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Related Concept Videos

Proliferative Phase01:20

Proliferative Phase

The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
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...
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.
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...
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...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...

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Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
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Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Published on: January 26, 2018

Uterine stretch and progesterone action.

K Lei1, L Chen, B J Cryar

  • 1Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Progesterone does not prevent preterm labor in multiple pregnancies because it cannot block stretch-induced gene changes in the uterus. Stretch also does not inhibit progesterone

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Last Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Published on: August 13, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular endocrinology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Progesterone effectively reduces preterm labor risk in singleton pregnancies.
  • Progesterone's efficacy is absent in multiple pregnancies, suggesting a different mechanism.
  • Functional progesterone withdrawal is linked to the onset of human labor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if progesterone inhibits stretch-induced gene expression in myometrial cells.
  • To investigate if uterine stretch interferes with progesterone's action.
  • To explore potential mechanisms for progesterone's ineffectiveness in multiple pregnancies and labor onset.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using primary human myometrial cell cultures.
  • Assessed stretch-induced ERK1/2 activation and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression.
  • Evaluated progesterone's effects on gene expression, progesterone response elements, and IL-1β-driven expression under stretch.

Main Results:

  • Progesterone did not inhibit stretch-induced ERK1/2 activation or cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression.
  • Stretch did not impair progesterone's ability to modulate gene expression or activate response elements.
  • Stretch reduced progesterone receptor mRNA via nuclear factor κB activation, but this did not alter progesterone response.

Conclusions:

  • Progesterone's inability to inhibit stretch-induced pathways may explain its failure in preventing preterm labor in multiple pregnancies.
  • Stretch-induced reduction in progesterone receptor expression is insufficient to block progesterone action.
  • The observed stretch-induced changes do not fully explain functional progesterone withdrawal during human labor.