Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle (ovarian cycle, synonym ovarian) is the cyclic changes in the ovaries in women that occur during the menstrual cycle. The ovaries are paired glands located in the abdominal cavity that are responsible for producing sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

The ovarian cycle begins with the first menstruation and continues until menopause. It consists of several phases, each of which has its own characteristics.

The follicular phase lasts approximately 14 days and begins on the first day of menstruation. During this phase, the follicle grows in the ovary, which contains the egg. The follicle increases in size and releases hormones that prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg.

During the luteal phase, ovulation occurs, that is, the release of an egg from the follicle. If the egg is fertilized, it is implanted into the wall of the uterus and pregnancy begins. If pregnancy does not occur, the follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and prepares the uterus for the next menstruation.

After ovulation, the menstrual phase begins, which lasts about 3-5 days. During this phase, the uterus is cleared of pregnancy or fertilized egg residues, as well as other products that may cause irritation.

At the end of the menstrual cycle, menopause occurs, that is, the cessation of menstruation. During this period, the ovaries stop producing sex hormones, which leads to changes in the woman's hormonal levels and can cause various symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and others.

Thus, the ovarian cycle is an important process for maintaining a woman's reproductive function. It ensures the possibility of conception and pregnancy, and also affects the overall health of a woman. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cycle and consult a doctor if necessary.