Phenomena and Processes

Menstrual Cycle

The period from onset of one menstrual bleeding (MENSTRUATION) to the next in an ovulating woman or female primate. The menstrual cycle is regulated by endocrine interactions of the HYPOTHALAMUS; the PITUITARY GLAND; the ovaries; and the genital tract. The menstrual cycle is divided by OVULATION into two phases. Based on the endocrine status of the OVARY, there is a FOLLICULAR PHASE and a LUTEAL PHASE. Based on the response in the ENDOMETRIUM, the menstrual cycle is divided into a proliferative and a secretory phase.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The period from onset of one menstrual bleeding (MENSTRUATION) to the next in an ovulating woman or female primate. The menstrual cycle is regulated by endocrine interactions of the HYPOTHALAMUS; the PITUITARY GLAND; the ovaries; and the genital tract. The menstrual cycle is divided by OVULATION into two phases. Based on the endocrine status of the OVARY, there is a FOLLICULAR PHASE and a LUTEAL PHASE. Based on the response in the ENDOMETRIUM, the menstrual cycle is divided into a proliferative and a secretory phase.

MeSH Record

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

11 entry terms
  • Cycle, Menstrual
  • Cycles, Menstrual
  • Menstrual Cycles
  • Endometrial Cycle
  • Ovarian Cycle
  • Cycle, Endometrial
  • Cycle, Ovarian
  • Cycles, Endometrial
  • Cycles, Ovarian
  • Endometrial Cycles
  • Ovarian Cycles

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

11 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings blood, cerebrospinal fluid, drug effects, ethnology, genetics, immunology, metabolism, physiology, psychology, radiation effects, urine.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

human & other primates only; for non-primates use ESTROUS CYCLE; do not confuse with MENSTRUATION

MeSH Record

History Note

85

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Menstruation (1966-1984)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. G08.686.605w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WP 540

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Menstrual Cycle. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D008597. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D008597
  2. Menstrual Cycle. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cycle
  3. Menstrual Cycle. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q83864