Physiological periods in a woman’s life. Pregnancy planning. Physiological processes in a woman’s body at different periods of life
Having become familiar with the anatomical and physiological characteristics genital organs of a woman at different ages, it is much easier to understand the biological processes that take place in the female body.
Periods of a woman's life
Functional age-related characteristics of the female reproductive system depend on a number of factors. Important periods of a woman's life:
- period of intrauterine development;
- childhood (from birth to 9-10 years);
- puberty (from 9-10 to 13-14 years);
- adolescence (14-18 years);
- reproductive period, or puberty (18-40 years);
- premenopause, transition period(41-50 years old);
- postmenopause, period of aging (from the moment of cessation of menstruation).
Prenatal period
During this period, all organs and systems of the fetus are formed, develop and mature. The ovaries are also laid and developed - one of the most important links in the functioning of the female reproductive system.
Childhood
During this period reproductive system is in relative peace. Only during the first few days of a girl’s life can phenomena of sexual crisis occur (engorgement of the mammary glands, bloody issues from the vagina). It's all because of the termination hormonal action placenta. In childhood, the organs of the reproductive system gradually grow, but the typical features are preserved: the size of the cervix prevails over the size of the uterus, the fallopian tubes convoluted, mature follicles are absent in the ovaries, etc. And there are no secondary sexual characteristics.
Puberty
During this period, the organs of the reproductive system (mainly the body of the uterus) grow rapidly. The girl begins to appear and develop secondary sexual characteristics: a female-type skeleton is formed, female-type fat is deposited, hair grows first on the pubis, then in armpits, the first menstruation begins.
Puberty
This period is the longest in a woman’s life. As a result of the maturation of the follicle in the ovaries and further ovulation, all conditions for further pregnancy are created in the woman’s body. Menstruation becomes regular - and this is the main indicator women's health childbearing age.
This period is characterized by the transition from puberty to old age. Often develop various disorders menstrual function, their cause may be age-related disorders in the central mechanisms that regulate the function of the genital organs.
Aging period
The period of aging is characterized by the complete cessation of menstruation, general aging female body. Ovarian function completely fades away (no ovulation, cyclical changes in the body, no menstruation), estrogen levels decrease, which can provoke osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy.
In a woman’s life, the following age periods are distinguished: embryonic period, childhood, puberty, puberty, menopause, menopause, senile period.
What are the periods of a woman's life?
Embryonic (antenatal) period A woman’s life lasts from the moment of fertilization until the birth of the child. At the end of the first month of intrauterine development, the genital organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, top part vagina). The paired Müllerian ducts come closer and unite during embryogenesis. Each Müllerian duct forms one half of the uterus, one vagina, and one fallopian tube. The external genitalia are formed from the urogenital sinus, the ovaries from the primary gonad.
From the seventh month of intrauterine development, the uterus grows intensively under the influence of placental estrogens. At the time of birth, the length of the uterus is about 3.8 cm, and the length of the body of the uterus is only about 1/3 of the entire length of the organ. After birth, the amount of estrogen decreases sharply, the size of the uterus decreases to the level of a 7-month fetus. Further growth of the uterus begins after 2 years of age.
Childhood period (prepubertal) lasts from birth to 10 years.
The vagina of girls during this period is characterized by smoothness of the vaults and has an almost vertical direction due to the fact that the uterus with appendages is located outside the pelvis. The walls of the vagina are close to each other, its lumen looks like a slit. Gradually, as the uterus descends into the pelvis, the axis of the vagina changes. The length of the vagina also increases with age.
The mucous membrane of the vagina during childhood is thin, there are few folds, and they are not sufficiently pronounced. The muscle layer and vascular network are poorly developed.
As blood vessels and elastic fibers develop, the folds of the vagina become more pronounced. They are especially well developed in the lower two thirds of the anterior and rear walls vagina by midline. The vaginal mucosa is covered with stratified squamous epithelium. In newborns, it consists of 30 or more layers of glycogen-rich epithelial cells.
