Menstrual Cycle: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 So, in order to make sure we have all this down, we have some review questions.

00:05 So, I'm going to read the question to you take a second, pause this, see if you come up with the answer, and then we'll talk about it.

00:13 So, our first question.

00:14 What is the most important change that happens during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle? Follicular phase. That means we're talking about the ovary.

00:24 Which one? Exactly. Maturation of the graafian follicle.

00:34 That is what we are looking for. We have maturation of the follicle because inside the egg is becoming more mature.

00:40 This is the first half of the cycle.

00:43 The next question.

00:45 What are the parameters of a normal menstrual cycle? We're thinking about days.

00:55 C, exactly. 21 to 35 days.

00:58 Remember, cycles should also be regular in order to indicate ovulation is occurring.

01:04 A client's temperature has just risen 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit and remains elevated during the remainder of her cycle.

01:11 Which of the following hormones is responsible for this change in temperature? Progesterone. Perfect.

01:23 So, in a nutshell, the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and the ovary, make up the HPO axis. Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian.

01:35 The endometrial cycle includes the menstrual, proliferative, ischemic, and secretory phases.

01:41 The ovarian cycle includes the follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases.

01:47 Estrogen is the dominant hormone during the first half of the menstrual cycle.

01:53 Progesterone, on the other hand, is the dominant hormone during the second half.

01:58 A rise in LH will trigger ovulation about 24 hours prior to ovulation.

02:05 Clients who are ovulating typically have regular cycles, they have changes in cervical mucus, they may have abdominal pain called Mittelschmerz and they experience an increase in basal body temperature after ovulation under the influence of the progesterone.

02:22 So, that's the menstrual cycle.

02:23 Feel free to go back and review as many times as you need in order to make sure you've got it.

02:29 See you later.