SELF-LEARNING HOME TASK (SLHT)

Subject SCIENCE Grade 10 Level JHS Quarter 3 Week 2

MELC Describe the feedback mechanisms involved in regulating processes in the female
reproductive system (e.g., menstrual cycle)
K- Describe the feedback mechanisms in the female reproductive system
S- Verify issues regarding the menstrual cycle
A- Show awareness on the issues concerning the reproductive system

Competency Code S10LT-IIIc-35

Name _____________________________________Section ________________ Date ________

School __________________________________________District __________________________

A. Readings & Discussions

Feedback Mechanisms Involved in Regulating Processes in the Female

Reproductive System

Hormones and the Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is complex and is controlled by many different glands and the
hormones that these glands produce. A brain structure called the hypothalamus causes
the nearby pituitary gland to produce certain chemicals, which prompt the ovaries to
produce the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The average length of the
menstrual cycle is 28–29 days, but this can vary between women and from one cycle to
the next. The length of your menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of your period
to the day before your next period starts. Girls get their first period (menarche), on
average, between the ages of 11 and 14 years. By this stage, other sexual characteristics
have developed, such as pubic hair and budding breasts.

The menstrual cycle is a biofeedback system, which means each structure and gland
is affected by the activity of the others. The monthly cycle continues for about 40 years.

There are four (4) phases of the menstrual cycle namely: menstruation, follicular,
ovulation and luteal phase.

1. Menstruation- It is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium)

from the body through the vagina. Menstrual fluid contains blood, cells from the lining of
the uterus (endometrial cells) and mucus. The average length of a period is between three
days and one week. Period symptoms may include cramps, tender breasts, bloating,
mood swings, irritability, headaches, tiredness and low back pain.

2. Follicular Phase- It starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation.
Prompted by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH). This hormone stimulates the ovary to produce around five to 20 follicles (tiny
nodules or cysts), which bead on the surface. Each follicle houses an immature egg.
Usually, only one follicle will mature into an egg, while the others die. Only the healthiest
egg will eventually mature. (On rare occasions, a woman may have two eggs mature.)
This can occur around day 10 of a 28-day cycle. The maturing follicle sets off a surge in
estrogen that thickens the lining of the uterus. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for

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an embryo to grow.

3. Ovulation- It is the release of a mature egg from the surface of the ovary. This usually
occurs mid-cycle, around two weeks or so before menstruation starts. During the follicular
phase, the developing follicle causes a rise in the level of estrogen. The hypothalamus in
the brain recognizes these rising levels and releases a chemical called gonadotrophin-
releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to produce raised
levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH. Within two days, ovulation is triggered by the
high levels of LH. The egg is funneled into the fallopian tube and toward the uterus by
waves of small, hair-like projections. The life span of the typical egg is only around 24
hours. Unless it meets a sperm during this time, it will die. Ovulation symptoms include
rise in basal body temperature (body temperature when resting) and thicker discharge that
has the texture of egg whites.

4. Luteal Phase- During ovulation, the egg bursts from its follicle, but the ruptured follicle
stays on the surface of the ovary. For the next two weeks or so, the follicle transforms into
a structure known as the corpus luteum. This structure starts releasing progesterone,
along with small amounts of estrogen. This combination of hormones maintains the
thickened lining of the uterus, waiting for a fertilized egg to stick (implant). If a fertilized
egg implants in the lining of the uterus, it produces the hormones that are necessary to
maintain the corpus luteum. This includes human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), the
hormone that is detected in a urine test for pregnancy. The corpus luteum keeps
producing the raised levels of progesterone that are needed to maintain the thickened
lining of the uterus. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum withers and dies,
usually around day 22 in a 28-day cycle. The luteal phase lasts for 11 to 17 days. The
average length is 14 days. The drop in progesterone levels causes the lining of the uterus
to fall away. This is known as menstruation. The cycle then repeats.

During this phase, if a woman is not pregnant, they may experience symptoms such
as bloating, breast swelling, pain or tenderness; mood changes, headache, weight gain,
food cravings and trouble sleeping.