There is no vaginal microflora in the first hours after birth. The vagina is colonized by microorganisms in the first days after the birth of the child. After 3-4 days, under the influence of Doderlein sticks, the process of self-cleaning of the vagina begins. Later, cocci appear in the vagina.
The uterus in girls is very mobile, in position an-teversio. With age, its position changes.
Blood and lymph circulation in the uterus during this period is reduced, the glandular apparatus is underdeveloped.
The mucous membrane of the uterus in girls has folds running from the fundus of the uterus to the cervical canal. With age, the folds of the uterine mucosa gradually smooth out and completely disappear by puberty.
The uterine pharynx in girls is not fully formed, which facilitates the penetration of infection.
The fallopian tubes in the prepubertal period are long, tortuous, thin, with a poorly developed muscular layer, and do not have a definite position in the pelvis. With age, they become thicker and their lumen expands.
The ovaries in girls are located above the entrance to the small pelvis, then they gradually descend and take their place in the small pelvis. The ovaries are spindle-shaped and smooth surface and contain a large number of primordial follicles. Some of them become atretic with age.
Puberty (puberty) lasts from 10 to 16 years.
One of the signs puberty are menstruation. The first menstruation (menarche) occurs on average at 13–14 years of age. Initially, bleeding is acyclic in nature, the cycle can be anovulatory. Then (after 1–2 years), under the influence of sex hormones, the discharge becomes cyclical. The menstrual cycle averages 28–39 days, and menstruation itself lasts 3–7 days. The volume of blood loss is no more than 30–80 ml.
During this period, the endometrium is divided into basal and functional layers. An angle is formed between the cervix and the body of the uterus. The vagina lengthens and changes its position. The fallopian tubes become shorter, thicker, and their lumen increases.
Puberty (reproductive period) lasts from 18 to 45 years. It is characterized by the activity of all functions of the reproductive apparatus aimed at childbirth.
The climacteric period (menopause) begins at 45–50 years of age and lasts 2–3 years. During this period, menstrual function stops. Menopause can occur without disturbances general condition women ( physiological menopause) or with vegetative-vascular disorders (pathological menopause). During menopause, reproductive function is lost, but sexual function is preserved.
Menopause period (postmenopausal period) lasts up to 70 years. Characterized by persistent cessation of menstruation. During this period, ovarian function decreases, age-related involution of the genital organs occurs, skin turgor decreases, and metabolism is disrupted.
Senile (senile) period begins at age 70 and lasts until the end of life. The changes that began during menopause continue to develop. Gradual atrophy of the genital organs occurs.
Cyclic changes throughout the body
Cyclic changes in the ovaries and uterus, as well as fluctuations in the level of ovarian hormones are perceived nerve endings and are transmitted to the central nervous system, affecting its functions and the condition of the entire organism. Before menstruation, many women experience:
1) irritability;
2) drowsiness;
3) increased fatigue;
4)increase tendon reflexes;
5) sweating.
After menstruation, these phenomena disappear.
In the premenstrual period, there is some increase in heart rate, increased blood pressure, an increase in temperature of several tenths of a degree. During and after menstruation, these indicators level out.
Noticeable changes during menstrual cycle occur in the mammary glands. Before menstruation, there is a slight increase in their volume, engorgement, associated with the formation of new foci of glandular tissue under the influence of sex hormones. With the onset of menstruation, the newly formed glandular tissue undergoes reverse development and these phenomena pass.
U healthy women with a normal menstrual cycle, the cyclic changes occurring in the body do not affect general health and do not reduce ability to work.
Ovarian cycle
The ovarian cycle consists of two phases:
1) folliculin;
2) luteal.
The follicular phase begins with the end of menstruation and ends with ovulation, luteal phase begins after ovulation and ends with the beginning of the next menstruation. The ovary also performs endocrine function, which is provided by a functioning follicle and corpus luteum.
The process of folliculogenesis begins in the ovary in the antenatal period and ends in postmenopause. In total, about 400,000–500,000 follicles are formed, of which only 400–500 undergo a full development cycle, the rest undergo atresia. The complete developmental cycle includes the development of the follicle from primordial to preovulatory, ovulation and transformation into the corpus luteum.
