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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...
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.
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Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
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Published on: August 13, 2015

Changes in functioning of mesolimbic incentive processing circuits during the premenstrual phase.

Lindsey Ossewaarde1, Guido A van Wingen, Sabine C Kooijman

  • 1Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. lindsey.ossewaarde@donders.ru.nl

Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience
|September 7, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Premenstrual hormone decline enhances brain reward activity, particularly in women with more symptoms. This suggests changes in dopamine pathways may explain premenstrual behavioral shifts.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The premenstrual phase is linked to behavioral changes, potentially due to gonadal hormones affecting the mesolimbic dopamine system.
  • Animal studies suggest hormonal influences on motivated behaviors via the dopamine (DA) system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate premenstrual changes in reward-related neural activity in human DA system terminal regions.
  • To examine the relationship between menstrual cycle phase, reward anticipation, and premenstrual symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in 28 healthy women.
  • Participants underwent fMRI during the late follicular and premenstrual phases using a monetary incentive delay task.
  • Ventral striatum responsiveness to reward anticipation was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Ventral striatal responses to reward anticipation were significantly enhanced during the premenstrual phase compared to the follicular phase.
  • This enhanced response was most pronounced in women reporting higher levels of premenstrual symptoms.
  • Findings suggest altered functioning of mesolimbic incentive processing circuits premenstrually.

Conclusions:

  • Premenstrual changes in the mesolimbic dopamine system may underlie alterations in motivated behaviors.
  • The decline in gonadal hormones premenstrually might induce a dopamine withdrawal-like state, increasing reward cue responsiveness.
  • These neural changes correlate with the severity of premenstrual symptoms.