The menstrual cycle is when the lining of the uterus is shed in a monthly cycle to prepare the body for reproduction. There are several changes that occur to the female body during menstruation, including hormonal imbalance. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the change in hormones often results in symptoms of cramping, moodiness and decreased sexual desire.
Luteinizing and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones are produced by the pituitary gland. The Mayo Clinic indicates that these hormones are responsible for stimulating the growth of the ovarian follicles. This is important in the female reproductive system for developing the egg that leads to pregnancy. The luteinizing hormone increases the amount of estrogen, another hormone, in the follicle cells. The primary significance of these hormones is to promote ovulation by stimulating the estrogen and progesterone hormones.
Estrogen and Progesterone
The estrogen hormone most important for reproduction is estradiol. Estrogen governs the monthly thickening of the endometrium, which aids in fertilization from sperm after menstruation has ended. Progesterone also stimulates the uterus for possible fertilization. After estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, menstrual bleeding occurs. According to the Mayo Clinic, the decrease in these two hormone levels prompts an increase in the follicle-stimulating hormone for the development of ovarian follicles. Later, the follicle-stimulating hormone decreases again, eventually producing more estrogen.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone governs the amount of estrogen in the body. This hormone is produced by the hypothalamus in the base of the brain. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this hormone is sparked by declining levels of estrogen during the end of the menstrual cycle. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is nearly tripled during this burst of activity until the cycle wanes and begins again. The menstrual cycle is a constant flow of hormones affecting each other, causing spikes, decreased secretions and leveling out, depending on the point in the cycle.