Primordial (primary) follicle consists of an immature egg and is covered with a single layer of epithelial cells and a connective tissue membrane. The process of follicle maturation takes place during the first 12–14 days of the menstrual cycle.
During this period, the egg increases in size 5–6 times, becomes covered with a structureless membrane, and divides twice. During the first division, two unequal cells are formed: the smaller cell is discarded, and the larger one undergoes a second, reduction division. During this division, the cell loses half of its chromosomes, thus acquiring a haploid set of chromosomes and becomes suitable for fertilization and maturation.
The follicular epithelium changes from single-layered to multilayered and turns into the granular membrane of the egg. At first, the cells of the granular membrane completely fill the space between the egg and the connective tissue membrane, then voids form between them. They gradually merge into one cavity filled with fluid produced by the follicular membrane and containing estrogens. The cells of the granular membrane are moved by this cavity partly towards the egg, and partly towards the wall of the follicle. Those cells of the granular membrane that are adjacent to the egg form its corona radiata. The cells lying near the walls form the egg-bearing tubercle, in which the egg is located. By the time the follicle matures, the egg leaves the oviductal tubercle and is located in the follicular fluid.
The connective tissue membrane of the follicle sprouts blood vessels and differentiates into two thecae:
1) internal;
2) external.
The theca interna is rich in cellular elements and capillaries. The external theca is formed by dense connective tissue and contains larger vessels.
The maturing follicle increases in size and begins to protrude above the surface of the ovary, and the oviductal tubercle with the egg appears in this protrusion. The produced follicular fluid stretches the follicle, its wall and the adjacent ovarian tissue become thinner, and the mature follicle ruptures - ovulation. The released egg, surrounded by the corona radiata, enters the abdominal cavity, and then into the fallopian tube, where fertilization can occur.
Ovulation occurs approximately 12–14 days later in a 28-day cycle.
A gland forms at the site of the ruptured follicle internal secretion – yellow body, producing progesterone. Development corpus luteum lasts the second half of the menstrual cycle - from ovulation to the next menstruation.
The ruptured follicle collapses, its walls form folds, and a blood clot forms in the center due to slight bleeding from the ruptured internal and external theca. The rupture site heals. Cells of the granular membrane multiply, increase in size and accumulate lipoid substance in the protoplasm yellow color– lutein. The cells of the granular membrane turn into luteal cells of the corpus luteum. At the same time, the vascular network grows and new capillaries are formed.
If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to function during the first months of pregnancy as the corpus luteum of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, then last day The menstrual cycle begins the reverse development of the corpus luteum - the corpus luteum of menstruation. Luteal cells die, blood vessels become empty, and the connective tissue, and a scar forms in place of the corpus luteum, which then disappears. From the beginning of reverse development, progesterone production stops. In the ovary, follicle maturation, ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum again occur.
Under the influence of estrogens and progesterone formed in the follicle and corpus luteum, cyclic changes in tone, excitability and blood supply occur in the uterus.
Particularly significant changes occur in the endometrium. Endometrium- the lining of the uterus facing the lumen of the organ. From the point of view of cyclic processes, it consists of two layers:
1)basal;
2) functional.
The basal layer is adjacent to the muscular lining of the uterus - the myometrium and does not undergo cyclic changes. The functional layer faces the uterine cavity and changes during different phases of the menstrual cycle.
The uterine cycle, like the ovarian cycle, lasts on average 28 days and consists of the phases of desquamation, regeneration, proliferation and secretion.
Desquamation phase manifests itself as menstrual bleeding and lasts on average 3–4 days. During this period, the functional layer of the uterine mucosa is torn off and released out along with the contents of the uterine glands and blood from ruptured vessels. The phase of endometrial desquamation coincides with the beginning of the death of the corpus luteum in the ovary.
Regeneration phase The endometrium begins during the period of desquamation and ends 5–6 days after the start of menstruation. The restoration of the endometrium occurs due to the cells of the basal layer, its vessels and nerves.
