18/10/2025
From the First period to Menopause your Uterus never stops working
The statement, "from first period to menopause, the uterus never stops working," is accurate. Far from being dormant between pregnancies, the uterus is a dynamic, highly active organ that performs several vital reproductive functions throughout a woman's fertile years.
Its work is regulated by the menstrual cycle and includes the following key processes:
Monthly regeneration and shedding: The inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium, constantly builds up and breaks down under the influence of hormones. The cycle prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy each month, and if no pregnancy occurs, the lining sheds during menstruation.
Contractions and transport: The muscular middle layer of the uterus, the myometrium, is constantly contracting, even outside of pregnancy. These contractions are believed to play a role in s***m and egg transport, and they become stronger during menstruation to help expel the uterine lining.
Hormonal communication: The uterus interacts with the ovaries and endocrine system to regulate hormone levels. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, the progesterone produced by the ovaries causes the uterine lining to mature and secrete nutrients.
Protection and support: The uterus provides structural support for the surrounding pelvic organs. It also secretes fluid to lubricate and reduce friction between the pelvic organs.
From menarche to menopause
Menarche (first period): At puberty, the menstrual cycle begins, and the uterus starts its monthly preparation for pregnancy.
Perimenopause: In the years leading up to menopause, hormone production from the ovaries becomes irregular, causing changes in the menstrual cycle. The uterus's work continues but becomes less predictable.
Menopause: Once a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months, she is considered to be in menopause. At this point, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and the uterine cycle ceases.