Here's the difference:
* Menstrual Cycle: This is the entire monthly cycle of hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body to prepare for a possible pregnancy. It typically lasts around 21 to 35 days (though this can vary), and it includes the period as one phase.
* Period (Menstruation): This is just one part of the menstrual cycle. It's the shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) that occurs when pregnancy hasn't happened. This shedding is what causes the bleeding and is usually lasts between 2 to 7 days.
Think of it this way:
* The menstrual cycle is the whole story of a month of hormonal activity.
* The period is just one chapter in that story.