What is the average length of the menstrual cycle?

The average length of the menstrual cycle is typically around 28 days. This cycle reflects the regular monthly hormonal changes a female's body undergoes in preparation for potential pregnancy. The cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation. While individual cycles can vary significantly—ranging from about 21 to 35 days—28 days is widely accepted as the average length. Understanding this average is important in the context of reproductive health, as it helps in tracking ovulation and diagnosing potential menstrual irregularities.