1. The Menstrual Cycle LO:
Know the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle
Describe artificial control of fertility

2. Write down a definition of what a hormone is
Hormones
Write down a definition of what a hormone is
Hormones are chemical messengers in the blood.
They help to regulate processes in the body.

4. Can you label the following diagram?
Fallopian tube
Pituitary gland
Ovary
Uterus

6. The female menstrual cycle
Write down which hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle.
From pituitary gland
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) –
1. Triggers egg ripening
2. Triggers oestrogen production
Oestrogen –
Suppresses production of FSH
Stimulates production of LH
From ovaries
Luteinising hormone (LH) – Triggers release of an egg (ovulation)
From pituitary gland

7. Review What is the function of the menstrual cycle?
What hormones are produced in the pituitary gland?
What hormones are produced by the ovaries?
Why is oestrogen released during the cycle?

8. Artificial Birth Control
During the last 50 years there have been technological advances which allow couples to control their own fertility.

9. Can you think why this is?
Contraceptive Pill
Contraceptive pills are used to stop women becoming pregnant.
There are many different forms
The most common Contraceptive pill contains the hormone Oestrogen
Can you think why this is?
The oral contraceptive pill usually contains Oestrogen because Oestrogen stops the production of the hormone FSH. FSH is responsible for making eggs mature. If eggs can’t mature than a woman can not get pregnant.

10. Can you think what hormone these women are given and explain why?
Fertility Drugs
Female hormones can also be used to help women get pregnant
Some women can’t get pregnant. The most common reason for that the eggs in their ovaries do not mature
Can you think what hormone these women are given and explain why?
They are usually given FSH. This is because FSH is the hormone which causes eggs to mature. The main reason a women can’t get pregnant is because she does not produce enough FSH of her own

11. IVF
IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is used to help couples have a baby. Eggs are removed from the ovaries and they are fertilised with sperm outside of the body.
The fertilised eggs are implanted in the womb to develop naturally.
To ensure there are lots of mature eggs, the woman will usually be given fertility drugs too.

12. Review 1. Which hormone dooes the contraceptive pill contain? Why?
2. What hormones do fertility drugs contain? Why?
3. Describe the stages in IVF treatment. List three different reasons that a couple may require this treatment.

13. Homework
The first oral contraceptives contained large amounts of oestrogen that resulted in many side effects in women who were taking them.
Research the development of oral contraceptives, including information on the side effects and what oral contraceptives now contain.