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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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The human menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle that involves the shedding of the uterine lining in the absence of pregnancy. It typically lasts about 28 days and is controlled by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The cycle starts with menstruation, followed by the development and release of an egg, and ends with either pregnancy or the shedding of the uterine lining.

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Q: What is human menstrual cycle?
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Which structures in the human body are directly affected by the hormones involved with the menstrual cycle?

The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle primarily affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and menstrual lining (endometrium). These hormones regulate the growth, shedding, and repair of these structures during the menstrual cycle.


How long is woman's menstrual cycle?

A woman's menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with the average being around 28 days.


How can a sperm influence the menstrual cycle?

Sperm does not directly influence the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones like estrogen and progesterone that are produced by the ovaries. Sperm's role is to fertilize an egg if present, which can lead to pregnancy but does not impact the regularity of the menstrual cycle.


Can you see the egg in your menstrual cycle?

No, the egg itself is microscopic and cannot be seen during the menstrual cycle. The egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, which typically occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle.


What is menstrual cycle in human beings?

The menstrual cycle is the regular hormonal process that women's bodies go through to prepare for a possible pregnancy. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation), followed by the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), and then the preparation of the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the cycle repeats itself approximately every 28 days.

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.


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).


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

gybyghny


Which gland helps regulate the human menstrual cycle?

pituitary gland


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

No


Which structures in the human body are directly affected by the hormones involved with the menstrual cycle?

The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle primarily affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and menstrual lining (endometrium). These hormones regulate the growth, shedding, and repair of these structures during the menstrual cycle.


How long is woman's menstrual cycle?

A woman's menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with the average being around 28 days.


What is menapuse?

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


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

female and mail


How can you accelerate menstrual-cycle?

wow can i accelerate menstrual cycle?