What is the menstrual cycle? what endocrine glands are involved in the menstrual cycle? What hormones are involved?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for a possible pregnancy. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation), the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation), and the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilized egg to implant.

The endocrine glands involved in the menstrual cycle are the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and adrenal glands.

The hormones involved in the menstrual cycle include:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - produced by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries.

2. Luteinizing hormone (LH) - also produced by the pituitary gland, LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovary during ovulation.

3. Estrogen - produced by the ovaries, estrogen helps stimulate the growth of the uterine lining.

4. Progesterone - also produced by the ovaries, progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining and prepare it for a possible pregnancy.

5. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - produced by the hypothalamus, GnRH regulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

These hormones work together in a complex feedback loop to regulate the menstrual cycle and ensure proper ovulation and menstruation.