Skip to content
Cart
    • Shop
    • All Products
    • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
    • Bundles
  • Clinic
  • Articles
  • Recipes
    • Get Started
    • Take the Assessment
    • Get Started
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Podcasts
    • Our Groups
    • The Team
    • Support
    • Our Vision
  • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • RSS
Change your site location
Currently shipping from our AUS site
Australia Stay on the Australian & NZ site Australia Go to the USA & Canada site
Contact My Account Log in
  • Shop expand
    • All Products
      All Products
    • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
      Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
      Happy Skin by Lisa Curry
    • Bundles
      Bundles
  • Clinic
  • Articles
  • Recipes
  • Get Started expand
    • Take the Assessment
    • Get Started
    • Resources
    • Rewards
    • Podcasts
    • Our Groups
    • The Team
    • Support
    • Our Vision
Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system is an intricate setup composed of the ovaries, cervix, endometrium, vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes. A close relationship between the function and structure of these organs is paramount to the healthy functioning of the reproductive system.

OVARIES

The microscopic structures of the ovaries are constantly changing during the monthly menstrual cycle. Ova are present throughout the cycle at different stages of development, maturation or disintegration. The ovaries are the ovum-producing reproductive organ and also form part of the endocrine system. There are two ovaries, each situated on either side of the uterus.

VAGINA

The vagina is the opening to the reproductive organs and is situated between the rectum (the opening from the bowel) and the urethra (the opening from the bladder). It is where uterine secretions are shed through during menstruation. Because the vagina is a musculature structure, it has the ability to stretch and contract in vast proportions. We see this in its capacity to accept an erectile penis or give birth to a baby.

The vulva forms part of the vagina known as the external genitalia. The vulva is the collective term for the labia minora and labia majora, the vaginal and urethral openings, the clitoris and the Bartholin's glands.

UTERUS

The uterus is a musculature organ and is considered one of the strongest muscles in the body. This organ stretches to accommodate a growing foetus and has the ability to rhythmically contract and relax during childbirth. Uterine muscular contractions are also involved in post-delivery blood loss and the loss of menstrual blood each month. The health of the uterus is therefore strongly implicated in the severity of menstrual symptoms experienced by a woman.

The uterus is generally about the size of a pear; however, changes to its size and shape occur when fibroids or polyps are present. Repeated pregnancies can also influence the structure of the uterus.

ENDOMETRIUM

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus which sheds during menstruation. It develops over the monthly cycle, thickening and softening due to the influence of the ovarian hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) that encourage its growth. If no fertilisation of the Graafian follicle occurs then the lining actively sheds (menstruation) and becomes renewed, ready for the next cycle to begin.

CERVIX

The lower third of the uterus is the tubular cervix. Half of this channel protrudes into the vagina and the other half is above the vagina. It is sometimes called 'the neck of the womb’, a term which helps us to understand its association and link to the rest of the reproductive organs.

The cervical opening is usually small and tightly closed; however, throughout the process of childbirth, it has the ability to enlarge and allow for the outward passage of the baby. It also enables the entry and transport of sperm to the ovaries and facilitates discharge of menstrual fluid during monthly periods.

The cervix is very susceptible to infection, inflammation and bleeding and also prone to cancerous growths. A speculum examination, a swab or a PAP smear are preventive measures that can easily detect these issues.

FALLOPIAN TUBES

The fallopian tubes are a muscular, funnel-shaped structure lined with microscopic hairs called cilia. Due to rhythmic contractions occurring within the fallopian tubes, a fertilised egg (ovum) is able to travel down from the endometrium to the uterus in preparation for implantation and further development. These contractions also encourage menstrual blood to flow down through the reproductive organs rather than allowing them to stagnate and create inflammation or infection.

At the ends where the ovaries meet the fallopian tubes are tiny, finger-like projections called fimbriae. Their main function is to draw and sweep the ovum into the fallopian tube by creating waves in the fluid surrounding the ovaries. Once there, the musculature action of the fallopian tubes and cilia take over to gently guide the egg down to the uterus. Damage to the fimbriae caused by infection, surgery, endometriosis or adhesions can dramatically affect the normal functioning of these structures and thereby cause infertility.

Summary

A woman's anatomy is extremely complex and there are many interactions and synergies we are yet to fully understand. One thing we do know for sure is that the best way to manage symptoms associated is to allow the body to regulate itself. ONLY the body has the systems and intelligence to balance itself. The secret is to use what nature has provided us in terms of nutrition and herbal medicines to stimulate the body to heal itself. This is our purpose.

