At the time the ovaries are formed in the fetus, there are approximately 6000000 primordial follicles, which decrease to about 600000 at birth, to 300000 at the first menstrual cycle, to about 10000 at the time of menopause.
The average cycle is 28 days and has two distinct phases
The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase starts on day one of the menstrual cycle (the first full day of bleeding)
The hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
GnRH signals the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH stimulates the eggs inside the ovaries to grow
About 20 immature eggs response and begin to develop within sacs known as follicles
Follicles provide nourishment to the eggs
As the eggs develop, the ovaries release estrogen.
Estrogen signals the pituitary gland to reduce FSH production
Only enough RSH is now released to stimulate one egg to continue developing, the rest of the eggs shrivel away.
Estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus to thicken
The primary follicle contains the contains the egg that has grown the most rapidly.
Estrogen continues to rise until it triggers a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland
LH stimulates ovualtion
The follicle ruptures and the egg is released along with the follicular fluid onto the surface of the ovary.
The Luteal Phase
The ruptured follicle continues to receive LH
The LH enables the follicle to turn into a small cyst known as the corpus luteum
The corpus luteum produces progesterone
Progesterone
1) builds and thickens the endometrium, developing glandular structures and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the developing embryo
2) it switches off FSH an LH
3) it raises the basal body temperature (BBT) by half a degree, warming the uterus and fertilized egg.
The Journey of the Egg
The egg is surrounded by the zona pellucida, a protective shell
The shell is surrounded by a mass of sticky cells called the cumulus oophorus
These sticky cells allow the finger like projections at the end of each fallopian tube, to pick up the egg and sweep it into the tube
The channel from the fimbriae to the uterus is lined with cilia, which together with muscular contractions move the ovum along the tube to the uterus.
The journey from the ovary to the uterus take about 6 days
If the egg is not fertilized it will disintegrate and is absorbed
I have been a certified dental assistant for the past 16 years. Over that time I have been interested in many of the healing arts. In 1993, I became a reflexologist and continued to study other forms of alternative health.
My passion for Homeopathy began when I was treated by a homeopath in 1998. I really resonated with the philosophy and treatment of homeopathy. Only after a few consultations I knew I had to become involved and help heal others. With restored health and a great deal of energy, I am driven to study this wonderful healing art.
I have successfully completed the first milestone in my homeopathic career by graduating from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy. I hope to write my Certification of Classical Homeopathy in the next few years. I am a member of the West Coast Homeopathic Society and regularly attend study sessions to stay updated and educated. I also attend local trade shows and educate the public on Homeopathy. I am recently married and reside in Langley with two cats and a golden retriever named Montana. My animals are wonderful homeopathic patients.