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In this Article

• What parts make-up the female anatomy?
• What happens during the menstrual cycle?
• Follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
• Ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle
• Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
• How many eggs does a woman have?
• Female Reproductive System Index

The vast majority of the eggs within the ovaries steadily die, until they are depleted at menopause. At birth, there are approximately 1 million eggs; and by the time of puberty, only about 300,000 remain. Of these, 300 to 400 will be ovulated during a woman's reproductive lifetime. The eggs continue to degenerate during pregnancy, with the use of birth control pills, and in the presence or absence of regular menstrual cycles.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD on September 16, 2009

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