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The main hormone involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle that is closely linked to irregular menses is progesterone. During the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, progesterone is secreted primarily by the corpus luteum, which is formed from the ruptured follicle. This hormone plays a critical role in preparing the endometrium (the uterine lining) for a potential pregnancy by enhancing blood flow and promoting the growth of uterine tissue.
If fertilization does not occur, the levels of progesterone drop, leading to the breakdown of the endometrial lining and the onset of menstruation. In cases where there are fluctuations or insufficient levels of progesterone, women may experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles, such as missed periods or unpredictable bleeding, as the hormonal balance is disrupted.
While estrogen is also important in the menstrual cycle, particularly in the follicular phase and the thickening of the endometrium, it is progesterone that predominantly influences the latter part of the cycle and is most directly related to the timing and regularity of menstruation. Luteinizing hormone is essential for triggering ovulation and is part of the hormonal feedback loop but does not have a direct role in maintaining the menstrual regularity after ovulation. Testosterone,