of primary follicles. They contain oocytes of the first order - the immature form of the future eggs.

The bottom line is to go through three stages:

• follicular;
• ovulation;
• lutein.

The last step is also called progesterone due to the formation of the corpus luteum, its appearance provoked progesterone. A normal menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, so the first and last stage divide it in half. When the 28-day duration of the cycle for follicular and luteal phase of 14 days is given. Between them is the ovulatory phase.

Important! Ovarian cycle performs two important functions - promotes the production of eggs and cyclically allocates hormones. If the woman is healthy and has no inflammation and pathology of the genital organs, this period takes place on a monthly basis without interruption, confirming the reproductive function of the body.

phase of the cycle

The menstrual cycle is divided into two categories: ovarian and uterine cycles. The latter is also divided into 4 stages: desquamation, regeneration, proliferation, secretion. Each of these stages is responsible for the production of certain hormones, necessary for the proper functioning of the female body. In this case, at the time of passage of each stage there is a number of changes. For a general understanding of cycling is encouraged to consider each period separately.

Follicular (menstrual) phase

First is the follicular phase. It is responsible for the development of follicles in the ovaries, after which there is release of an egg. Normally this process takes place at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, often within the first 9-14 days. If the menstrual cycle lasts 21 days, the follicle must mature for 10-11 days.

Initially follicle contains egg at the development stage, it is covered around the epithelial layer. The shell is composed of connective tissue. Several distinct features of this stage:

• growth occurs under the influence of follicle stimulating hormone or FSH;
• It ripens only one formed follicles from which the later release of the egg;
• not mature a little with time elements are dissolved.

The liquid inside is filled with estrogen involved in all processes of the sexual woman's system. When the follicle is fully ripe, it grows in size, often bringing discomfort to the woman. During the inspection at the gynecologist doctor can easily confirm his maturation. More about folliculogenesis is possible to learn from the video:

Ovulatory (proliferative) phase

In step ovulation occurs gap ripened element. Currently characterized by the fact that egg must be ripe and fit for fertilization. Coming out of the follicle, it falls into the abdominal space together with follicular fluid, and then transported to the fallopian tube.

Before a break occurs, the fabric becomes thinner, and the accumulation of fluid facilitates rapid follicular rupture. It is believed that there is a connection between the ovaries and pituitary gland: due to the effect on the nerve centers of the body, carried reflex mechanism rupture under the influence of irritation.

Important! From birth, a woman's body laid about 300-400 thousand eggs. At puberty, ovulation occurs first, and before menopause, ovulatory function of the body ends.

The proliferative phase is extremely important for women wishing to become pregnant. The moment when the mature egg leaves, easy to calculate. Usually it is 3 days before ovulation, ovulation itself and 2 days after.

Luteal (secretory) phase

This stage is called the corpus luteum phase. At this stage the body is the following:

1. Secretory phase occurs during ovulation and lasts until the next menstrual period.
2. Follicle cells which burst on ovulatory phase, pigments and fats accumulate. That's why he painted in yellow color, and is called the corpus luteum.
3. The corpus luteum produces androgens, estrogens and progesterone - the main sex hormone necessary for pregnancy and normal functioning of the female body.
4. If pregnancy does not occur, the synthesis of substances luteum stops occur monthly.

Normal duration lutein period ranging from 12 to 16 days. This figure depends on the length of the menstrual cycle.

Possible violations of ovarian cycle

Throughout the period there may be some violations. For example, it is known that stands hormone that stimulates follicle growth in the first phase of the ovarian cycle. For some reason this type of hormone may not stand out because of the violations:

• Low progesterone in the luteal phase, induced hyperprolactinemia pathologies adrenal, thyroid diseases;
• High progesterone in the luteal phase, called the corpus luteum cystic, renal, failure monthly;
• long egg maturation;
• the impossibility of ovulation caused by pregnancy, lactation, adolescence, taking pills.

Causes ovulation disorders also supports hormonal imbalance, which is associated with abnormalities of the endocrine system. Another cause of ovarian dysfunction cycle - excessive or insufficient body weight.

conclusion

The normal ovarian cycle in healthy women occur every month. He says that the body is capable of reproduction, and pregnancy occurs when a mature egg fertilization. If a woman can not get pregnant for a long time - there are violations, which are also worth looking at the development of each stage.