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Related Concept Videos

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

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.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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...
Secretory Phase01:19

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...
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

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...
Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
Menses Phase01:18

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

Does inhibin have an endocrine function during the menstrual cycle?

H M Fraser1, S F Lunn

  • 1Hamish M. Fraser and Stephen F. Lunn are at the MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh EH3 9EW Scotland.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|August 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Inhibin, a key ovarian hormone, may not regulate pituitary FSH as previously thought. Further research is needed to understand inhibin/activin gene expression and endocrine function in the primate ovary.

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Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
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Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids

Published on: October 4, 2019

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Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
09:20

Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids

Published on: October 4, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive endocrinology
  • Ovarian physiology
  • Hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle

Background:

  • Inhibin, an alpha-beta heterodimer, is considered the main nonsteroidal ovarian regulator of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion.
  • Activin, a beta-beta heterodimer, produced by the ovary and other tissues, has local actions opposite to inhibin.
  • Elevated immunoreactive inhibin during the luteal phase suggests a negative feedback role in FSH control, but immunoneutralization studies have not confirmed this.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To enhance understanding of the gonadotropic control of inhibin/activin gene expression in the primate ovary.
  • To investigate the role of inhibin/activin binding proteins.
  • To clarify the nature of secretory products and resolve the endocrine function of inhibin during the menstrual cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on inhibin and activin.
  • Discussion of immunoneutralization techniques and their limitations.
  • Highlighting the need for further research into gene expression and protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • Previous assumptions about inhibin's direct negative feedback on FSH secretion are questioned.
  • Immunoneutralization attempts have failed to establish a clear endocrine role for inhibin.
  • The precise mechanisms of inhibin/activin action and regulation remain unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Further investigation is required to elucidate the complex roles of inhibin and activin in the primate ovary.
  • Understanding inhibin/activin gene expression, binding proteins, and secretory products is crucial.
  • Resolving the endocrine function of inhibin and its role in follicular development control necessitates enhanced research.