This document summarizes the proliferative/follicular/preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. The phase lasts from days 5-6 to 14 and is characterized by the maturation of follicles in the ovaries and proliferation of the endometrium, including growth and coiling of glands, stromal cells, and blood vessels. The phase ends with ovulation of a secondary oocyte on around day 14.

1. PROLIFERATIVE/FOLLICULAR/PREOVULATORY
PHASE
• Starts at the end of menstrual phase
• Lasts from 5th/6th day to 14th day of cycle
Ovarian events:
• Maturation of follicles
• Till ovulation

2. DEVELOPMENT OF FOLLICLE

3. Endometrial events:
Estrogenic phase
Proliferation of all elements
Glands
 Tubular
 lie perpendicular to surface
 Lined by columnar epithelium with nuclei at
base with evident mitoses and epithelium of 1
gland is continuous with another

4. Stromal cells
 Spindle shaped
 Evidences of mitoses
 Compact with expansion of stromal ground
substance
Blood vessels
 Spiral arteries
 Evidence of sub epithelial congestion
 Later stages intense vascularity with more
coiled and spiral arteries

5. Thickness
 3.5-5mm
Phase ends with ovulation of secondary oocyte