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menstrual cycle

The reproductive cycle of female humans. The cycle is characterised by a monthly discharge of blood, mucus, and tissues from the uterus (called menstruation) and involves changes to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) during the rest of the month including a few days of fertility after an ovum (egg) is released by an ovary. A recurring cycle (beginning at menarche and ending at menopause) in which the endometrial lining of the uterus prepares for pregnancy; if pregnancy does not occur the lining is shed at menstruation; the average menstrual cycle is 28 days.A 28 day cycle involving the availability of the female [[ egg for [[fertilisation. During the luteal phase the mucosa element of the [[