What is the Difference Between Ovulation and Menstruation

The key difference between ovulation and menstruation is that ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary in a woman, while menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in a woman.

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that takes place in women. There are four main phases in the menstrual cycle of a woman: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. Therefore, ovulation and menstruation are two main phases of the menstrual cycle of a woman. Some common menstrual problems include heavy bleeding or painful bleeding and premenstrual syndrome.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ovulation 
3. What is Menstruation
4. Similarities – Ovulation and Menstruation
5. Ovulation vs Menstruation in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Ovulation vs Menstruation

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary. In women, this event is a very important phase in the menstrual cycle. It occurs when ovarian follicles rupture and release secondary oocyte ovarian cells. After the ovulation process, during the last phase of the menstrual cycle, the egg will be available to be fertilized by the sperm. Moreover, the uterine lining, called endometrium, becomes thick so that it can receive a fertilized egg. If there is no conception, the uterine lining, as well as the egg, will be released during menstruation.

The estrogen levels peak towards the end of the follicular phase for 12 to 24 hours. This causes a surge in levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which last for 24 to 36 hours. Ultimately, all these events lead to the rupture of the ovarian follicles, which causes the oocyte to be released from the ovary. Furthermore, the disorders involving problems of ovulation include oligoovulation and anovulation. Oligoovulation is infrequent or irregular ovulation, while anovulation is the absence of ovulation.

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation (period) is the process of monthly shedding of the uterine lining in a woman. It involves the routine discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner linings of the uterus, occurring through the vagina. It is the last phase of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is usually characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by the falling of progesterone levels.

Moreover, menstruation is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred. The first period normally begins between the ages of 12 and 15. Typically, the length of the time between two periods is 21 to 45 days in young women. Furthermore, menstruation stops after menopause, which usually occurs between 45 to 55 years of age. The disorders that involve problems in menstruation include amenorrhea, which is the lack of a period.

What are the Similarities Between Ovulation and Menstruation?

• Ovulation and menstruation are two main phases of the menstrual cycle of a woman.
• In both phases, unwanted substances are released.
• Both phases are signs of failure in pregnancy.
• They are regulated by specific hormones.
• Problems in both phases cause disorders.

What is the Difference Between Ovulation and Menstruation?

Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary, while menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining. Thus, this is the key difference between ovulation and menstruation. Furthermore, ovulation is triggered by the rising levels of estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), while menstruation is triggered by the falling levels of progesterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

The below infographic presents the differences between ovulation and menstruation in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Ovulation vs Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a natural process and a complex cycle controlled by female hormones that cause regular bleeding (periods). Ovulation and menstruation are two main phases of the menstrual cycle of a woman. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary in a woman, while menstruation is the monthly shedding of the uterine lining in a woman. So, this is the key difference between ovulation and menstruation.

Reference:

1. “Normal Menstruation (Monthly Period): Menstrual Cycle & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. Marcin, Ashley. “What Is Ovulation? Cycle Timeline, Pain, and Other Symptoms.” Healthline, Healthline Media.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Signs of Ovulation” By Zealthy.in (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Menstrual Cycle Diagram” By Sydney Fought – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia