Menstrual is the discharge of blood, mucus, endometrium and unfertilized ovum from the uterus after the destruction of an average of 28 days (24-32) in the sexual life of an adult woman. Menstrual cycle is the periodic occurrence of menstruation. The first cycle is called menarche. Menstrual cycle starts at the age of 12-15 years and continues till the age of 45-50 years. It has gonadotropic hormone effect.
The menstrual cycle is divided into 4 phases based on the changes in the endometrium of the uterus. namely-
1. Regenerative/Repairing/Resting Phase: After the end of one menstrual cycle, the endometrium returns to its normal state before another cycle begins. Its duration is 3rd-6th day after onset of menstruation. During this time, FSH and LH hormones are secreted, ovarian follicle growth accelerates and the endometrium becomes 1 mm thick.
2. Proliferative Phase: The phase in which the endometrium grows and ovulation occurs is called the proliferative phase. Its duration is 7th-14th day. During this time estrogen hormone is secreted, ovarian follicles transform and endometrium becomes 3-4 mm thick.
3. Premenstrual Phase: The phase in which the fully formed endometrium contains the blastocyst is called the premenstrual phase. Its shelf life is 15-28 days. During this time progesterone and estrogen hormones are secreted from corpus luteum, nutrients (glycogen, lipids) increase in endometrial cells, endometrium becomes 5-6 mm thick and contains blastocyst.
4. Menstrual/Destructive/Bleeding Phase: In the phase in which blood, mucus, endometrium and unfertilized ovum are destroyed and released into the vagina is called menstruation. If the egg is not fertilized within 36 hours of ovulation, it is destroyed and menstruation occurs. Its shelf life is 4-5 days.
At this time, the secretion of FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone hormones stops and the corpus luteum is disturbed. The endometrium begins to break down. Arteries and capillaries rupture and bleeding begins. 30-40 ml of fluid is released with each menstruation.

1. During this time, more attention should be paid to the child.
2. Timely food should be ensured.
3. The food menu will consist of vegetables, fruits, sea fish, milk, eggs etc.
4. Do not eat outside food.
5. Health education.

1. Curiosity about sex, thoughts about sex increase.
2. Shyness, impulsiveness and self-centeredness increase.
3. Increases self-awareness.
4. Attraction to the opposite sex increases.
5. Conscious about appearance, dress and grooming.
6. Sensational, vigilant about behavior and many questions arise in the mind.
7. Various thoughts in the mind, frequent mood changes.
8. Wants to live alone or with friends.
9. Think of yourself as independent and self-reliant.
10. Begins to think of himself as an adult, begins to imitate the elderly.

1. The first change in a girl’s body is that the breasts begin to develop. This is called thelarchy.
2. Body height and weight increase rapidly.
3. Armpit hair and pubic hair begin to grow. This is called pubarche.
4. Skin becomes shiny, permanent teeth begin to emerge.
5. Fat accumulates in the hips, thighs and breasts and gives the body a feminine elegance.
6. Estrogen hormone secretion increases.
7. Ovaries, uterus and vagina increase in size.
8. Menstruation begins. The first cycle is called menarche.
9. Heart rate and blood pressure increase.
10. Breathing is deep.

1. Beard, moustache, chest hair, armpit hair and pubic hair begin to grow.
2. Due to excessive secretion of oil glands, the face becomes shiny and acne occurs on the face.
3. Body weight and height increase, chest and shoulders widen.
4. The larynx enlarges and the vocal cords change, the voice becomes heavier and deeper.
5. Permanent teeth begin to emerge.
6. The seminal vesicles, prostate gland and Kauper’s gland enlarge and begin to secrete.
7. Enlargement of the penis and testicles, ejaculation occurs and sleepiness.
8. Fructose appears in seminal fluid.
9. Muscles become strong and toned.
10. Accumulation of fat on the face and stomach.
11. Heart rate and blood pressure increase.

Puberty is the juncture between adolescence and youth. The stage at which secondary characteristics develop in male and female bodies and reproductive organs begin to become active is called puberty. Puberty starts at 10-12 years for girls and 13-14 years for boys in tropical countries. Winter starts after 3-4 years in the main country. Puberty transition is called tanner stage. Named after the child-adolescent specialist James M. Tanner.

1. Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Secreted from the hypothalamus of the brain. Controls FSH, LH, testosterone hormones and egg production.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The ovaries produce corpora luteum and secrete the hormone progesterone.
3. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Follicle growth, ovulation and estrogen production.
4. Luteotrophic hormone (LTH) is produced by the pituitary gland. It is also called prolactin hormone. It causes mammary gland development and milk secretion.
5. Oestrogen: Produced by ovarian follicles and corpus luteum.
6. Progesterone: Produced by ovaries and fallopian tubes. It stops the secretion of GnRH, FSH and LH hormones. Makes the uterine wall suitable for embryo retention and develops mammary glands.
7. Relaxin: Secreted by ovaries and fallopian tubes. It causes muscle contractions during childbirth. Prevents natural abortion by preventing uterine wall contractions. Increases the amount of water inside the uterus. Mammary glands also develop and secrete milk.
8. Gonadocorticoid Hormone: Produced by the adrenal glands. Regulates embryonic sex differentiation. Develops sexual organs, gonads and secondary sexual characteristics.

(i) Bartholin’s or vestibular glands: There is one Bartholin’s or vestibular gland on both sides of the vagina. It secretes a slippery substance during intercourse.
(ii) Mons veneris or mons piubis: The labia majora is formed by accumulation of fat on top. It is called mons veneris or mons pubis.

(i) Accepts penis of any size during copulation.
(ii) Secretes mucous substances which make intercourse pleasant.
(iii) Contains semen.
(iv) Facilitates labor by dilating the child.

A fleshy shaft located below the bladder is the vagina. Its length is 8-10 cm. One end of the vagina opens to the uterus and the other to the outside. The vaginal wall has numerous folds. The folds are called rugue. Two fleshy rugae cover the vagina. These are called labia majora and labia minora. Above the labia majora lies the sensitive clitoris. Virgin girls have a hymen in their vagina.