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Related Concept Videos

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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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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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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Secretory Phase01:19

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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
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Development and initial validation of the menstrual sensitivity index.

Ariel B Handy1, Laura C Seidman1, Laura A Payne1,2

  • 1McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, United States.

Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.)
|September 9, 2023
PubMed
Summary

A new scale, the Menstrual Sensitivity Index, was developed to measure women's attunement to menstrual symptoms. This validated tool reliably assesses menstrual sensitivity, aiding research and clinical work on menstrual pain.

Keywords:
chronic painmenstrual painmenstrual sensitivityscale development

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Women's Health
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Menstrual pain and symptoms significantly impact women's quality of life.
  • Existing measures may not fully capture the psychological construct of sensitivity to these experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a scale measuring sensitivity to menstrual pain and symptoms.
  • To establish the psychometric properties of the new scale.

Main Methods:

  • Development of an 8-item scale via factor analyses.
  • Validation using data from a nationwide online sample (UniVox platform).
  • Assessment of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent/divergent validity.

Main Results:

  • The Menstrual Sensitivity Index (MSI) demonstrated excellent internal consistency and good reliability.
  • The MSI showed convergent validity with menstrual/pain measures and divergent validity with anxiety, depression, and nonmenstrual pain.

Conclusions:

  • Menstrual sensitivity is a distinct construct reflecting women's awareness and fear of menstrual symptoms.
  • The Menstrual Sensitivity Index is a valid and reliable measure for this construct.
  • The MSI can advance research and clinical interventions for menstrual pain.