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Related Concept Videos

Menopause01:28

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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice

Published on: April 7, 2014

Menstruation and the menopausal transition.

Siobán D Harlow1, Pangaja Paramsothy

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. harlow@umich.edu

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|October 4, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Menstrual bleeding changes during perimenopause are key indicators of the menopausal transition. Clinicians must consider medical factors that may affect bleeding and obscure this important life stage.

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

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Published on: April 7, 2014

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Exploring Independent Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone In Vivo in a Mouse Model

Published on: August 11, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Women's Health
  • Menopause Studies

Background:

  • Perimenopause is a complex transition period characterized by hormonal fluctuations.
  • Menstrual bleeding patterns often change significantly during perimenopause.
  • Understanding these changes is crucial for accurate identification of the menopausal transition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize menstrual bleeding changes during perimenopause.
  • To review recent findings on menstrual bleeding and the menopausal transition.
  • To highlight subpopulation differences in menopausal transition experiences.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent results from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.
  • Analysis of data from other relevant cohort studies.
  • Synthesis of emerging data on perimenopausal bleeding patterns.

Main Results:

  • Menstrual bleeding alterations serve as important markers for the menopausal transition.
  • Subpopulation differences exist in the perimenopausal experience.
  • Medical conditions and treatments can significantly impact menstrual blood loss and cycle characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • Clinicians must carefully assess medical factors influencing menstrual bleeding in midlife women.
  • Altered bleeding patterns can obscure the identification of the menopausal transition and final menstrual period.
  • Accurate assessment of menstrual changes is vital for managing women during perimenopause.