Modern menstruation: Is it abnormal and unhealthy?

Norman Goldstuck
In: Medical Hypotheses · 2020 · vol. 144 , pp. 109955 · doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109955 · PMID:32526510 · W3033635461
article OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation
View on OpenAlex View on PubMed View at publisher
⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08 ⓘ

This paper examines whether modern menstrual patterns are abnormal and unhealthy.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

Abstract

The menstrual cycle appears to have evolved in humans and some other species to improve reproductive efficiency by enabling progesterone production without the presence of the fetus. This phenomenon is termed spontaneous decidualization. Repeated menstruation is produced in modern women because of better general health and having fewer pregnancies later in life and limiting breast feeding. The repeated breakdown of a progesterone primed endometrium releases an inflammatory cascade which appears to have short and long term adverse consequences. Repetitive modern menstruation is no longer a sign of good general and reproductive health but a harbinger of possible future health problems. Cyclical menstruation has no intrinsic biological value or necessity in modern life. Spontaneous decidualization can be prevented by using estrogen-progestin combinations or progestins on their own. Newer and safer hormonal products are now available and should become even safer in the future. Hormonal suppression of spontaneous decidualization should be encouraged in adolescent and young women as a health promotional option.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Citation neighborhood (sparse)

Too few in-corpus citations on either side for a chart; here are the lists.

Cites (4)

Cited by (1)

References (53)

Cited by (1)

Source provenance

openalex
last seen: 2026-06-10T17:14:06.276822+00:00
unpaywall
last seen: 2026-08-01T06:38:12.426807+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK