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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.
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...
Birth Control Methods01:22

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 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

Elements of the menstrual suppression debate.

Christine L Hitchcock1

  • 1Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), Endocrinology/Medicine, University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. chris.hitchcock@ubc.ca

Health Care for Women International
|July 30, 2008
PubMed
Summary

This review examines arguments for extended use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) for menstrual suppression. It analyzes how menstruation is framed and discusses potential public consequences of the ongoing debate.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 3, 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

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Contraception
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) are frequently used for menstrual suppression.
  • Debates surrounding extended CHC use involve various stakeholders and arguments.
  • Understanding these debates is crucial for informed reproductive health discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common arguments and frameworks in the debate on extended CHC use for menstrual suppression.
  • To examine the portrayal of menstruation and the scope of risks discussed.
  • To address the role of industry, clinical experience, and public consequences.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of arguments and frameworks.
  • Analysis of how menstruation is described.
  • Examination of risk assessment and stakeholder influence.

Main Results:

  • Common arguments for menstrual suppression are identified.
  • The framing of menstruation and risk assessment varies.
  • The influence of the pharmaceutical industry and clinical experience is noted.
  • Concerns regarding lower-dose formulations and off-label use are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • The debate on extended CHC use for menstrual suppression is multifaceted.
  • Public perception and awareness are significantly impacted by this discourse.
  • Further research is needed to address concerns about contraceptive effectiveness and off-label practices.