Menstrual synchrony: A methodological comment

Journal/Book: Mankind Quart. 1998; 38: 1133 13TH St NW, #C-2, Washington, DC 20005. Inst Study Man. 363-380.

Abstract: A simple diagram shows how the synchronization process can cause equally numbered onsets to to become more different, even though the difference between equally numbered onsets is often used as a measure of syncronization, Comparison of identically numbered cycles has several other undesirable properties, such as the difference measure increases as the study goes on and sensitivity to numbering system. Tests of synchrony should compare the differences between the nearest cycles at the beginning of the study with those at the end of the study. Any differences between results obtained with this method and results obtained with the equivalently numbered cycles method tells something about how synchronization is achieved. Several studies, including those by Wilson et al, Trevathan et al, and McClintock appear to have used an inappropriate comparison of identically numbered cycles.

Note: Article Miller EM, Univ New Orleans, New Orleans,LA 70148 USA

Keyword(s): menstruation; menstrual synchrony; ovulation; pair-bonding; CYCLE LENGTH; REGULARITY

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