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What is Menstrual cycle and what are the steps involved it it?
Menstrual cycle refers to the series of physiological changes occurring in fertile female primates (including human beings). In women Menstrual cycle occurs once in around 28 days.
The steps involved in menstrual cycle are:
1. Menstruation
2. Follicular phase
3. Ovulation
4. Luteal phase
5. Behavioral change

In menstrual phase, menstrual flow occurs due to breakdown of endometrial lining of the uterus and its blood vessels which forms liquid that comes out through vagina. It occurs if the released egg is not fertilized. In follicular phase, the primary follicles in the ovary grow to become a fully mature Graafian follicle and simultaneously the endometrium of uterus regenerates through proliferation. During this phase, the secretion of gonadotropins increases and stimulates follicular development as well as secretion of estrogen. This results in the release of ovum (ovulation). After this, the remaining part of the Graafian follicle transforms into corpus luteum. All these changes are aimed to facilitate fertilization.


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