Regles

Règles is a French noun with two principal meanings. The first is rules or guidelines—norms established by authorities, institutions, or collective agreements. It is used in contexts such as les règles du jeu (the rules of the game), les règles de sécurité (safety rules), or le code de conduite. The second meaning refers to menstruation: avoir ses règles means to have one's period. The singular form is règle; rules or law in the singular sense is also common in other phrases. The term comes from Latin regula through Old French regle, originally denoting a straight rod used for measuring and later a standard or law.

In everyday use, the menstruation sense is common in health, education, and conversation. A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days but varies; the bleeding phase lasts roughly three to seven days. Menstrual symptoms vary widely and may include cramps, fatigue, and mood changes. Health information in schools, workplaces, and public policy often addresses menstruation to promote comfort, safety, and inclusion, including access to care and appropriate accommodations.

Notes: The standard spelling includes the accent on the e; non-accented forms like regles may appear in contexts where accents are unavailable. The word règles/règles should not be confused with the singular règle, which can mean a single rule or a ruler as a measuring instrument.