• Question: what triggers you to start your period?

    Asked by double N' to Laura on 24 Jun 2015. This question was also asked by U_WAT_M8.
    • Photo: Laura Wales

      Laura Wales answered on 24 Jun 2015:

      The hypothalamus activates a hormone called Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). GnRH sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH). FSH and LH travel in the bloodstream to the ovaries and “switch on” the development process leading to sexual maturity.

      The ovaries release oestrogen and progesterone.Each month, the reproductive system repeats a regular pattern of events that are controlled by hormones (ie. rising and falling levels of oestrogen and progesterone). Rising hormone levels cause the ovary to develop an egg and release it (ovulation).

      After ovulation, in preparation for a potential pregnancy, hormones help the lining of the uterus thicken. Each month an egg is released by one of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, the egg leaves the body with your menstrual flow. Oestrogen and progesterone levels fall and the lining of the uterus – comes away and leaves the body (the period). The entire cycle repeats and takes around a month, although it can vary from person to person (usually 28 – 35 days).

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