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Menstrual Cycle

Meaning

The Menstrual Cycle is the complex, cyclical physiological process occurring in the female reproductive system, regulated by the precise, rhythmic interplay of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis hormones. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy through four distinct, hormonally driven phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. A healthy cycle, typically lasting around 21 to 35 days, is a vital clinical indicator of overall endocrine balance, fertility status, and metabolic health in women of reproductive age. Disruptions to this rhythm often signal underlying systemic stress or hormonal pathology.