Menstrual synchrony
Menstrual Synchrony
Menstrual synchrony, also known as the McClintock effect (pronounced: men-stru-al sin-kro-nee, mə-klint-ək ef-ekt), is a hypothesized process whereby women who begin living together in close proximity experience their menstrual cycle onsets (the onset of menstruation or menses) becoming more synchronized together in time than when previously living apart.
Etymology
The term "Menstrual synchrony" is derived from the words "menstrual", referring to the monthly cycle in women and "synchrony", which means occurring at the same time. The term "McClintock effect" is named after Martha McClintock, the psychologist who first reported the phenomenon in a 1971 paper.
History and Research
The concept of menstrual synchrony was first proposed by Martha McClintock in 1971. McClintock's study was conducted among female college students living in the same dormitory. However, subsequent research has been inconsistent, with some studies supporting McClintock's findings and others refuting them.
Related Terms
- Menstrual cycle: The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), starting with the preparation of an egg for fertilization.
- Phenomenon: An observable event or, in this case, a biological function or process.
- Synchronization: The coordination of events to operate a system in unison.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Menstrual synchrony
- Wikipedia's article - Menstrual synchrony
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