What condition does the prefix "men-" refer to in medical terminology?

The prefix "men-" refers specifically to "menstruation" in medical terminology. This prefix is derived from the Latin word "mensis," which means month, indicating a regular cyclical process that occurs in the female reproductive system. Menstruation is characterized by the monthly shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur.

The other options, though related to medical terminology involving "men-," do not directly use this prefix in a way that refers only to menstrual cycles. Menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation, but it is defined by the ending of a monthly cycle rather than the cycle itself. A meniscus injury pertains to the cartilage in the knee, and while "meniscus" includes the root "men," it does not relate to menstruation. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges, which is a different context altogether. Therefore, "menstruation" is the precise medical term indicated by the prefix "men-."