What hormones change during menstruation?

During menstruation, the key hormones that undergo significant changes are estrogen and progesterone.

Here's a breakdown of how these hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, leading to menstruation:

• Estrogen: Estrogen levels rise and fall twice during the menstrual cycle.

  • The first rise occurs during the mid-follicular phase, stimulating the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrium).
  • A sharp drop in estrogen occurs after ovulation.
  • A secondary rise in estrogen levels occurs during the mid-luteal phase.
  • Finally, estrogen levels decrease at the end of the menstrual cycle, contributing to menstruation.

• Progesterone: Progesterone levels remain relatively low during the follicular phase (before ovulation).

  • After ovulation, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, causing a significant rise in progesterone levels during the luteal phase. This prepares the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.
  • If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a sharp drop in progesterone levels. This drop triggers the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation.

In summary, the coordinated rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone are crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle. The decrease in both hormones at the end of the cycle leads to the shedding of the uterine lining, which is experienced as menstruation.