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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 Sympathetic Nervous System01:25

The Sympathetic Nervous System

Overview
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
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...
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...
Sympathetic Activation01:16

Sympathetic Activation

The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Sympathetic nervous system control across the menstrual cycle.

Yixue Mei1, Elric Y Allison1, Jenna C Stone1

  • 1Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|June 5, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle impact cardiovascular control. While resting sympathetic drive increases in the mid-luteal phase, neural reflexes remain stable, buffered by estradiol.

Keywords:
CardiovascularMenstrual cycleNeurovascular transductionOvarian hormonesSympathetic nerve activitySympathetic nervous systemSympathetic neural reflex

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

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

Published on: September 1, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

  • The menstrual cycle involves hormonal fluctuations affecting physiological systems, including cardiovascular control.
  • The sympathetic nervous system regulates cardiovascular homeostasis via hemodynamics, neural reflexes, and neurovascular transduction.
  • The impact of endogenous hormonal shifts on autonomic pathways is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on autonomic function throughout the menstrual cycle.
  • To examine muscle sympathetic nerve activity, sympathetic neurovascular transduction, neural reflexes, and heart rate variability.
  • To explore the influence of exogenous hormones on autonomic regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Focus on autonomic function across different menstrual cycle phases.
  • Inclusion of studies on muscle sympathetic nerve activity, neurovascular transduction, neural reflexes, and heart rate variability.

Main Results:

  • Resting sympathetic drive is elevated in the mid-luteal phase.
  • Most neural reflexes remain stable, suggesting estradiol buffers increased sympathetic drive.
  • The peripheral chemoreflex is an exception to this reflex stability.

Conclusions:

  • Estradiol surge in the mid-luteal phase enhances sympatholysis and nitric oxide bioavailability.
  • Autonomic pathways show phase-dependent modulation during the menstrual cycle.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for female lifespan physiology and pathophysiology.