How does the uterine lining regrow after menstruation?

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Diagram of the menstrual cycle showing hormone levels, follicle development, and endometrial changes across 28 days. It highlights menstruation, ovulation, and the follicular and luteal phases, with labeled curves for estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. — menstruation Cyclical changes during a woman's normal ovulatory menstrual cycle.

After menstruation, the uterine lining, or endometrium, regrows from the residual basal layer that remains attached to the uterine wall.12

This regeneration occurs during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, which typically follows the menstrual period. During this phase, ovarian follicles mature under the influence of gonadotropic hormones from the pituitary gland. As these follicles ripen, they secrete estradiol, an estrogenic hormone that stimulates the endometrium to thicken. Under this hormonal influence, the uterine glands become taller and the tissue becomes increasingly vascular, effectively rebuilding the lining in preparation for a potential pregnancy.2