While several hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, prostaglandins, specifically PGF2α and PGE2, are the hormones at their highest levels during a menstrual period. These hormones are not as widely discussed as estrogen or progesterone but play a crucial role in menstruation.
Understanding Hormonal Changes During Menstruation
The menstrual cycle is a complex process regulated by various hormones. Estrogen and progesterone levels, while significantly influencing the cycle, show varying levels throughout the phases, not peaking specifically during the period itself.
- Estrogen: Estrogen levels rise during the follicular phase (before ovulation) and then again in the luteal phase (after ovulation). However, estrogen levels decrease towards the end of the luteal phase, preceding menstruation. [Reference: Estrogen levels rise and fall twice during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels rise during the mid-follicular phase and then drop precipitously after ovulation. This is followed by a secondary rise in estrogen levels during the mid-luteal phase with a decrease at the end of the menstrual cycle.05-Aug-2018] [Reference: During the luteal phase, the estrogen level is high.]
- Progesterone: Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and then fall before menstruation. [Reference: During ovulation, estrogen levels decrease in a woman's body, and progesterone levels begin to rise. Once ovulation has occurred, the luteal phase of the ...]
- Prostaglandins: These hormones, specifically PGF2α and PGE2, increase after ovulation and reach their peak concentration during menstruation. Their primary role is to cause uterine contractions, which lead to the shedding of the uterine lining and the menstrual bleeding. [Reference: Prostaglandins, “PGF2α” and “PGE2”, cause the uterine muscle to cramp. These hormones rise after ovulation and are highest during a period (15,16). Cramping ...] [Reference: As you approach the end of your menstrual cycle, one of your progesterone hormones (prostaglandin) rises and triggers uterine contractions. This causes the ...]
Therefore, while other hormones play vital roles in the menstrual cycle, prostaglandins are uniquely associated with the highest levels during the period itself, primarily responsible for the associated cramping.
