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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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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

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

Published on: August 30, 2021

Physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle: a review.

Miranda A Farage¹, Sallie Neill, Allan B MacLean

¹Procter & Gamble Company, Winton Hill Business Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224, USA. farage.m@pg.com

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey

|December 23, 2008

Summary

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle significantly impact female physiology, affecting skin health, immune function, and disease susceptibility. Understanding these changes is key for effective medical treatments in women.

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Published on: September 1, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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

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Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

Published on: September 1, 2019

Area of Science:

Gynecology
Dermatology
Endocrinology

Background:

The menstrual cycle involves cyclic hormonal changes, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
These hormones influence various tissues and organs, including the skin.
Skin possesses estrogen and progesterone receptors, making it responsive to hormonal fluctuations.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the impact of menstrual cycle hormonal changes on the female body.
To detail how estrogen and progesterone influence skin characteristics and function.
To highlight the connection between hormonal shifts, immune function, and disease susceptibility.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on hormonal influences during the menstrual cycle.
Analysis of the role of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the skin.
Examination of the effects of hormonal fluctuations on skin properties and immune responses.

Main Results:

Estrogen and progesterone levels cyclically affect skin hydration, sebum production, thickness, and barrier function.
Dermal collagen content, skin elasticity, and wrinkle resistance are hormone-dependent.
Hormonal changes influence skin pigmentation, UV susceptibility, microflora, immune function, and disease risk.

Conclusions:

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels profoundly impact premenopausal women's biological responses.
Understanding these hormonal influences is crucial for optimizing medical therapy efficacy.
The skin's responsiveness highlights the systemic effects of the menstrual cycle.