Menstrual cycle The time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus grows, an egg is released by the ovaries, and the uterine lining sheds. Related Articles: Glossary: Cervical mucusGlossary: Fertility cycleGlossary: Menstrual flowBreast Practices: Pleasure, Health, and MoreNipple stimulation can mimic the same action and chemical response in the brain that's caused by genital stimulation.Voices of EndometriosisA Study of Invisible/Group-Specific Illnesses: Under-Diagnosed, Under-Represented, Misunderstood, Trivialized and Dismissed. Menstrual cup Menstrual flow