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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

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...
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.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

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

Published on: September 1, 2019

How menstrual shame affects birth.

Sharon Moloney1

  • 1Centre for Women's Studies, James Cook University, Rasmussen, Townsville, Qld., Australia. sharon.moloney@jcu.edu.au

Women and Birth : Journal of the Australian College of Midwives
|April 20, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Western culture views menstruation and birth as shameful and pathological. This research reveals how reframing these as spiritual experiences can empower women, fostering fearless childbirth and reclaiming female spirituality.

Area of Science:

  • Sociology of health
  • Feminist studies
  • Cultural anthropology

Background:

  • Western culture often medicalizes menstruation and childbirth, associating them with shame and pathology.
  • Societal norms perpetuate menstrual shame, impacting women's self-perception and experiences of birth.
  • Cross-cultural perspectives highlight menstruation and birth as spiritual, initiatory processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between cultural attitudes towards menstruation, spirituality, and women's experiences of childbirth.
  • To investigate the role of patriarchal structures and menstrual shame in female disempowerment during birth.
  • To identify how reframing menstruation and birth as sacred can foster empowerment.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative research utilizing a feminist perspective.

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

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis
06:22

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

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

  • Exploration of women's lived experiences and cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation and birth.
  • Analysis of the impact of patriarchal control and menstrual shame on women's bodily experiences.

    • Main Results:

    • Menstrual shame is a key patriarchal mechanism contributing to female subordination and fear surrounding birth.
    • A counter-cultural group of women transformed their experiences by embracing menstruation as a spiritual phenomenon.
    • This spiritual reframing led to dismantling shame, connecting with female spirituality, and experiencing birth fearlessly.

    Conclusions:

    • Cultural perceptions significantly shape women's experiences of menstruation and birth.
    • Challenging menstrual shame and embracing the sacredness of female physiology can lead to empowerment.
    • Menstruation and birth can be reclaimed as powerful, spiritual sources of female authority and empowerment.