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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.
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...
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 Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
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 26, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
12:34

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Published on: July 6, 2014

Immunology and the menstrual cycle.

Sabine Oertelt-Prigione1

  • 1Institute of Gender in Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. sabine.oertelt-prigione@charite.de

Autoimmunity Reviews
|December 14, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle impact immune cell activity and chronic disease symptoms in women. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing conditions like autoimmune diseases and asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Sex and gender differences are recognized in disease prevalence and pathogenesis.
  • The menstrual cycle offers a unique in vivo model to study hormonal fluctuations' effects on immune function.
  • Limited research exists on menstrual cycle-driven immune cell fluctuations, but interest is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the menstrual cycle's modulatory effects on immune cells.
  • To examine the impact of the menstrual cycle on chronic diseases in women of reproductive age.
  • To explore the link between hormonal changes and disease exacerbations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the menstrual cycle's influence on immune cells and diseases.

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Isolation of Dendritic Cells from the Human Female Reproductive Tract for Phenotypical and Functional Studies

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 26, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
12:34

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Published on: July 6, 2014

Isolation of Dendritic Cells from the Human Female Reproductive Tract for Phenotypical and Functional Studies
12:32

Isolation of Dendritic Cells from the Human Female Reproductive Tract for Phenotypical and Functional Studies

Published on: March 13, 2018

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

  • Analysis of physiological effects of progesterone and estrogen fluctuations.
  • Correlation of immune cell modulation with chronic and acute disease patterns.

    • Main Results:

    • The menstrual cycle influences immune cell numbers and activity, exemplified by regulatory T cells.
    • Hormonal fluctuations affect baseline inflammation and immune cell activation.
    • Many chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions, asthma, and diabetes, show symptom worsening premenstrually or during menses.

    Conclusions:

    • Menstrual cycle phases significantly modulate immune responses and disease activity.
    • Hormonal shifts, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are key drivers of these changes.
    • Understanding these cyclical variations is vital for managing women's health and chronic diseases.