what does the term menstrual cycle specifically refer to?
Download a print-ready PDF version of this fact sheet (280 KB) The term âmenstrual cycleâ refers to the changes that occur naturally in a womanâs body to prepare it for pregnancy. In a normal menstrual cycle, women experience menstruation (also known as a period) followed by the release of an egg. During menstruation blood, cells and mucus are discharged from the uterus.
Phases of the menstrual cycle. The menstruation cycle refers to the cycles in which a womanâs uterus grows and sheds a lining (the endometrium) which could support the development of a fertilised egg. It typically occurs in 28 day cycles, so a woman generally gets her period every 28 days.