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Related Concept Videos

Menses Phase01:18

Menses Phase

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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...
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The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

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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...
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Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

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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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Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

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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...
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Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

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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...
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Proliferative Phase01:20

Proliferative Phase

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The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 24, 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

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Human Parturition: Nothing More Than a Delayed Menstruation.

Mihaela Pavlicev1, Errol R Norwitz2,3

  • 11 Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|August 23, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Human pregnancy involves unique placental progesterone production. Key pregnancy events like decidualization occur independently during the nonpregnant menstrual cycle, suggesting potential for early detection of pregnancy complications.

Keywords:
decidualizationevolutionmenstruationparturitionplacentapregnancy

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Human pregnancy physiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Human pregnancy is unique among mammals, with the placenta producing progesterone after the luteal phase.
  • Placental mammals exhibit invasive placentation, requiring significant uterine adaptations.
  • Endometrial decidualization is a critical uterine change for accommodating placental development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the similarities between physiological changes in the nonpregnant menstrual cycle and human pregnancy.
  • To hypothesize that pregnancy complications may be detectable before pregnancy onset.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of physiological events during the nonpregnant menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
  • Focus on endometrial decidualization, intrauterine inflammation, uterine contractions, and decidual lining discharge.

Main Results:

  • The nonpregnant menstrual cycle shares fundamental characteristics with human pregnancy, including decidualization.
  • These pregnancy-associated events occur independently of the fetus during the menstrual cycle.

Conclusions:

  • Endometrial decidualization and other pregnancy hallmarks are present in the nonpregnant state.
  • Physiological defects leading to pregnancy and parturition complications may be identifiable during the menstrual cycle, enabling pre-conception diagnosis.