Proliferation phase corresponds to the maturation of the follicle in the ovary and occurs under the influence of the estrogen produced by it. The cycle lasts 14 days. The stroma and endometrial glands grow. The glands elongate and twist like a corkscrew, but do not contain secretions. During this phase, the uterine mucosa thickens 4–5 times.
Secretion phase continues until the end of the cycle. Coincides with the flowering of the corpus luteum, under the influence of which hormone (progesterone) occurs. Glycogen accumulates in the epithelium of the glands, the endometrial stroma swells, and its blood supply improves. Pseudodecidual cells appear in the endometrial stroma. As a result, conditions are created in the endometrium that are favorable for the development of the embryo in the event of pregnancy.
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dies, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected and menstruation occurs.
Cyclic changes in other parts of the reproductive system
In the cervix, vagina and other parts of the reproductive system, cyclic changes are much less pronounced.
Changes in the cervix during the menstrual cycle are associated with the secretion of the glands of the cervical canal.
In the first half of the menstrual cycle they produce clear mucus. During the period of ovulation, its quantity increases, it becomes viscous, less viscous, which contributes to better movement of sperm along cervical canal. After ovulation, these changes disappear.
In the fallopian tubes, in the follicular phase of the cycle, some thickening of the mucous membrane is noted, and in the luteal phase, epithelial cells secrete a secretion containing proteins and glycogen.
Influenced by fluctuations in the level of sex hormones during the menstrual cycle cellular composition changes in smears from the vaginal mucosa. In the multilayered epithelium of the vagina, four types of cells are distinguished:
1)basal;
2) parabasal;
3) intermediate;
4) superficial.
The predominance of superficial cells in smears indicates sufficient level estrogen and is typical for the preovulatory period. After ovulation, under the influence of progesterone from the corpus luteum, predominantly intermediate cells are detected in smears.
It is generally accepted and natural that one of the main functions of the female body, which by and large determines the role of a woman in any society, is the reproductive function, i.e. reproductive ability. And this function, as is known, is limited by age. But having crossed a certain age limit, a woman does not cease to be a woman, and she still vitally needs the harmony of mental and physiological principles in the body.
As a rule, our health culture does not extend beyond the reproductive function and, having fulfilled our “obligations” on this point, we conveniently forget about further regular visits to the antenatal clinic. Meanwhile, women's health needs care and attention not only in the phase of active reproductive age, but throughout life.
This material is addressed to all women and girls, regardless of age, but most likely it will be read more carefully by women who have entered that wonderful time when the happy difficulties of bearing a child and childbirth are long behind them and thoughts arise about the natural completion of their mission as a continuator of the family .
In this regard, I would like to talk about the changes and characteristics of the female body at different age periods - what to expect, what to pay attention to, what is considered normal, and what is considered a reason to visit your doctor.
In general, at any age, first place in the structure gynecological diseases occupy inflammatory diseases(more than 60%), often causing not only impairment of a woman’s ability to work and disruption of her reproductive function, but also affecting other functions of the female body. However, in the specifics of diseases of the female sphere, they are of great importance certain periods woman's life. This age specificity is mainly determined by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the female body during certain periods of life. Let's figure out together what characteristic features and changes these time periods bring to the female body.
So, in a woman’s life it is customary to distinguish between:
1) period of intrauterine development;
2) the period of childhood (from birth to 9-10 years);
3) period of puberty (from 9-10 years to 13-14 years);
4) adolescence (from 14 to 18 years);
5) period of puberty, or childbearing (reproductive), age from 18 to 40 years;
6) transition period, or premenopause (from 41 to 50 years);
7) the period of aging, or postmenopause (from the moment of permanent cessation of menstrual function).
Puberty period is the longest in a woman's life. Reproductive age is characterized by the formation of stable relationships in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian system and cyclical changes in a woman’s body, most pronounced in the sexual sphere. A woman’s body is ready for fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth, lactation. Regular cyclical changes throughout the body are externally manifested by stable menstruation - this is the main indicator of the well-being of the female body. Of course, you should not focus solely on this indicator, and yet the regularity, stability, painlessness of the cycle is what is considered to be the norm. Of course, there are special cases when a given diagnosis is not typical for a certain age group, but in general modern woman should be guided by those manifestations and symptoms that can await her and to which it is necessary to pay the closest attention.
