Biology and the Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycle is regulated by fluctuating levels of sex hormones These hormones produce certain changes in the ovaries and uterus Humans are nearly unique among species in having a menstrual cycle Other species of mammals have estrous cycles
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The Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle has 4 phases: 1. Follicular phase - proliferative phase or preovulatory phase 2. Ovulation 3. Luteal phase - secretory phase or postovulatory phase 4. Menstruation
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Hormones and What Happens in the Ovaries

Follicular phase - high levels of FSH secreted Function is to stimulate follicles in the ovaries One follicle begins to ripen and brings an egg to maturity Follicle secretes estrogen Ovulation - follicle ruptures open and releases the ripened egg

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Hormones and What Happens in the Ovaries

Luteal phase - after releasing an egg, the follicle turns into the corpus luteum The corpus luteum manufactures progesterone Menstruation - shedding of the inner lining of the uterus

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What Happens in the Uterus

Follicular phase - endometrium proliferates Luteal phase - progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum stimulates the glands of the endometrium to start secreting the nourishing substances

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What Happens in the Uterus

Corpus luteum continues to produce estrogen and progesterone for about 10 to 12 days If pregnancy has not occurred, its hormone output declines

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Length and Timing of the Cycle

Normal menstrual cycle = 20 to 36 to 40 days; average is about 28 days
Menstruation begins on day 1 and continues until about day 4 or 5 Follicular phase extends from about day 5 to about day 13 Ovulation occurs on day 14 Luteal phase extends from day 15 to the end of the cycle, day 28
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Length and Timing of the Cycle

Mittelschmerz - middle pain; cramping in lower abdomen that occurs during ovulation

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Other Cyclic Changes

Two other physiological processes fluctuate with the menstrual cycle:
The cervical mucus cycle The basal body temperature cycle

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Menstrual Problems
Dysmenorrhea - painful menstruation
Possible cause - prostaglandins

Amenorrhea - absence of menstruation

Primary amenorrhea - when girl has not menstruated by about age 18 Secondary amenorrhea - absence of menstruation if she has had at least one period
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Fluctuations in Mood
Premenstrual syndrome - PMS PMS is a combination of severe physical and psychological symptoms, such as depression and irritability, occurring just before menstruation

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Fluctuations in Performance
Research on intellectual or athletic performance generally shows no fluctuations over the cycle Research on academic performance, problem solving, memory, or creative thinking shows no fluctuations over the cycle
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Fluctuations in Sex Drive

Results of one study indicated that testosterone levels peaked at ovulation Other studies have indicated contradictory results

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What Causes the Fluctuations in Mood

Biological factors
Fluctuations in levels of hormones

Environmental factors
Menstrual taboos and cultural expectations

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Cycles in Men
One study found evidence of behavioral cycles in men Another study identified that high testosterone levels were correlated with depression Other researchers have found cycles in mens emotional states
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