Menstrual Cycle

From Embryology

Introduction

The human reproductive cycle, an cyclic endocrine regulated change in female anatomy and physiology that occur over 28 days (4 weeks, a lunar month) during reproductive life (between puberty and menopause). Endocrine changes during pregnancy block the menstrual cycle, which normally would shed the functional layer of the uterine lining each cycle.

This cycle differs from other non-primate female vertebrates (eg rats, mice, horses, pig) that have a reproductive cycle called the estrous cycle (oestrous, British spelling).


UNSW Embryology: Human Menstrual Cycle