What Are the Histological Changes During the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle consists of three main phases: the menstrual phase, proliferative phase, and secretory phase. During the proliferative phase, estrogen stimulates the thickening of the endometrial lining. In the secretory phase, progesterone induces glandular secretion and further endometrial thickening in preparation for embryo implantation. If fertilization does not occur, hormone levels drop, leading to the menstrual phase where the endometrial lining is shed.