The female reproductive cycle occurs over approximately 28 days and involves changes in the ovaries and uterus controlled by hormones from the pituitary gland. Each cycle typically produces one egg and results in menstruation if fertilization does not occur. The four main phases are: 1) follicle development stimulated by FSH; 2) estrogen production under FSH influence; 3) LH surge causing ovulation; and 4) corpus luteum formation after ovulation producing progesterone to prepare the uterus if pregnancy occurs.