Menstrual synchrony under optimal conditions: Bedouin families.
Ovarian cycles of females living and interacting together have been shown to synchronize in a number of species. In humans, the related phenomenon of menstrual synchrony has been reported among roommates and best friends. Menstrual data were collected prospectively for 3 months from 27 Bedouin nuclear families living under conditions optimally conducive for synchrony: (a) women living together for many years, (b) a highly sexually segregated society, (c) standard living conditions, and (d) minimal use of oral contraceptives. Results show unequivocally the existence of menstrual synchrony: A 20%-25% shift toward synchrony was found for sisters-roommates, sisters-roommates who are close friends, and the family (all women in the family between 13 and 50 years of age).
Weller
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Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel. weller@popeye.cc.biu.ac.il
Weller
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018912:Arabs / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009679:Nuclear Family; D012931:Social Environment