Menstrual synchrony

Menstrual synchrony, also known as menstrual synchrony and suppression, is a phenomenon where the menstrual cycles of women who live together (such as in prisons, convents, bordellos, and dormitories) or are close friends become synchronized over time. The existence of this phenomenon has been disputed by several studies.

Overview

The concept of menstrual synchrony was first introduced by Martha McClintock in 1971. She conducted a study among female college students living in the same dormitory and found that close friends and roommates experienced the onset of menstruation within a close interval. This phenomenon was termed "menstrual synchrony and suppression". McClintock's study suggested that pheromones could cause menstrual synchrony.

Criticism and Controversy

Several studies have disputed the existence of menstrual synchrony. A study by Wilson in 1992 found no evidence of menstrual synchrony in a sample of lesbian couples. Similarly, a study by Yang and Schank in 2006 found no evidence of menstrual synchrony in a large sample of women living in dormitories.

Possible Mechanisms

The exact mechanism of menstrual synchrony is not known. McClintock's study suggested that pheromones could play a role in menstrual synchrony. However, this has not been confirmed by other studies.

See Also

• Menstrual cycle
• Pheromones
• Martha McClintock

References

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