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 The Need for Open Communication More than three-quarters (76%) of teens have questions about their periods and want to have more open communication about their menstrual cycle. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 Nov. 2023 Estrogen is necessary for building the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy during the menstrual cycle. Kiera Aaron, Health, 31 Oct. 2023 My menstrual cycles tend to be unpredictable; if anything, their length seems subject to the whim of my stress levels. Sophie Strosberg, Parents, 26 Oct. 2023 Hot flashes, of course, are a ubiquitous symptom of menopause, defined as the cessation of the menstrual cycle after 12 months without a period. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 27 Sep. 2023 There is a strong suspicion that menstrual cycles increase the risk of ruptures, by affecting ligament laxity, but, as is the case with so many medical issues affecting women, the theory has not been the subject of sufficient rigorous study. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2023 Danielle decided to try medication for weight loss because of ongoing issues with her menstrual cycle, her weight, and her blood sugar level. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023 Identified as the transitional time before entering the menopause, the perimenopause marks the ending of a woman’s reproductive years and is usually first characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Georgia Day, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2023 Barrett is fighting for legislation after her mother shared to her followers an announcement of Cam’s first menstrual cycle, a description of a car accident Cam was in and photos of her unconscious in the hospital. Fortesa Latifi, Washington Post, 6 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'menstrual cycle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near menstrual cycle

Cite this Entry

“Menstrual cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/menstrual%20cycle. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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