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2
0
E
Ellie
12/14/2025
Biology
higher biology menstruation
69
•
Dec 14, 2025
•
Understanding the Higher Biology Menstruation Cycle
E
Ellie
@ellie_dhol
1 / 5
The Menstrual Cycle Overview
Think of your menstrual cycle as a monthly reset button that prepares your body for potential pregnancy. Four key hormones - LH, FSH, progesterone, and oestrogen - work together like a perfectly timed orchestra to control this process.
The 28-day cycle starts counting from day one of your period (when bleeding begins). Don't worry if yours isn't exactly 28 days - anywhere from 21-35 days is completely normal.
Your cycle splits into two main phases: the follicular phase when an egg develops, and the luteal phase when your body either prepares for pregnancy or gets ready for your next period.
Remember: Day 1 = first day of bleeding, not the day before your period starts!
Follicular Phase - The Build-Up
The first half of your cycle is all about getting an egg ready for potential fertilisation. FSH from your pituitary gland kicks things off by telling your ovaries to start developing a follicle (basically an egg in its protective bubble).
As the follicle grows, it pumps out oestrogen, which does two crucial jobs. First, it thickens your endometrium (the lining of your uterus) to create a cosy environment for a potential baby. Second, it changes your cervical mucus to help sperm swim through more easily.
After about two weeks of rising oestrogen levels, your body triggers a massive LH surge. This hormone spike causes ovulation - the moment when your mature egg bursts out of its follicle and starts its journey down the fallopian tube.
Key point: Ovulation usually happens around day 14, making it the most fertile time in your cycle.
The Fertile Window
Once your egg is released during ovulation, it begins a slow journey down the fallopian tube. Here's where timing becomes everything - you've got roughly 3-4 days when fertilisation can happen if sperm are present.
This narrow window explains why understanding your cycle is so important, whether you're trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. The egg doesn't hang around waiting - it's got a limited lifespan and needs to meet sperm during this crucial period.
Fun fact: Sperm can actually survive in your body for up to 5 days, which extends your fertile window beyond just ovulation day.
Inside the Ovary
Your ovaries are like busy factories, constantly developing eggs at different stages. At any given time, you'll have immature follicles just starting their journey, alongside more developed follicles getting ready for their big moment.
When ovulation happens, the mature ovum is released into the fallopian tube, leaving behind an empty follicle. This empty shell doesn't just disappear - it transforms into something called a corpus luteum, which becomes crucial for the next phase of your cycle.
The whole process is beautifully coordinated, with follicles at different stages of development ensuring your body is always prepared for the next cycle.
Visual tip: Think of your ovary like a production line, with eggs at different stages moving through the process each month.
Luteal Phase - The Waiting Game
After ovulation, the second half of your cycle begins with a major transformation. That empty follicle becomes a corpus luteum - essentially a temporary hormone factory that starts pumping out progesterone.
Progesterone is like the ultimate interior designer for your uterus. It makes the endometrium even thicker and increases its blood supply (vascularisation), creating the perfect environment for a fertilised egg to implant and grow.
If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop dramatically around day 28, triggering your period as the endometrium sheds. Then the whole amazing cycle starts again from day one.
Remember: The luteal phase length is usually more consistent than the follicular phase - typically around 14 days for most people.
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Most popular content: Female Reproductive System
Homeostasis & Hormonal Control
Explore key concepts in homeostasis and hormonal regulation, including the nervous and endocrine systems, hormonal contraception, diabetes management, IVF, and the menstrual cycle. This comprehensive summary is essential for AQA Combined Science Higher Biology, covering vital topics like negative feedback mechanisms and fertility treatments.
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Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding the Higher Biology Menstruation Cycle
E
Ellie
@ellie_dhol
Your menstrual cycle might seem mysterious, but it's actually a brilliant biological system that repeats roughly every 28 days. Understanding how hormones like oestrogen and progesterone work together will help you make sense of what's happening in your body each... Show more
The Menstrual Cycle Overview
Think of your menstrual cycle as a monthly reset button that prepares your body for potential pregnancy. Four key hormones - LH, FSH, progesterone, and oestrogen - work together like a perfectly timed orchestra to control this process.
The 28-day cycle starts counting from day one of your period (when bleeding begins). Don't worry if yours isn't exactly 28 days - anywhere from 21-35 days is completely normal.
Your cycle splits into two main phases: the follicular phase when an egg develops, and the luteal phase when your body either prepares for pregnancy or gets ready for your next period.
Remember: Day 1 = first day of bleeding, not the day before your period starts!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Follicular Phase - The Build-Up
The first half of your cycle is all about getting an egg ready for potential fertilisation. FSH from your pituitary gland kicks things off by telling your ovaries to start developing a follicle (basically an egg in its protective bubble).
As the follicle grows, it pumps out oestrogen, which does two crucial jobs. First, it thickens your endometrium (the lining of your uterus) to create a cosy environment for a potential baby. Second, it changes your cervical mucus to help sperm swim through more easily.
After about two weeks of rising oestrogen levels, your body triggers a massive LH surge. This hormone spike causes ovulation - the moment when your mature egg bursts out of its follicle and starts its journey down the fallopian tube.
Key point: Ovulation usually happens around day 14, making it the most fertile time in your cycle.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Fertile Window
Once your egg is released during ovulation, it begins a slow journey down the fallopian tube. Here's where timing becomes everything - you've got roughly 3-4 days when fertilisation can happen if sperm are present.
This narrow window explains why understanding your cycle is so important, whether you're trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. The egg doesn't hang around waiting - it's got a limited lifespan and needs to meet sperm during this crucial period.
Fun fact: Sperm can actually survive in your body for up to 5 days, which extends your fertile window beyond just ovulation day.
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Inside the Ovary
Your ovaries are like busy factories, constantly developing eggs at different stages. At any given time, you'll have immature follicles just starting their journey, alongside more developed follicles getting ready for their big moment.
When ovulation happens, the mature ovum is released into the fallopian tube, leaving behind an empty follicle. This empty shell doesn't just disappear - it transforms into something called a corpus luteum, which becomes crucial for the next phase of your cycle.
The whole process is beautifully coordinated, with follicles at different stages of development ensuring your body is always prepared for the next cycle.
Visual tip: Think of your ovary like a production line, with eggs at different stages moving through the process each month.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Luteal Phase - The Waiting Game
After ovulation, the second half of your cycle begins with a major transformation. That empty follicle becomes a corpus luteum - essentially a temporary hormone factory that starts pumping out progesterone.
Progesterone is like the ultimate interior designer for your uterus. It makes the endometrium even thicker and increases its blood supply (vascularisation), creating the perfect environment for a fertilised egg to implant and grow.
If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop dramatically around day 28, triggering your period as the endometrium sheds. Then the whole amazing cycle starts again from day one.
Remember: The luteal phase length is usually more consistent than the follicular phase - typically around 14 days for most people.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user