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Menstrual synchrony

An update and review

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Abstract

Several studies have now documented menstrual synchrony in human females. There is a broad consensus that the phenomenon mainly occurs in women who spend a significant amount of time together, such as close friends and coworkers, and that social contact rather than a similar environment plays an important role in mediating the effect. However, the mechanisms involved and the adaptive function of menstrual synchrony are not understood. There is some evidence that olfactory cues between females might underlie the effect. More research is needed before the precise mechanisms that regulate menstrual synchrony are elucidated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Behaviour Research Group, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, EH10 5HF, Edinburgh, Scotland

    Cynthia A. Graham

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  1. Cynthia A. Graham
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Cynthia Graham received her MSc in clinical psychology from Glasgow University and her PhD from McGill University. Her previous research has involved menstrual synchrony and the effects of oral contraceptives on premenstrual changes. Currently she is working on a World Health Organization project assessing the effects of steroidal contraceptives on well-being and sexuality.

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Graham, C.A. Menstrual synchrony. Human Nature 2, 293–311 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692195

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692195

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