The workings of the female reproductive system

There are two aspects to the female reproductive system. The first is the reproductive organs, the uterus, ovaries, breasts and genitalia. The second are the hormone producing glands which drive the functioning of the female reproductive system.

Puberty involves physical changes to the body and is regulated by changes in the levels of hormones. The pituitary gland begins to produce luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These stimulate the production of oestrogen and progesterone and the increase in the levels of these hormones drive the development of sexual characteristics beginning with the development of the breasts, growth of pubic and underarm hair and culminating in the beginning of menstruation.

The female cycle is, on average, 28 days long. Cycles between 25 days and 35 days long are considered to be within normal parameters. Most women will experience a level of fluctuation in their cycle of a few days and this is considered totally normal.

On day 1 of your period, your uterus is shedding its lining which is being discharged by the body to allow for the development of a new fresh lining. This is the follicular phase of your cycle. FSH is encouraging the production of oestrogen which is driving the development of follicles in the ovaries. One follicle will be selected by the body to go forward for further development and ovulation which happens mid cycle, on day 14 for those with a 28 day cycle.

During the second half of your cycle (the luteal phase), after ovulation, the body is preparing for the implantation of an embryo. The lining of your uterus has reached maturity and is ready for implantation. The dominant hormone during this part of the cycle is progesterone. If implantation does not occur, the hormone levels drop and this signals the body to begin shedding the uterine lining all over again.

This is a complicated system with the potential to cause trouble! Anything from painful periods to endometriosis, PCO/PCOS, PMT, PMS or sub-fertility. There are separate blog posts to deal with each of these in more detail.

Chinese Medicine can be helpful to normalise a menstrual cycle which is either too long or too short, hormonal imbalances or pain. Contact your local practitioner for an appointment.