Menstrual Cycle Graphing
Background: The seemingly simple action of conceiving a child in the human race is astounding at best
given the number of events that must occur and the hormonal activity that must synchronize.
...
Menstrual Cycle Graphing
Background: The seemingly simple action of conceiving a child in the human race is astounding at best
given the number of events that must occur and the hormonal activity that must synchronize. Therefore, it is
easy to understand why the human menstrual cycle is so crucial in the timing and efficiency of the female
reproductive system. Without hormone cycles, feedback mechanisms, and near perfect timing, this system
would not allow a human egg to be fertilized, developing into an embryo and ultimately being delivered as a
human baby.
The cycles that are most important are those of four different hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),
luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, and estrogen. These hormones, produced in the pituitary gland and
in the ovary, are specifically timed and influence each other’s production and repression during the 28-day
cycle and make it possible for a female to become pregnant.
Purpose: The purpose of this laboratory experience is:
to examine the events of the human menstrual cycle with regard to hormone levels, ovarian
function, and uterine structure;
to graph the changing levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone during the 28-day cycle.
to study how hormone feedback levels and mechanisms control a cyclical functioning
mechanism.
Materials: The following materials are used to perform this experience:
lab papers pens and pencils
graph paper colored pencils (optional)
Procedure: The following procedure is utilized to perform this experience:
1. Look at the “Data” portion of this lab, which shows the events of the menstrual cycle. Construct
“Graph A” using the data table and the data for the relative levels of FSH and LH released from
the pituitary gland.
2. After completing Graph A, construct “Graph B” using the data from the data table for the relative
levels of estrogen and progesterone released from the ovary.
3. Make sure to notice that each graph has two different y-axes, one for each of the hormones listed.
4. Teacher Hint: When graphing from the left side y-axis, start with data from Day 1, then Day 2,
Day 3…. When graphing from the right side y-axis, start with data from Day 28, then Day 27,
Day 26…
5. Compare the data that you graph to the diagram, which shows changes in ovarian function and
uterine structure, and answer the questions.
Data: The following data was collected and analyzed during this lab experience:
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