For example, the most common complaints and specific problems of this age period are: inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, menstrual irregularities of various origins, cysts, infertility. Closer to 40 years, the frequency of benign and malignant tumors of the genital organs increases.
In general, you need to understand what exactly reproductive age is the most risky and critical in terms of exposure harmful factors. These include: early start sexual life, a large number of sexual partners, infection with various infectious agents, early pregnancies, including those ending in abortion.
In addition to those already described frequent violations, one can say about various pathologies of the cervix. The cervix has its own clinical and functional features at different age periods of a woman’s life. IN last years there is an increase in the number of cases of cervical diseases in young women. According to statistics, the peak incidence of human papillomavirus infection also occurs during the reproductive age of women, and it is due to this that the incidence of cervical cancer increases.
Well, another “scourge” of the reproductive period, which is worth mentioning separately, is fibroids. Uterine fibroids are benign tumor, which develops in the myometrium - the muscular lining of the uterus. Myoma increases in size under the influence of female sex hormones - estrogens, and therefore it is generally accepted that this disease is hormone-dependent in nature. In women with uterine fibroids, the period of ovarian functioning is extended. Regular menstruation can last up to 55 years. With the onset of menopause (cessation of menstruation), regression (reverse development) of the tumor is noted. Talking about the prevention and prevention of fibroids can be quite conditional. But risk factors for the development of fibroids need to be identified. These include - hereditary predisposition(presence of uterine fibroids in direct relatives), menstrual dysfunction, reproductive function(infertility, miscarriage), metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes).
We will try to give the most common manifestations and symptoms in women of this age group, the manifestation of which may indicate gynecological diseases: irregular, painful menstruation and cycle disorders; change in the nature of discharge; the appearance of uncomfortable sensations; sexual disorders, disharmony of sexual relations; absence of pregnancy for more than 1 year with regular sexual activity; the appearance of pain, space-occupying formations in the pelvic and abdominal areas.
Premenopausal period characterized by the transition from the state of puberty to the cessation of menstrual stability. During this period, women often experience disturbances central mechanisms regulating the function of the genital organs, and as a result, a violation of cyclicity. This age limit somewhat shifts the emphasis - for example, they are less common inflammatory processes genital organs, but the frequency increases significantly tumor processes and menstrual dysfunction (menopausal bleeding). Also at this age, there is a progressive depletion of the follicular apparatus of the ovaries. Well, probably the main thing that characterizes this period is change hormonal levels, namely, the production of progesterone stops and the secretion of estrogen decreases. All this leads to changes in internal organs and body systems and in the absence of timely correction, significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life.
40-60% of perimenopausal women may develop symptoms climacteric syndrome, urogenital and sexual disorders. All this is expressed in the following unpleasant sensations: hot flashes, sweating, increased or decreased blood pressure, headache, sleep disturbance, depression and irritability, frequent urination, both during the day and at night, urine leakage.
Many women are approaching menopause and have existing diseases of the endocrine system, in particular problems with functioning thyroid gland.About 40% of women have nodules and hypothyroidism. Menopause in women with thyroid pathology, unlike women without it, occurs earlier
The next important stage in a woman’s life isafter 50 years. This period characterized by a general decline in the female reproductive system, in which the female body continues to lose estrogen. Therefore, at this age various pathological conditions, and therefore during this period it is especially necessary to be observed by a gynecologist to select an individual correction age-related changes hormonal status. What can be alarming or frankly “ruin your life”? These include rapid aging and dry skin, frequent headaches and sleep disturbances, decreased memory and irritability, and sudden weight loss or excess. In fact - no matter how sad it is - this is a phase aging, which fits into general process aging of the entire female body.
During the postmenopausal period, prolapse and prolapse of the genital organs occur more often than before, as well as malignant tumors. Gradually, complete extinction of ovarian function occurs (lack of ovulation, cyclical changes in the body), and a decrease in estrogen levels can lead to late metabolic disorders - osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy.
