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Related Concept Videos

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.
Cause and Effect01:53

Cause and Effect

While variables are sometimes correlated because one does cause the other, it could also be that some other factor, a confounding variable, is actually causing the systematic movement in our variables of interest. For instance, as sales in ice cream increase, so does the overall rate of crime. Is it possible that indulging in your favorite flavor of ice cream could send you on a crime spree? Or, after committing crime do you think you might decide to treat yourself to a cone?
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...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 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

Do lunar phases influence menstruation? A year-long retrospective study.

I Ilias, F Spanoudi, E Koukkou

    Endocrine Regulations
    |July 30, 2013
    PubMed
    Summary

    This long-term study found no link between the menstrual cycle and moon phases. Analysis of 980 cycles in 74 women revealed no synchrony, challenging traditional beliefs.

    Keywords:
    menstruation, moon cycles.

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    Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

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    Last Updated: May 9, 2026

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

    Published on: August 30, 2021

    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

    Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
    09:01

    Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

    Published on: September 15, 2012

    Area of Science:

    • Gynecology and Reproductive Health
    • Chronobiology
    • Lunar and Astronomical Influences

    Background:

    • Traditional beliefs and anecdotal evidence suggest a connection between lunar cycles and menstruation.
    • Previous short-term studies have offered conflicting or inconclusive findings on this topic.
    • Understanding potential environmental influences on reproductive cycles is crucial for women's health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential synchrony between the onset of menstruation and lunar phases.
    • To provide robust, long-term data to address the persistent belief in a menstrual-lunar cycle connection.
    • To analyze a large dataset of menstrual cycles and lunar phases using advanced statistical methods.

    Main Methods:

    • Cross-approximate entropy analysis was employed to assess potential synchrony.
    • Data included 980 menstrual cycles from 74 women over a full calendar year.
    • Menstruation onset dates were compared against corresponding lunar phases (new moon, full moon, etc.).

    Main Results:

    • No statistically significant synchrony was detected between menstrual cycle onset and lunar phases.
    • The findings were consistent across the entire year-long study period.
    • Results contradict some previous short-term research and popular beliefs.

    Conclusions:

    • This long-term study provides strong evidence against a direct link between lunar phases and the menstrual cycle.
    • The findings suggest that perceived correlations are likely coincidental rather than causal.
    • Further research may explore other environmental or biological factors influencing menstrual cyclicity.