Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System: Puberty and Hormonal Changes

1. Human Sexuality and Family LifeUnit 2 – Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System Puberty in Females Pituitary gland release gonadotropic hormones – LH & FSH Activate the female gonads which begins producing the female sex hormones estrogen & progesterone Secondary sex characteristics begin – this can include budding of breasts, auxillary hair development, leading to menarche around age 13 – usually anovulatory (not ovulating) Other changes as well

2. KEY TERMS – Female Reproductive System External terms • Vulva – describes all external parts • Labia Majora –outer folds of skin • Labia Minora – inner folds - Both become sensitive during stimulation • Clitoris – located in front of urethra – many blood vessels & nerve endings • Urethra - connects to urethra -eliminates urine • Vagina – opening to uterus – birth canal • Perineum – field of tissue between vagina & anus • Mons Pubis – pad of tissue covering pubic bone – some sensitivity – covered w/ pubic hair • Hymen – membrane that sometimes covers vaginal opening

3. Internal structures • Vagina –birth canal – about 3-4 inches deep – nerve endings concentrated near opening • Cervix – lower end of the uterus – located at top of canal • Uterus – reproductive organ, located top of vagina between bladder & rectum – about size of a fist – sheds lining monthly as a part of the menstrual cycle • Endometrium –lining of uterus – shed during cycle or supports fertilized egg during pregnancy

4. Internal structures – cont. • Bartholin glands – located on sides of canal – release lubricant into canal • Fallopian tubes – egg travels down tube toward uterus – fertilization can take place in lower 1/3 of tube if sperm present • Fimbriae – fingers of f. tube – move toward gonads as ovulation takes place – scoops up ova • Ovaries – female gonads – house sex cell until mature in structure called “follicle”– females born with approx 1 million eggs – ovaries produce sex hormones

5. Hormones • Estrogen- causes reproductive organs to mature into adult shape & size – growth of auxillary hair & strengthens bones • w/ progesterone – regulates the menstrual cycle a & preparing uterus for pregnancy • Ova – female sex cells – begin to mature around age 15 – released monthly during ovulation -

6. Menstrual Cycle • Complex combination of hormonal & physical changes • Involves FSH & LH • Based on a 28 day cycle – can vary • Factors that can affect MC include stress, diet, travel, exercise, WT gain/loss, illness • Refer to MC chart for cycle

7. Problems of Female Repo. System

11. HEALTHY FRS Women should practice good-hygiene, self-exams, regular MX visits Balanced diet & exercise Prevent STI’s – Prevent vaginal irritation=reddenss, itching, mild pain around vaginal opening; prevent by reg. bathing, loose cotton underclothes, not wearing wet clothes for long periods of time, etc Relieving menstrual cramps Preventing infertility

12. ---Annual pelvic exam • 7 Ways to Stay Healthy • Exercise regularly & maintain balanced diet • Gently wash genital area w/ warm water & soap daily- do not use hygiene sprays/powders • Wipe front to back after urination • Change sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours • Avoid wearing tight clothing that can cause discomfort • Have annual pelvic exam • Do monthly SBE

13. Breast Cancer • Mainly older women but can occur at any age • At risk if it runs in the family but not the only factor • Can be treated effectively if detected early • WAYS TO CHECK • Mammogram • Self-breast exam - Perform BSE during/after warm bath/shower; & at least 1 week after period - Stand in front of mirror, place 1 hand over head & use other to examine each breast separately • Use your thumb/index finger to gently squeeze each nipple looking for unusual discharge • Check each nipple for swelling, dimpling, scaliness • Use 3 fingers to feel each breast for unusual lumps or thickening under skin. Check under armpits & breast as well

14. EATING DISORDERS • American Psychological Association uses following diagnostic criteria to identify: Anorexia • 15% or more below desirable weight • Fear of weight gain • Altered body image • 3 or more missed menstrual periods; in young adolescents, no onset on menstruation Bulimia • Binge eating 2 or more times a week for 3 months • A lack of control over eating • Purging • Concern about body image

15. Characteristic Symptoms • Anorexia • Looks thin & keeps getting thinner • Skips meals, cuts food into small pieces, moves food around plate • Loss of menstrual period • Wears layered clothing – loss of hair from head • Growth of fine hair on face, arm • Sensitive to cold Bulimia • Bathroom use immediately after eating • Inconspicuous eating • Excessive time/money spent food shopping • Menstrual irregularities • Excessive constipation • Swollen/infected glands, sore throat , bursting blood vessels in eyes, damaged teeth & gums • Dehydration

16. EATING DISORDER TREATMENTS • Anorexia • Can be complex & demanding • May include hospitalization to stabilize physical issues • Intravenous feedings • Drug treatments to treat depression, OCD, anxiety • Counseling – individual & family • Bulimia includes family & nutritional counseling – hospitalization is not usually required • Where to get help • Guidance • Bergen County Dept. of Health • Health Professionals