Figure 1: Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Below is the summary of the important events that occur during menstrual cycle:

1. The pituitary gland controls and starts the cycle.

2. The pituitary gland releases hormones that cause the egg in the ovary to mature.
The luteinizing hormone (LH) initiates the maturation of the follicles, converts
ruptured follicles into corpus luteum and causes the secretion of progesterone. The
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) assists in the maturation of the follicles and
causes the secretion of estrogen from the follicles.
3. Meanwhile, the ovary itself releases a hormone called estrogen, which causes the
uterine lining to increase in thickness. The uterine lining becomes thicker so that
the fertilized egg can attach to it.
4. The ovary releases an egg on day 14. Assume that no sperm is present.
5. The egg moves through the oviduct and enters the uterus.
6. Meanwhile the uterine lining continues to thicken.
7. The egg has not been fertilized, therefore, it will not attach to the uterus.
8. The thick uterine lining is no longer necessary, so the cells of the thickened uterine

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 lining break off and leave the vagina. The unfertilized egg is lost and some blood is
lost too. This loss of cells from the uterine lining, blood, and egg is called
menstruation.
9. After menstruation, the cycle starts again.
Menstrual cramps are the results of the strong contractions of the uterine wall that
occur before and during menstruation. The cramps can be caused by excessive secretion
of prostaglandins. Shedding of the endometrium of the uterus results in the inflammation
in the endometrial layer of the uterus and prostaglandins are produced as a consequence
of the inflammation.

A feedback mechanism is the process through which the level of one substance
influences the level of another substance. A negative feedback affects the production of
hormones in the menstrual cycle. High levels of one hormone may inhibit the production of
another hormone.

Figure 2. Negative feedback mechanisms in the menstrual cycle

Feedback mechanisms in the

1. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen.

High levels of estrogen then prevent the further production of FSH.
2. Estrogen also stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary
gland, which in turn controls the production of progesterone. High levels of
progesterone then inhibit the further release of LH.
Figure 2. Three (3) feedback loops of menstrual cycle

Source: https://sbi4u2013.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/the-menstrual-cycle-feedback-loop/
Red loop
A. The first feedback loop is the blue one. In this loop, FSH and LH were secreted to start
the development of the follicle. These two hormones work together to start estrogen
secretion. The estrogen has a negative feedback on FSH, which causes it to stop being
secreted.

B. The second feedback loop is shown in red. This occurs with the increased amount of
estrogen that is experienced at the midpoint in the cycle. This increased amount of
estrogen causes a positive feedback to occur on the LH cells in the pituitary. LH secretion
will rise, and ovulation occurs.

C. The final feedback loop is the purple. This is another negative feedback. After

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ovulation, the follicle cells are transformed into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum
secretes estrogen and progesterone. This buildup of progesterone and estrogen further
increases the formation of the endometrial lining. These hormones work together and
send a second negative feedback to inhibit the release of FSH and LH. This causes the
corpus luteum to deteriorate, slowing the production of estrogen and progesterone. The
drop in these hormones signals menstruation.

B. Exercises

Exercise 1

Directions: Read and analyze the questions that follow then answer accordingly.

1. How long does a regular menstrual cycle last?

2. Describe what happens to an egg during the first 14 days of the cycle.
3. What are the possible symptoms during the ovulation phase?
4. What are the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle?
5. Why is it important to study the menstrual cycle?

Exercise 2
Directions: Determine whether the statements that follow is a fact or a myth
regarding the menstruation. Write FACT if it is true and write MYTH if it is untrue.
Support your answer.

Example: “Period lasts for exactly one week”.

MYTH- The 28 days cycle is an average marker and not set in stone. No one is perfect
and therefore; the menstruation cycle is also not accurate. Women have irregular periods
for various reasons.

1. Period blood is dirty blood.

2. Periods are not shameful.
3. When a girl is on her period, she shouldn’t take a bath.
4. A girl can do exercise or do strenuous activities during her period.
5. Eating sour foods will worsen menstrual cramps.
Rubric for scoring Exercise 2: Fact or Myth

CRITERIA 4 POINTS 3 POINTS 2 POINTS 1 POINT

A complete Good solid
response with response with Explanation is Misses key
Explanation
detailed clear unclear. points.
explanation. explanation.
Response
Shows shows a
Shows complete Response
substantial complete lack
Demonstrated understanding shows some
understanding of
Knowledge of ideas and understanding
of ideas and understanding
processes. the concept.
processes. of the
concept.
Requirements Goes beyond Meets the Hardly meets Does not
the requirements of the meet the
requirements of the concept. requirements requirements
the concept. of the concept. of the

