Photograph of blood from the menstrual phase of a woman's monthly menstrual cycle (menstruation or menstrual period). The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones secreted from the pituitary gland (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, and luteinising hormone, LH), which control the production of other hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) in the ovaries. During the menstrual phase levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall which cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to be shed.
This image is one in a series of images which have been created as part of a conceptual art project "Beauty in Blood" which aesthetically examines female menstrual blood. To create these images, menstrual fluid was collected in a menstrual cup and then introduced into fresh water in a clean toilet bowl. Using the toilet bowl as a canvas, menstrual fluid is poured, dripped and drizzled into the water to create intricate designs which are then photographed.
