Year 7 Biology: Menstrual Cycle

What is the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that happens in the bodies of people with female reproductive systems. It prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. The cycle usually lasts about 28 days, but it can be shorter or longer for some people.

Key Stages of the Menstrual Cycle

1. Menstruation (Days 1-5):
   • This is when a person has their period. The lining of the uterus (the womb) sheds because there is no pregnancy.
   • Example: During this time, people may use pads or tampons.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-13):
   • This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. The body produces hormones that help the ovaries prepare an egg.
   • Example: Several small sacs called follicles start to grow in the ovaries.
3. Ovulation (Day 14):
   • Around day 14, one of the follicles releases an egg. This is called ovulation. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube.
   • Example: This is the best time for someone to get pregnant if they have unprotected sex.
4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):
   • After ovulation, the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, hormone levels drop, and the cycle starts over with menstruation.
   • Example: Some people may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during this phase, which can include symptoms like mood swings or cramps.

Key Rules and Tips

• Cycle Length: Remember, the average menstrual cycle is around 28 days, but it can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
• Tracking Your Cycle: Keeping a calendar or using an app can help track the cycle. This way, you know when to expect your period.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising, and managing stress can help regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Understanding Symptoms: It’s normal to experience different symptoms during the cycle, like cramps or mood changes.

Questions to Test Your Knowledge

Easy Level Questions

1. What is the average length of the menstrual cycle?
2. What happens during menstruation?
3. Name one product used during menstruation.
4. What is ovulation?
5. How many phases are in the menstrual cycle?
6. What hormone is involved in preparing the egg?
7. What day does ovulation typically occur?
8. What happens if the egg is not fertilised?
9. What is PMS?
10. What phase follows ovulation?
11. Can the menstrual cycle be different for each person?
12. What is the first day of the cycle?
13. What does the body prepare for during the luteal phase?
14. What is a follicle?
15. Name one sign that menstruation is coming.
16. How can tracking your cycle be helpful?
17. What can a healthy lifestyle do for your menstrual cycle?
18. What might you feel during PMS?
19. What is the role of the uterus in the menstrual cycle?
20. What can happen if someone forgets their period?

Medium Level Questions

1. Explain what happens to the uterine lining during menstruation.
2. How do hormones affect the menstrual cycle?
3. Describe the follicular phase in more detail.
4. Why is it important to know when ovulation occurs?
5. How does stress affect the menstrual cycle?
6. What changes in the body happen during the luteal phase?
7. What signs indicate that ovulation has occurred?
8. Can the menstrual cycle affect a person’s emotions?
9. Name two things that can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
10. What physical symptoms might accompany menstruation?
11. How can exercise impact the menstrual cycle?
12. What is the difference between a normal cycle and an irregular cycle?
13. How does nutrition influence menstruation?
14. Why might someone experience different symptoms each month?
15. What can you do to ease cramps during menstruation?
16. What role do doctors play in understanding menstrual health?
17. Why do some people have longer or shorter cycles?
18. How can tracking your mood help you understand your cycle?
19. What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle?
20. How can communication help with understanding menstrual health among friends?

Hard Level Questions

1. Discuss the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
2. Explain the role of the pituitary gland in the menstrual cycle.
3. What is the significance of the follicular phase in reproductive health?
4. How does the menstrual cycle impact overall health?
5. Describe how contraceptives can affect the menstrual cycle.
6. What are common myths about the menstrual cycle?
7. How can conditions like PCOS affect the menstrual cycle?
8. Discuss the relationship between age and menstrual cycle changes.
9. What are some psychological effects of the menstrual cycle?
10. Explain the medical term “amenorrhea”.
11. How can tracking basal body temperature aid in understanding ovulation?
12. What is the impact of weight on the menstrual cycle?
13. Analyze how cultural attitudes toward menstruation vary around the world.
14. Discuss the implications of menstruation on sports and physical activities.
15. Explain how menstrual health is connected to overall health.
16. What are the long-term effects of irregular menstrual cycles?
17. How does the menstrual cycle relate to fertility?
18. What are some recommended practices for menstrual hygiene?
19. Investigate how environmental factors can influence the menstrual cycle.
20. Discuss the importance of education around menstrual health in schools.

Answers and Explanations

Easy Level Answers

1. 28 days
2. The lining of the uterus sheds.
3. Pads or tampons.
4. The release of an egg from the ovary.
5. Four phases.
6. Oestrogen and progesterone.
7. Day 14.
8. The cycle starts again with menstruation.
9. Premenstrual syndrome, symptoms like mood swings or cramps.
10. Luteal phase.
11. Yes, everyone’s cycle can be different.
12. The first day of menstruation.
13. For a possible pregnancy.
14. A small sac that contains the egg.
15. Cramps or mood changes.
16. Helps to know when to expect menstruation.
17. Can help regulate the cycle.
18. Mood swings, cramps.
19. It thickens to support a pregnancy.
20. They may miss it or be concerned.

Medium Level Answers

1. The lining thickens and is shed if there is no pregnancy.
2. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone regulate the cycle.
3. The body prepares for ovulation and thickens the lining.
4. It helps in family planning and understanding fertility.
5. Can lead to irregular cycles or missed periods.
6. Hormone levels drop and menstruation begins if no pregnancy occurs.
7. Changes in discharge and slight pain.
8. Yes, due to hormonal fluctuations.
9. Stress and illness.
10. Cramps and bloating.
11. Can help ease symptoms and regulate the cycle.
12. Normal cycles occur regularly, while irregular ones do not.
13. Healthy eating can help maintain regular cycles.
14. Hormonal changes can vary month to month.
15. Heat pads, over-the-counter pain relief.
16. They provide guidance and support for menstrual issues.
17. As people age, they may experience changes.
18. It helps to identify patterns and manage symptoms.
19. To prepare for potential pregnancy.
20. Understanding and support can help normalize the experience.

Hard Level Answers

1. Hormones like FSH and LH rise and fall, triggering different phases.
2. It releases FSH and LH to regulate the cycle.
3. It is crucial for egg development and preparing the uterus.
4. It can affect mood, energy, and stress levels.
5. They can regulate or stop periods.
6. Menstruation is often misunderstood; it’s a natural process.
7. PCOS can cause irregular or absent periods.
8. Menstrual cycles can become irregular as people age.
9. Hormonal changes can affect mood and behaviour.
10. The absence of menstruation.
11. It helps identify ovulation and fertility windows.
12. Extreme weight loss or gain can disrupt cycles.
13. Cultural beliefs can influence how menstruation is viewed.
14. Some athletes may face challenges during their period.
15. Menstrual health is crucial for reproductive health.
16. Can lead to fertility issues later in life.
17. Understanding fertility helps in family planning.
18. Using clean products and changing them regularly.
19. Pollution or chemicals may have an impact.
20. Education helps reduce stigma and promotes healthy practices.

This overview and the questions should help you understand the menstrual cycle better! Remember, it’s an important part of human biology and everyone’s experience with it can be different.