How do hormonal changes affect the endometrial cycle?
The endometrial cycle is a prime example of how hormonal changes impact tissue structure. The endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, undergoes cyclic changes driven by estrogen and progesterone. During the proliferative phase, estrogen stimulates the proliferation of the endometrial cells, leading to thickening of the lining. In the secretory phase, progesterone promotes the secretion of nourishing substances to prepare for potential implantation. If pregnancy does not occur, hormonal levels drop, leading to menstruation and shedding of the endometrial lining.
