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

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Mood and the menstrual cycle.

Sarah E Romans1, David Kreindler, Eriola Asllani

  • 1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. sarah.romans@otago.ac.nz

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|November 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Menstrual cycle phase does not significantly impact mood. Daily mood is better explained by physical health, perceived stress, and social support, not premenstrual symptoms.

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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets
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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets

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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets
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Blood Sampling and Hormone Measurement for Determining the Stage in the Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets

Published on: July 5, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Women's Health
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Societal expectations influence perceptions of premenstrual mood symptoms.
  • Limited prospective studies examine mood across all menstrual cycle phases.
  • Investigating menstrual cycle phase influences on mood is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Analyze daily mood data for menstrual cycle (MC) phase cyclicity over six months.
  • Compare MC phase influences on mood with physical health, perceived stress, and social support.
  • Evaluate the validity of premenstrual dysphoria as a widespread condition.

Main Methods:

  • Random sample of Canadian women (18-40 years) collected daily mood and health data.
  • Utilized telemetry for data collection over a six-month period.
  • Analyzed 395 complete menstrual cycles (MCs).

Main Results:

  • Only half of mood items showed any MC phase association, primarily with menses or menses plus premenstrual phases.
  • Menstrual cycle entrainment was observed in less than 0.5% of mood data.
  • Physical health, perceived stress, and social support were significantly stronger predictors of mood than MC phase (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Study findings do not support the concept of specific premenstrual dysphoria.
  • Daily mood is more effectively explained by physical health, perceived stress, and social support.
  • Menstrual cycle phase has a minimal impact on daily mood fluctuations.