 

 

Sally James

Sally James N.D is a Naturopathic lecturer, content health writer and naturopathic advisor, with 18 years experience working for herbal medicines companies in the areas of research, technical support and naturopathic advice. She has a special interest in women's health seeking to provide them with advice in natural health care through supporting, informing and educating women to empower themselves through better understanding of their bodies.

bleeding endometriosis female organs female reproductive system pcos spotting week 10
Featured Articles
Recent Articles
  • Watermelon Collagen Spritzer
  • 5 Skin Care Routine Steps to Aid Menopause Symptoms
  • Why You Need Collagen in Menopause
  • What are Collagen Peptides?
  • How Stress Affects Collagen Production
  • What Makes Happy Collagen So Special?
  • What Collagen Powder Benefits will Happy Collagen Provide?
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam
  • Asparagus Salmon Crust-Free Quiche
  • Lemon-Pepper Snow Peas
  • Mint Choco Chip HW Smoothie
  • What is Happy Collagen?
  • Mood Swings and Anxiety
  • Are You Practicing Mindlessness or Mindfulness at Work?
  • Hormones & Your Cholesterol
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Related Articles

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle During Menopause
Breathing Practices That Can Heal Your Body
Understanding the Biochemistry of Menopause

Recommended Products

Happy Healthy You Yoga - Complete Series
Complete Yoga Series
1 review
Regular price $49.95
Happy Hormones Vegan 450g
Happy Hormones Vegan 450g
176 reviews
Regular price $129.95
Happy Turmeric 500ml
Happy Turmeric 500ml
266 reviews
Regular price $29.95

Invalid password
Enter

Join our Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest news, updates & special offers.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS
Happy Shop
  • Happy Skin by Lisa Curry™
  • Happy Hormones
  • Happy Calm
  • Happy Collagen
  • Happy Liver
  • Happy Turmeric
  • Happy Greens
  • Happy Bladder
Happy You
  • Happy Weight
  • Happy Reset
  • Menopause
  • Bladder Bundle
  • Assessment
Happy Us
  • Contact
  • Clinic
  • Our Groups
  • Reviews
  • Shipping & Delivery
Happy Info
  • Podcasts
  • Resources
  • FAQs
  • Articles
  • Recipes
  • Affiliates

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.

© 2022 Happy Healthy You Design by Stead Lane
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Refunds
  • Referral Terms
★ Reviews

Our Customer Reviews

10671 reviews
Write a review
94%
(10036)
3%
(336)
1%
(83)
1%
(55)
2%
(161)
J
Happy Healthy You
Jodie L. (Brisbane, AU)
Amazing

I have been taking HH for over a year and each time i think I can go without them I notice such a decrease in energy and mood. They have made a significant difference to my life and mood. I am a shift worker and I highly recommend for any women peri menopausal and low energy levels.

User picture
S
Happy Healthy You
Sheena H.H. (Sydney, AU)
I wish I'd tried HH sooner.

100 Happy Hormone tablets later and WHAT a difference. I cant imagine not taking this little supplement of sanity every day. If you are tossing up needs v's wants .... HH are a need, do this for yourself. I wish I had've ordered sooner.

User picture
S
Happy Healthy You
Suzanne F.F. (Millendon, AU)
Happy Hormones is my life saver

I started going through peri menopause and am having a period every 3-5 months. My biggest symptom beside insomnia is hot flushes. I was having one every 10 minutes and I became a very horrible person as I just couldn't stand them. Enter Happy Hormones, I was having 2 morning and night and it wasn't doing anything and then someone on the FB page suggested 3 morning and night and for that I am forever grateful as now I am not grumpy all the time and the hot flushes are like maybe 5 a day now. I am sure my husband and kids thanks you more :)

User picture
A
Happy Healthy You
Angela B. (Perth, AU)
Mother's Little Helper

My great friend Lori Woodhouse recommended I take Happy Hormones almost four years ago. It is the only supplement I have really noticed a significant improvement in my well being. I haven't gone without it since! I went from struggling to cope with being a working mum to enjoying parenting, and being able to balance life. I returned to uni whilst still working, finished my degree, and accepted a new job which is interesting, family friendly and challenging. I don't believe I could have managed all that in the past 4 years without my daily dose of Happy Hormones, and of course the support of my wonderful friend Lori Woodhouse. Lori also landed her dream job in that time, which combines her skills as a Registered Nurse with a passion for health at Happy Healthy You! This is us at my 50th Birthday Lunch just four weeks ago!

User picture
D
Happy Healthy You
Denise B. (Melbourne, AU)
Thank goodness for your products

I use both Happy hormones and happy liver, although I am 68 I still get hot flushes, my recent blood test my liver is great
And I am very happy to say my hot flushes are gone Tks to your wonderful products, they travel all over Australia with me and I have spread the word about them. Tks sooooo much

User picture
123
Powered by Judge.me