Infradian rhythm

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An infradian rhythm is a rhythm with a period longer than the period of a circadian rhythm, i.e. with a frequency less than one cycle in 28 hours,[1] such as menstruation, breeding, tidal or seasonal rhythms. In contrast, ultradian refers to rhythms with periods shorter than the period of a circadian rhythm.

Infradian rhythms in menstruation

The human menstrual cycle is an example of an infradian rhythm, the timing of which is governed by endogenous (internal) biological cycles and possibly also by exogenous cues (zeitgebers). One exogenous cue may be female pheromone production, which may bring women's menstrual cycles into synchronization with those of other women with whom they are in close proximity for an extended period of time. This is known as the dormitory effect or the McClintock effect.

See also

References

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  1. Brown, Frederick M. & Graeber, R. Curtis, eds.. The Rhythmic Aspects of Behavior. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 1982, (p.462).