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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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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.
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The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
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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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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.
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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.
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Menstrual cycle estradiol fluctuations predict changes in affect and socioemotional functioning.

Bethany Sander1, Duncan Preston1, Jennifer L Gordon1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 2Z3, Canada.

Psychoneuroendocrinology
|February 17, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Estradiol (E2) influences mood and stress responses in women. Higher E2 levels correlate with better mood and self-esteem, while lower levels may increase anger perception and stress reactivity.

Keywords:
AffectEmotion recognitionEstradiolMenstrual cyclePsychosocial stressRejection sensitivity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Reproductive Psychology
  • Affective Neuroscience

Background:

  • Estradiol (E2) is implicated in mood and socioemotional functioning in women.
  • Previous research is limited by cross-sectional designs, hindering E2-specific effect conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the longitudinal effects of estradiol (E2) on psychological and physiological responses.
  • To compare outcomes during low E2 (early follicular) versus high E2 (late follicular) phases.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 23 naturally cycling women.
  • Assessed affect, self-esteem, irritability, emotion recognition, and reactivity to social exclusion and stress.
  • Collected data during early follicular (low E2) and late follicular (high E2) phases.

Main Results:

  • Negative affect and irritability were higher in the low E2 phase.
  • Positive affect and self-esteem were higher in the high E2 phase.
  • Rumination after social exclusion increased in the low E2 phase; exploratory analyses showed altered stress-related cortisol and heart rate responses.

Conclusions:

  • The late follicular, high E2 phase is associated with improved general affective states.
  • Low or declining E2 may heighten anger perception, rumination, and physiological stress responses.