What can be done? How can we ourselves reduce the risks of the described age-related disorders to a minimum? Of course, this is primarily prevention, which comes from a properly formed culture of health (see material about the Culture of Women's Health on our website http://endometriozu.net/informaciya-o-zabolevanii).
In no case should you underestimate the importance of preventive examinations during the period when it would seem that childbearing function has been completed. Life doesn't just go on. During this period, a woman who is correctly attuned to the perception of her age truly blossoms. And “helping” our body stay in shape is our responsibility to ourselves.
In addition to regular visits to your doctor (is it worth reminding that by adulthood this doctor should be a priori?), prevention of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs consists of careful adherence to personal hygiene and culture of sexual relations, as well as timely detection and treatment of inflammatory diseases other organs and systems. By the way, there is a close relationship between diseases of the mammary glands and genital organs, which is confirmed by the high frequency of the combination of these diseases, so you should not forget about timely visits to the mammologist. After all, any organism is a well-coordinated, interconnected mechanism, where there are no separate systems working .
For example, it has already been said about the frequency of violations in endocrine system. In this case, we can help ourselves by reflecting necessity early diagnosis and treatment of various thyroid dysfunctions.
In addition, one of the important links in the prevention of acute inflammatory diseases in women is the timely detection specific infection, sexually transmitted diseases.
Prevention of gynecological diseases has the main goal - the health of a woman in all periods of her life! And it needs to start with childhood. After the start of sexual activity, it is recommended to undergo a routine examination by a gynecologist once a year. Unscheduled examinations are necessary when any complaints arise, or when a sexual partner changes. After all, diseases in gynecology often occur without severe symptoms and in a neglected state can lead to oncological pathology, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other unpleasant consequences.
We must not forget that in any period of life regular exercise stress extremely useful, and especially when approaching menopausal changes. It reduces the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Physical activity stimulates the brain, causing the release of endorphins, which promote good health. Depression is reduced and physical pain is relieved.
Women, regardless of age, need to know about the problems that we may encounter in the future, and especially ways to solve them. Published on the web portal
From birth to old age, a woman’s body goes through several important stages of development. In a woman’s life, there are several periods that are characterized by certain age-related anatomical and physiological characteristics. There is no clear boundary between the periods; one period smoothly passes into the next.
So every woman should know
DRIED APRICOTS
Recommended as a nutritional and general tonic. menopause, pregnant women with edema, disorders heart rate, with hypertension. 100-150 g per day.
FOR BLEEDING
Uterine bleeding during menopause, heavy and painful menstruation, and even if it is scanty or absent, it can be treated by taking 1-2 glasses of red clover flower tea daily.
IN THE EVENT OF VIOLATIONS
For menstrual irregularities and pain, tea with linden flowers is simply irreplaceable. Women after 45 years of age need to drink a glass of linden tea in the morning once every six months for a month, and menopause need not be afraid: it will come much later than for women of the same age, and will be painless, without bleeding. Tumors of the female genital area (fibroadenomas, fibroids) are also treated linden tea. For this purpose you need to collect Linden blossom only in the youngest month, this is one to two days, then the color will lose its antitumor effect. Drink constantly. All medicinal properties linden is enhanced if you add sage 1:1
IN WEAKNESS
Leaves, flowers, seeds of nasturtium. If you feel weak, your nerves are shaky, everything is irritating, melancholy and depression appear unexpectedly. The leaves and flowers can be dried, the seeds crushed in a coffee grinder and used where you apply salt and spices. By the way, it is very useful for men too.
We have offered you several recipes that will help you get through the aging periods. Take care of yourself and be healthy!
Search by book ← + Ctrl + →2. Age periods of a woman’s life
Having become familiar with the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the female genital organs at different age periods, it will be easier for you to understand many of the biological processes occurring in a woman’s body.
