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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...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis
06:22

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

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Bowel function and transit rate during the menstrual cycle.

M A Kamm1, M J Farthing, J E Lennard-Jones

  • 1St Mark's Hospital, London.

Gut
|May 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Sex hormones do not significantly impact gut transit time or bowel function in healthy women. Studies show no major changes in transit rate, stool weight, frequency, or consistency during different menstrual cycle phases.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Gynecology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The menstrual cycle involves significant hormonal fluctuations.
  • Hormonal changes are known to influence various bodily functions.
  • The effect of sex hormones on gastrointestinal (GI) motility requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the menstrual cycle on whole gut transit time.
  • To assess changes in bowel function during the follicular and luteal phases.
  • To determine if sex hormones influence GI transit and bowel habits.

Main Methods:

  • Whole gut transit rate was measured in 18 healthy women.
  • Measurements were taken during both the follicular and luteal phases.
  • Ovulation was biochemically confirmed, and bowel frequency/consistency were tracked via diary.

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Main Results:

  • No significant difference was found in mean transit time between the follicular (45.2 ± 2.7 h) and luteal (51.3 ± 4.1 h) phases (p = 0.12).
  • Stool weight (132 ± 7 g/day vs. 123 ± 10 g/day) and stool consistency showed no significant variations.
  • Bowel frequency and consistency remained unchanged throughout the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases.

Conclusions:

  • Under normal physiological conditions, sex hormones do not exert a major influence on bowel function.
  • Gut transit rate and bowel habits are not significantly altered by the hormonal shifts of the menstrual cycle.
  • These findings suggest GI motility is largely independent of cyclical sex hormone fluctuations in healthy women.