Mike Clinton
Introduction: Understanding Menstruation in Mammals
Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in female mammals. It is a cyclic shedding of the uterine lining that happens when a female does not conceive. Menstruation is commonly associated with humans and other closely related primates, but not all mammals experience this process. A notable example is dogs, which do not menstruate despite being mammals.
How Menstruation Works in Humans and Other Primates
In humans and other primates, menstruation is controlled by hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle begins with the release of an egg from the ovary, which travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in menstruation. This process repeats about every 28 days in humans, although it can vary depending on the individual. Menstruation is a necessary process for human reproduction as it prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg.