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Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

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...

Menopause

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...

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

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 Phase

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 Cycle

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 Phase

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 22, 2026

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a peri-menopausal perspective.

L J Baker¹, P M S O'Brien

¹University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Staffordshire ST4 6QG, UK. ljb234@doctors.org.uk

|April 27, 2012

Summary

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts women, especially during perimenopause. This article discusses diagnosis and treatment, focusing on managing hormonal treatments and symptoms effectively.

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Last Updated: May 22, 2026

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Published on: June 13, 2021

Area of Science:

Reproductive endocrinology
Gynecology
Women's health

Background:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 30-40% of reproductive-aged women, causing significant impairment.
Perimenopausal women are particularly affected by PMS, often exacerbated by hormonal treatments.
The economic and financial impact of PMS necessitates better understanding of its diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the diagnosis and treatment of PMS, with a focus on perimenopausal women.
To describe the cycle of exogenous progestogen stimulating PMS-like symptoms and endometrial protection.
To outline treatment strategies that integrate contraceptive needs, PMS control, and menopausal symptom management.

Main Methods:

Review of current theories on PMS treatment, including ovulation suppression via the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis.
Exploration of the role of neurotransmitters and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in managing progesterone sensitivity.
Discussion of the challenges and pitfalls in diagnosing and treating PMS in the perimenopausal population.

Main Results:

PMS presents unique challenges in perimenopausal women due to hormonal fluctuations and treatments.
A cyclical relationship exists between progestogen use for endometrial protection and PMS symptom exacerbation.
Integrated treatment approaches are necessary, considering hormonal, neurological, and individual patient needs.

Conclusions:

Effective PMS management in perimenopause requires a comprehensive approach addressing hormonal and neurological factors.
Avoiding the vicious cycle of progestogen-induced symptoms is crucial for successful treatment.
Surgical interventions for PMS are generally discouraged and considered a last resort.