menstrual

American  

[men-stroo-uhl, -struhl] / ˈmɛn stru əl, -strəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to menstruation or to the menses.

2. Archaic. monthly.

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ˈmenstrual British  

/ ˈmɛnstrʊəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to menstruation or the menses

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Other Word Forms

• intermenstrual adjective
• postmenstrual adjective
• premenstrual adjective
• premenstrually adverb

Etymology

Origin of menstrual

1350–1400; Middle English menstruall < Latin mēnstruālis having monthly courses, equivalent to mēnstru ( a ) monthly courses (noun use of neuter plural of mēnstruus monthly; mēnstr- ( semester ) + -uus adj. suffix, probably on the model of annuus annual ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

"We are also opening women's health hubs providing care for menstrual problems and endometriosis and prioritising the condition through NHS online so women can get quicker access to NHS care."

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Seckin said women’s concerns about menstrual pain are often dismissed by doctors, leading to missed diagnoses.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

But campaigners point out that many countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia already offer menstrual leave and that studies have shown this time off can be beneficial to women.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Pediatricians should recognize that early menstrual periods may signal higher cardiovascular risk later in life, and menstrual history should be included in routine evaluations.

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

Last year it was observed that young women living at close quarters in dormitories tended to undergo spontaneous synchronization of their menstrual cycles.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas