31/07/2024
— the menstrual cycle as a rhythm —
the menstrual cycle is an intricate process involving a complex interplay of physiological changes, with its cyclical rhythm controlled by a delicate balance of s*x hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), + luteinising hormone (LH). these hormones work (ideally) in harmony to regulate the growth + shedding of the uterine lining, along with the development + release of an egg from the ovaries. the endocrine glands are responsible for hormone production, while the hypothalamus, the pituitary + the ovaries (aka the HPO axis) are responsible for cyclic regulation.
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the rhythm of this cycle + the hormones involved occur in phases:
——— menstrual phase, day 1—7: occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed, resulting in menstruation (periods). it is characterised by the presence of low levels of oestrogen + progesterone, + high levels of FSH + LH.
——— follicular phase, day 7—13: occurs after menstruation + is characterised by the growth + development of the uterine lining. during this phase, oestrogen levels begin to rise, + FSH + LH levels decrease.
——— ovulatory phase, day 13—15: during this phase several hormones peak in order to support the release of a mature egg from the o***y. the two main hormones that peak at ovulation are LH + FSH, triggering a rising oestrogen that peaks at ovulation (the main event of the whole orchestra). oestrogen is produced by the ovaries + it helps to thicken the lining of the uterus, preparing it for a fertilised egg to implant. oestrogen also contributes to the development of cervical mucus, which helps to transport the s***m to the egg.
——— luteal phase, day 15—28: the luteal phase occurs after ovulation + is characterised by the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. during this phase, progesterone levels rise, + oestrogen levels decrease. if the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a drop in progesterone + the cycle repeats.
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the rhythm of the menstrual cycle is that of an orchestrated harmony when aligned, just one of many cyclical aspects of the human condition.
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image of Charlotte Moorman ‘TV Cello’.