Menstrual synchrony: Agenda for future research

While many studies have confirmed McClintock's (1971) finding of human menstrual synchrony, it is also clear that menstrual synchrony does not always occur. To better understand the mechanisms and functions of this phenomenon, this paper suggests directions for future research aimed at delineating the context and conditions under which menstrual synchrony occurs. It is proposed that the following research issues be explored: multiple sources of social influence; quality of social relationships; analyzing couple (or group) data; who synchronizes to whom?; group size; putative pheromones; age and age diversity; and contraceptive practices.