The age and functional characteristics of a woman’s reproductive system are closely dependent on a number of factors. Great importance have primarily periods of a woman's life. It is customary to distinguish:
1) period of intrauterine development;
2) the period of childhood (from birth to 9-10 years);
3) period of puberty (from 9-10 years to 13-14 years);
4) adolescence (from 14 to 18 years);
5) period of puberty, or childbearing (reproductive), age from 18 to 40 years; transition period, or premenopause (from 41 to 50 years);
6) the period of aging, or postmenopause (from the moment of permanent cessation of menstrual function).
During the prenatal period the formation, development and maturation of all organs and systems of the fetus, including the reproductive system, occurs. During this period, the formation and embryonic development of the ovaries occur, which are one of the most important links in the regulation of the function of the reproductive system of the female body after birth.
During the prenatal period, various factors (intoxication, acute and chronic infections, ionizing radiation, medications etc.) can have a damaging effect on the embryo or fetus. These factors can cause developmental defects various organs and systems, including the genitals. Such congenital abnormalities in the development of the genital organs can lead to disruption of the functions characteristic of the female body. Intrauterine developmental defects that arise under the influence of the factors listed above may be accompanied by damage to various parts of the regulation of the menstrual cycle. As a result, girls during puberty may experience various disturbances in menstrual function, and subsequently in reproductive function.
During childhood There is relative rest of the reproductive system. Only during the first few days after the birth of a girl can she experience the so-called sexual crisis (bloody discharge from the vagina, engorgement of the mammary glands). This occurs under the influence of the cessation of the action of placental hormones, which occurs after childbirth. In childhood, the organs of the reproductive system gradually grow, but the features typical for this age remain: the predominance of the size of the cervix over the size of the body of the uterus, convoluted fallopian tubes, the absence of mature follicles in the ovaries, etc. During childhood, there are no secondary sexual characteristics.
Puberty characterized relatively rapid growth organs of the reproductive system and primarily the uterus (mainly its body). In a girl of this age, secondary sexual characteristics appear and develop: a female-type skeleton is formed (especially the pelvis), female-type fat is deposited, hair growth is noted first on the pubis, and then in the armpits. Most a clear sign The period of puberty is the onset of the first menstruation. For girls living in the middle zone, their first menstruation appears at the age of 11-13 years. Then, for about a year, menstruation may be irregular, and many periods occur without ovulation (the appearance of an egg). The onset and formation of menstrual function occurs under the influence of cyclic changes in the nervous system and endocrine glands, namely the ovaries. Ovarian hormones have a corresponding effect on the uterine mucosa, causing characteristic cyclic changes in it, i.e. the menstrual cycle. Teenage years also known as transitional, since at this time there is a transition to the onset of puberty - the flourishing of the function of the organs of the female reproductive system.
Puberty period is the longest in a woman's life. Due to the regular maturation of follicles in the ovaries and ovulation (the release of an egg), as well as the subsequent development of the corpus luteum in the female body, all the necessary conditions for pregnancy. Regular cyclical changes occurring in the central nervous system, ovaries and uterus, which externally manifests itself in the form of regular menstruation, is the main indicator of the health of a woman of childbearing age.
Premenopausal period characterized by the transition from the state of puberty to the cessation of menstrual function and the onset of old age. During this period, women often develop various disorders of menstrual function, which may be caused by age-related disorders of the central mechanisms that regulate the function of the genital organs.
Aging period characterized by a complete cessation of menstruation and general aging of the female body.
The frequency of diseases of the genital organs in women is closely related to the age periods of their life. Thus, during childhood, inflammatory diseases of the external genitalia and vagina occur relatively often. Often occurs during puberty uterine bleeding and other menstrual dysfunction. During puberty, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs most often occur, as well as menstrual irregularities of various origins, genital cysts, and infertility. At the end of the childbearing period, the frequency of benign and malignant tumors of the genital organs increases. During premenopause, inflammatory processes of the genital organs are less common, but the frequency of tumor processes and menstrual dysfunction (menopausal bleeding) increases significantly. During the postmenopausal period, prolapse and prolapse of the genital organs, as well as malignant tumors, occur more often than before. The age specificity of diseases of the female genital organs is mainly determined by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the female body during certain periods of life.
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Women's hygiene during menstruation3. Protective barriers of the female body
