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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The guidelines that were pulled two weeks ago also provided guidance that female service members be asked about fatigue and disrupted menstrual cycles that could be associated ​with hormonal dysregulation. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 Cortisol, for example, can change throughout the day, testosterone can fluctuate from day to day, and estrogen and progesterone shift wildly over the course of the menstrual cycle. Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026 Much of Carson’s work has focused on what was used to be called the female athlete triad—namely, how irregular menstrual cycles, low energy availability and lower bone mineral density can affect women in high-intensity sports. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 Key Takeaways Key Takeaways Hormonal birth control can regulate your menstrual cycle, making periods more predictable and reducing heavy bleeding. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for menstrual cycle

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of menstrual cycle was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Menstrual cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/menstrual%20cycle. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on menstrual cycle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster