menstrual cycle

Scientific  

/ mĕn′stro̅o̅-əl /

1. The recurring monthly series of physiological changes in women and other female primates in which an egg is produced in the process known as ovulation, and the uterine lining thickens to allow for implantation if fertilization occurs. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus breaks down and is discharged during menstruation.

2. See also ovulation menstruation

---

menstrual cycle Cultural  

1. The periodic series of changes in the female reproductive system associated with the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy; the cycle is repeated roughly every twenty-eight days. During the menstrual cycle, an ovum is released from one of the ovaries (the release is called ovulation), and the uterus develops an inner lining enriched with blood to prepare it for the possible implantation of a zygote. If fertilization and implantation do not take place, the lining of the uterus is discharged during menstruation.

---

Example Sentences

Annika is having hormone-blocking injections to stop her menstrual cycle, in order to treat her PMDD.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

In addition to leading Evie, they also run the period-tracking app 28, which makes fitness recommendations based on the phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

During perimenopause—the period of time that can last years, before a woman’s menstrual cycle ends—dropping estrogen levels can thin and dry skin, he said, and suggested that I put lotion on before bed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Research suggests that pills which flatten the natural ebb and flow of fertility can dampen shifts in attraction that typically occur across the menstrual cycle, potentially altering initial mate choice.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

For instance, I hated swimming during PE and considered it a basic human right to use my menstrual cycle as an excuse to stay out of the water.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi