menstrual cycle

noun

: the cycle of physiological changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next

Examples of menstrual cycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Breastfeeding plays a role in how/when a menstrual cycle comes back. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 8 Oct. 2024

Part of the problem, the authors note, is that the study ignored some variables that are known to influence HRV, like alcohol intake, illness, and menstrual cycle. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 Aug. 2024

The same way that our culture has taught us to whisper about our periods and hide our tampons—despite the fact that our menstrual cycles perpetuate our species—new mothers are culturally guided to hide the more brutal details of childbirth. —Krista Vernoff, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024

While doctors still don’t know exactly why MS affects more women than men, studies have shown that hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms, and women report that MS symptoms often flare up when going through their menstrual cycles and during menopause, when hormones typically are in change. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

menstrual cycle

noun

: the complete cycle of bodily changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next

Medical Definition

menstrual cycle

noun

: the whole cycle of physiological changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next