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Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...

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...

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...

Menopause

Menopause

Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...

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...

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Published on: October 4, 2024

Premenstrual syndrome.

Kimberly Ann Yonkers¹, P M Shaughn O'Brien, Elias Eriksson

¹Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, CT 06510, USA. Kimberly.Yonkers@yale.edu

Lancet (London, England)

|April 9, 2008

Summary

Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affect 5-8% of women. Treatments target hormonal fluctuations or brain serotonin pathways for symptom relief.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Neuropsychiatry
Women's Health

Background:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are common conditions affecting women of reproductive age.
Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe mood and behavioral changes, significantly impacting daily life for 5-8% of women.
Both somatic complaints and significant psychological distress characterize these conditions.

Discussion:

Theories suggest gonadal hormone fluctuations trigger PMS/PMDD symptoms.
Two primary treatment strategies are discussed: modulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis and targeting brain serotonergic synapses.
Interventions include GnRH analogues, oestradiol, and oral contraceptives to suppress ovarian cyclicity.

Key Insights:

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Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Published on: August 13, 2015

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Published on: October 4, 2024

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Published on: August 13, 2015

Abolishing ovarian cyclicity via hormonal interventions effectively reduces PMS/PMDD symptoms.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrate established efficacy, whether administered continuously or during the luteal phase.

Combined treatment approaches may offer comprehensive symptom management.

Outlook:

Further research into personalized treatment strategies based on individual symptom profiles and underlying mechanisms.
Exploring novel therapeutic targets beyond current hormonal and serotonergic interventions.
Improving diagnostic criteria and accessibility to effective treatments for PMS and PMDD.