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What is human menstrual cycle?

Updated: 9/28/2023
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The menstrual cycle is the scientific term for the physiological changes that can occur in fertile women for the purpose of sexual reproduction and fertilization. This article focuses on the human menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle, under the control of the endocrine system, is necessary for reproduction. It is commonly divided into three phases: the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase; although some sources use a different set of phases: menstruation, proliferative phase, and secretory phase.[1] Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Hormonal contraception interferes with the normal hormonal changes with the aim of preventing reproduction.

Stimulated by gradually increasing amounts of estrogen in the follicular phase, discharges of blood (menses) slow then stop, and thelining of the uterus thickens. Follicles in the ovary begin developing under the influence of a complex interplay of hormones, and after several days one or occasionally two become dominant (non-dominant follicles atrophy and die). Approximately mid-cycle, 24-36 hours after the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surges, the dominant follicle releases an ovum, or egg in an event called ovulation. After ovulation, the egg only lives for 24 hours or less without fertilization while the remains of the dominant follicle in the ovary become a corpus luteum; this body has a primary function of producing large amounts of progesterone. Under the influence of progesterone, the endometrium (uterine lining) changes to prepare for potential implantation of an embryo to establish a pregnancy. If implantation does not occur within approximately two weeks, the corpus luteum will involute, causing sharp drops in levels of both progesterone and estrogen. These hormone drops cause the uterus to shed its lining and egg in a process termed menstruation.

In the menstrual cycle, changes occur in the female reproductive system as well as other systems (which lead to breast tenderness ormood changes, for example). A woman's first menstruation is termed menarche, and occurs typically around age 12-13. The average age of menarche is about 12.5 years in the United States,[2] 12.72 in Canada,[3] 12.9 in the UK[4] and 13.06 ± 0.10 years in Iceland.[5]The end of a woman's reproductive phase is called the menopause, which commonly occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55.

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Q: What is human menstrual cycle?
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Related questions

Why is the menstrual cycle so important?

The menstrual cycle is where the woman release an egg. If the egg is fertilized, she will become pregnant and produce a child. The menstrual cycle is important for human reproduction.


What least effects the human female menstrual cycle?

The temperature on the moons of Jupiter have very little effect on the female menstrual cycle.


Can a menstrual cycle cause you to be hungry?

The menstrual cycle is the reproductive cycle of a woman, while she is of reproductive age and not suppressing her cycles with hormonal birth control, she is always experiencing her menstrual cycles. Hunger is a basic human need, it lets you know when to eat, you will always be hungry throughout your entire menstrual cycle - this is called being human.


How long is woman's menstrual cycle?

The typical menstrual cycle in human females is around 28 days long. Everyone has different menstrual cycle lengths, also cycle lengths can vary by a few days from one to the next.


What is menstrual cycle in human beings?

The menstrual cycle in human beings is the reproductive cycle. A female will ovulate and uterine lining will plump up ready for an embryo to implant, if conception doesn't occur the uterine lining sheds (menstruation).


What is ovulation and the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the reproductive cycle in human beings, and ovulation is one phase of the menstrual cycle. Each cycle a woman will ovulate and the uterine lining plups-up ready for possible pregnancy, but if she doesn't get pregnant then the uterine lining sheds (menstruation).


Does changes in menstrual cycle prove unfaithful behavior in human relationships?

No


Which phase in menstrual cycle is the human female likely to get pregnant?

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Which gland helps regulate the human menstrual cycle?

pituitary gland


How do you know when a woman is on her menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the reproductive cycle, as long as she is fertile she is always on her menstrual cycle. You can't tell where she is in her menstrual cycle unless she tells you.


What are The stages of the menstrual cycle in a human female using diagrams and captions?

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What is menapuse?

The time when the human female stops producing eggs. The menstrual cycle stops.