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 concept.
C. Assessment/Application/Outputs (Please refer to DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2020)

Directions: Read and analyze the questions that follow and choose the letter of the
correct answer.
1. The layer of the uterine wall that is shed during menstruation is the _____.
A. endometrium B. epimetrium C. epimythium D. myometrium
2. The hormone that works with estrogen to prepare the endometrium for
implantation of a fertilized egg is _______.
A. ADH B. FSH C. LH D. progesterone
3. The average menstrual cycle is ________ days.
A. 14 B. 18 C. 24 D. 28
4. A woman is most likely to get pregnant when________.
A. after they are 35 B. on day 14 of the menstrual cycle
C. around Christmas time D. when they have taken the contraceptive pill
5. The menstrual cycle is triggered each month by _______.
A. hormones B. the release of blood from the uterus
C. eating sour foods D. the buildup of the lining of the uterus
6. All except one are hormones associated with the menstrual cycle.
A. estrogen B. FSH C. LH D. testosterone
7. The monthly release of an ovum is called ________.
A. evaluation B. fertilization C. gestation D. ovulation
8. The hormone that aids in follicle maturation is _______.
A. estrogen B. LH C. progesterone D. semen
9. The correct pathway of the egg is _________.
A. fallopian tube, uterus, follicle B. follicle, uterus, fallopian tube
C. follicle, fallopian tube, uterus D. uterus, fallopian tube, follicle
10. It is a process through which the level of one substance influences the level of
another substance.
A. Luteal phase B. Hormonal imbalance
C. Menstrual cycle D. Feedback mechanism
D. Suggested Enrichment/Reinforcement Activity/ies

Directions: Below is a word search table. Identify the terms being described in the
statements that follow then find the answer on the word search. Cross out the correct
word or write the answer on a separate sheet of paper.

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 1. It is the elimination of the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium) from the
body through the vagina.
2. This structure starts releasing progesterone, along with small amounts of estrogen
during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
3. It starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation.
4. It stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen.
5. It is the process through which the level of one substance influences the level of
another substance.
6. High levels of this hormone inhibit the further release of LH during the feedback
mechanism of the menstrual cycle.
7. A brain structure that causes the nearby pituitary gland to produce certain
chemicals, which prompt the ovaries to produce the sex hormones estrogen and
progesterone.
8. It is the release of a mature egg from the surface of the ovary.
9. This gland releases hormones that cause the egg in the ovary to mature.
10. It releases a hormone called estrogen, which causes the uterine lining to increase
in thickness.
Example: It is a biofeedback system and is controlled by many different glands and the
hormones that these glands produce.

Answer: Menstrual Cycle (Note: The word “menstrual cycle” is crossed out).

P R O G E S T E R O N E E G O M O
C O R P U S L U T E U M U I L E R
M E N S T R U A L C Y C L E R N E
F E E D B A C K M E C H A N I S M
S U M A L A H T O P Y H F E L T R
H N D Y C O W T E G I Y B K L R A
H O H G K O S A U R U S Y K O U M
O X V I P I T U I T A R Y J V A S
F O L L I C U L A R A H A Q E T D
A N I L T A L U A V A S E U F I Y
J I D W G E T K O V U L A T I O N
L Z O O L X S I L E N T T W G N L
References:

Department of Education, Science 10 Learner’s Material First Edition 2015, pages 250-254
Department of Education, Science 10 Teacher’s Guide First Edition 2015, pages 181-182
Exploring Life Through Science Series, The New Grade 10 (Phoenix Publishing House,
Inc.), pages 208-209
Better Health Channel. Victoria State Government. “Menstrual Cycle”. Retrieved January 14,
2022.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-
cycle#:~:text=The%20four%20phases%20of%20the,and%20premenstrual
%20syndrome%20(PMS).

