The nurse is aware that the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with its behavioral symptoms occurs during the:

Question

a. follicular ovarian cycle phase.
b. luteal ovarian cycle phase.
c. dismantling stage of the menstrual cycle.
d. proliferative stage of the stage of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 1

B
The luteal stage (from the 15th to the 28th day of the cycle), when the uterus is being prepared to receive the fertilized ovum, is the time that PMS occurs. The follicular phase includes the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle. During this phase the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulate the maturation of immature ova in preparation for fertilization. Estrogen peaks when the ovum is released (ovulation) about 14 days before the next menstrual period. The ovum lives up to 24 hours after fertilization. The menstrual cycle refers to the dismantling state. During this time the endometrial layer sloughs away and menstrual flow begins. The levels of estrogen and progesterone fall. During the proliferative stage of the menstrual cycle the follicle grows and the egg matures. The endometrium returns to normal state and then begins to thicken in response to estrogen.