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Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.

The Menstrual Cycle

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...

Secretory Phase

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...

Menses Phase

Menses Phase

The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...

Proliferative Phase

Proliferative Phase

The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...

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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Published on: February 3, 2026

APC resistance during the normal menstrual cycle.

Marianne van Rooijen¹, Angela Silveira, Stella Thomassen

¹Department of Woman and Child Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. marianne.vanrooijen@karolinska.se

Thrombosis and Haemostasis

|December 8, 2007

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Physiological increases in estradiol during the menstrual cycle do not affect activated protein C (APC) resistance in women. This study found no correlation between hormone levels and APC sensitivity, regardless of Factor V Leiden mutation status.

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Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance

Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance

Published on: February 17, 2023

Area of Science:

Reproductive endocrinology
Hematology
Thrombosis research

Background:

Elevated estrogen levels are linked to acquired activated protein C (APC) resistance.
Understanding hormonal influences on coagulation is crucial for thrombosis risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of physiological estradiol fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on APC resistance.
To determine if natural hormonal changes affect blood's sensitivity to APC.

Main Methods:

Seventy-two women with normal menstrual cycles were studied.
Blood samples were collected during the early follicular and luteal phases to measure estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and APC resistance.
APC resistance was assessed using both activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)-based and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP)-based assays.

Main Results:

No significant changes in APC resistance were observed between menstrual cycle phases, despite a significant increase in E2 levels.
No correlations were found between E2 or P4 levels and APC resistance.
Factor V Leiden carriers showed no differential response to E2 fluctuations compared to non-carriers.

Conclusions:

Physiological variations in estradiol and progesterone during the normal menstrual cycle do not significantly alter an individual's sensitivity to APC.
These findings suggest that natural hormonal changes within the menstrual cycle are unlikely to be a major factor in acquired APC resistance.