Budania, Ritu MBBS, MD. PharmEasy. Myth Breakers- Women’s Health. “Uncovering Myths
About Menstruation”. Retrieved January 14, 2021. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/5-
common-myths-on-periods-you-need-to-know-about/

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Cornforth, Tracee 2019. Verywell Health. “7 Common Myths About Your Period”. Retrieved
January 14, 2021. https://www.verywellhealth.com/period-myths-2721944

SBI4U 2013 Resource Guide. “The Menstrual Cycle Feedback Loop”. Retrieved January 14,
2021. https://sbi4u2013.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/the-menstrual-cycle-feedback-
loop/

Watson, Stephanie. Healthline. “Stages of the Menstrual Cycle”. Updated on March 29,
2019. Retrieved January 14, 2021.

Yuen, Christal. Healthline. “Period Myths We Need To Set Straight”. Updated on April 15,
2019. Retrieved January 14, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-
health/period-myths#Myth-1:-Were-always-on-that-time-of-the-month

Prepared by:

JAZAEL C. BAYLOSIS

TIII- Dalaguete NHS

Edited/Reviewed by:

JUVIMAR E. MONTOLO

Education Program Supervisor- Science

GUIDE

For the Teacher:

Advise the students to read the Reading and Discussion portion before they attempt to
answer the practice exercises. Let the learners go through the parts sequentially to help
them understand the topic easily. The key answers are for you to refer during the checking.
Don’t include it in the printing.

For the Learner:

Read thoroughly and understand the Self-Learning Home Task from the first part to the
last part. By doing so, will help you understand better the topic. If you still have enough time,
do it twice for more understanding. You can use a dictionary if you find it hard to
comprehend the science terms. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

For the Parent/Home Tutor:

Assist your child and make sure that he/she reads the Self-Learning Home Task from
the beginning up to end, to ensure proper understanding of the concepts. Don’t feed the
answer to your child. Let him/her do it on his own.

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ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1.

1. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, it varies greatly among
women (ranging from 21 to 35 days).
2. The young egg in the ovary begins to mature. Estrogen is secreted by the ovary.
Uterus thickens to prepare for the attachment of fertilized egg. The mature egg is
then released by the ovary.
3. Ovulation symptoms include rise in basal body temperature (body temperature when
resting) and thicker discharge that has the texture of egg whites.
4. The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are the follicular stimulating hormone,
luteinizing hormone, estrogen and progesterone.

5. It is important to study the menstrual cycle to be able to understand the natural

changes that occur in the ovary and the uterus as essential part of sexual
reproduction. The information is also useful in family planning to prevent unwanted
pregnancy. (Answers may also vary.)

Exercise 2

1. Myth- Period blood isn’t rejected body fluids or the body’s way of flushing out toxins. It is
consisting of a little bit of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria. Period blood is
very different from blood that moves continuously through the veins. In fact, it’s less
concentrated blood. It has fewer blood cells than ordinary blood.

2. Fact- periods and the balance of hormones are what help us stay young. (Answers may
also vary.)

3. Myth- There is no reason not to have a bath or shower during period. Bleeding does not
stop following full immersion in water. However, the pressure from the water may temporarily
prevent the blood from flowing out of the vagina.

4. Fact- A girl can do anything during her period that she can do when she’s not
menstruating. In fact, regular exercise helps to decrease painful menstrual cramps.

5. Myth- There is no connection between menstrual cramps and eating sour foods. However,
it is essential for women to maintain a healthier diet during this period. It is best to eat beans,
pulses, roti, brown bread, and yogurt.

ASSESSMENT

1. A 2. D 3. D 4. B 5. A 6. D 7. D 8. B 9. C 10. D

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ENRICHMENT

1. Menstruation
2. Corpus Luteum
3. Follicular
4. FSH
5. Feedback Mechanism
6. Progesterone
7. Hypothalamus
8. Ovulation
9. Pituitary
10. Ovary

P R O G E S T E R O N E E G O M O
C O R P U S L U T E U M U I L E R
M E N S T R U A L C Y C L E R N E
F E E D B A C K M E C H A N I S M
S U M A L A H T O P Y H F E L T R
H N D Y C O W T E G I Y B K L R A
H O H G K O S A U R U S Y K O U M
O X V I P I T U I T A R Y J V A S
F O L L I C U L A R A H A Q E T D
A N I L T A L U A V A S E U F I Y
J I D W G E T K O V U L A T I O N
L Z O O L X S I L E N T T W G N L