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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

The menstrual cycle: basic biology.

Shannon M Hawkins1, Martin M Matzuk

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. shannonh@bcm.edu

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 25, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The menstrual cycle involves complex interactions between the brain and reproductive organs. Environmental factors like stress and genetic conditions can disrupt this delicate hormonal balance, affecting reproductive health.

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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets
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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets

Published on: July 5, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets
06:17

Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets

Published on: July 5, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
  • Numerous internal and external factors can disrupt normal menstrual cyclicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the intricate biological mechanisms underlying menstrual cycle regulation.
  • To identify key environmental and genetic factors that perturb menstrual function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established knowledge on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
  • Analysis of documented environmental influences (stress, exercise, eating disorders, obesity).
  • Examination of genetic contributions (Fragile X, chromosomal abnormalities, GALT mutations).

Main Results:

  • The menstrual cycle is highly sensitive to environmental stressors and metabolic states.
  • Specific genetic mutations, including those in GALT, are linked to menstrual cycle dysfunction.
  • Mouse models have proven valuable in understanding human menstrual cycle perturbations.

Conclusions:

  • Menstrual cycle regulation is a complex interplay of hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors.
  • Understanding these perturbations is crucial for diagnosing and managing reproductive health issues.
  • Further research, including animal models, is essential for comprehensive insights.