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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...
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...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

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...
Menopause01:28

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice

Published on: April 7, 2014

Exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction.

K Henley1, J L Vaitukaitis

  • 1Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118.

Annual Review of Medicine
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vigorous exercise can cause menstrual irregularities, from subtle cycle changes to complete loss of menses. These can lead to serious bone density loss, osteoporosis, and fractures in athletes.

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

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
14:26

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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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Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis
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Published on: October 4, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Exercise Physiology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • Vigorous physical activity can impact the female reproductive system.
  • Menstrual irregularities are a known consequence of intense training.
  • The link between exercise and bone health is well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the spectrum of menstrual cycle changes associated with vigorous exercise.
  • To highlight the potential for serious bone mineral density complications.
  • To underscore the importance of recognizing exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on exercise and menstrual function.
  • Analysis of studies reporting bone mineral density changes in athletes.
  • Synthesis of data on the relationship between menstrual dysfunction and skeletal health.

Main Results:

  • Exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction ranges from subtle abnormalities (delayed menses, anovulatory cycles) to amenorrhea (loss of menses).
  • Significant adverse bone mineral changes, including osteoporosis and fractures, can occur alongside these menstrual issues.
  • These bone complications can be clinically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Vigorous exercise can lead to a spectrum of menstrual cycle disturbances.
  • Exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction is associated with significant risks to bone health.
  • Monitoring and addressing menstrual irregularities in athletes is crucial for preventing serious skeletal consequences.