The normal menstrual cycle in women.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic and physiological literature without systematic review methodology
PubMed 20869180 · doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes the endocrine, ovarian, and endometrial physiology of the normal human menstrual cycle, including follicular wave dynamics, dominant follicle selection, corpus luteum lifespan, and comparative aspects with monovulatory domestic animals (cows and mares).
What was found
The abstract reports menstrual cycle lengths of 26-35 days, 5-day menses, and a fertile phase extending from 5 days before ovulation through ovulation day. Two-thirds of women show two follicle waves and one-third show three follicle waves per cycle, with three-wave cycles exhibiting longer duration, later estradiol rises, and later LH surges. The corpus luteum peaks in size, secretion, and vascularization 6-7 days post-ovulation. Luteal regression is prevented by hCG from 8 days post-conception.
Why it matters
It provides a consolidated physiological reference for human ovarian wave patterns and endocrine control, supporting comparative reproductive physiology models in veterinary species.
Limits
As a narrative review, it presents general physiological values without a systematic search methodology, sample sizes, confidence intervals, or underlying study characteristics.
Cited by
- supports During the bleed week of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels are low while follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the developing follicle.
- supports Following ovulation, the ovarian follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone to thicken the endometrial lining.