Effects of the menstrual cycle on mood, neurocognitive and neuroendocrine function in healthy premenopausal women

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. SYMONDS ◽  
P. GALLAGHER ◽  
J. M. THOMPSON ◽  
A. H. YOUNG
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Continuous Performance Task ◽  
Biological Difference ◽  
Basal Cortisol ◽  
The Relationship

Background. Neurocognitive functioning may be impaired in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle due to associated changes in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. This study examines the relationship between changes in neurocognition and HPA axis function in different phases of the menstrual cycle.Method. Fifteen female volunteers, free from psychiatric history and hormonal medication were tested twice, during mid-follicular and late-luteal phases in a randomized, crossover design. Mood, neurocognitive function, and basal cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were profiled.Results. Relative to the follicular phase, verbal fluency was impaired in the luteal phase and reaction times speeded on a continuous performance task, without affecting overall accuracy. ‘Hedonic’ scores on the UWIST-MACL scale were decreased in the luteal phase. There was also evidence of changes in the function of the HPA axis, with 24 h urinary cortisol concentrations and salivary DHEA levels being significantly lower during the luteal phase.Conclusions. These data suggest that luteal phase HPA axis function is lower than in the follicular phase in premenopausal healthy women. This putative biological difference may be important for our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of menstrually related mood change and neurocognitive disturbance.

Serum and urinary concentrations of sex hormones and genital swelling during the menstrual cycle of the gibbon

1993 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Nadler ◽  
J. F. Dahl ◽  
D. C. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Sex Hormone ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Multimale Groups ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Monitoring Progress ◽  
Female Genital

ABSTRACT The relationship between sex hormone concentrations and female genital swelling during the menstrual cycle in the monogamous gibbon was comparable with that of polygamous female primates, such as the chimpanzee, which live in multimale groups and have larger swellings. The data, therefore, support the hypothesis proposed by C. R. Carpenter more than 50 years ago, that the gibbon's genital swelling, like that of other female primates, reflects basic physiological processes associated with progress of the menstrual cycle. Genital swelling increased during the follicular phase with increasing concentrations of oestradiol and oestrone glucuronide, reached maximal swelling in association with the mid-cycle peaks in the oestrogens and LH and began detumescence with the initial increases in progesterone during the luteal phase. The data also suggest that the menstrual cycle of the gibbon is shorter than previously reported, since cycles of 19–22 days exhibited hormone patterns that are consistent with ovulation. The genital swelling of the female gibbon is a useful marker for monitoring progress of the menstrual cycle and the presumptive time of ovulation. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 136, 447–455

scholarly journals Variation in the Renin Angiotensin System throughout the Normal Menstrual Cycle

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 446-452
Author(s):  
Mala Chidambaram ◽  
John A. Duncan ◽  
Vesta S. Lai ◽  
Daniel C. Cattran ◽  
John S. Floras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Lower Body Negative Pressure ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Systemic Hemodynamic ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Normal Menstrual Cycle

ABSTRACT. It has been demonstrated elsewhere that circulating renin angiotensin system (RAS) components peak when plasma estrogen levels are highest, during the luteal phase of the normal menstrual cycle. This phenomenon has been attributed to “activation” of the RAS. The end-organ vasoconstrictive response to this phenomenon has not been well established. In two related experiments, the RAS was studied in healthy, premenopausal women during predefined phases of the normal menstrual cycle. In the first experiment, the circulating components of the RAS and the systemic hemodynamic response to incremental lower body negative pressure (LBNP) during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle were examined. Response variables included mean arterial pressure (MAP), renin, plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AngII), and aldosterone. Baseline levels of renin, PRA, and aldosterone were significantly higher in the luteal phase. In response to LBNP, there were significant increases in all variables in both phases; however, the humoral response to this stimulus was significantly augmented in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase. Despite these elevations in circulating components of the RAS during the luteal phase, subjects were unable to maintain MAP in response to LBNP, exhibiting a dramatic depressor response that did not occur during the follicular phase. In the second experiment, renal and peripheral hemodynamic function at baseline, and in response to AngII blockade with losartan, were examined in women during these high and low estrogen phases of the menstrual cycle. The renal and peripheral hemodynamic responses were similar in the luteal phase and the follicular phase. These results demonstrate that, despite an increase in circulating RAS components during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the system is blunted rather than “activated,” at least at a tissue level. Further studies are needed to clarify this mechanism.

scholarly journals Computed tomography contrast enhancement pattern of the uterus in premenopausal women in relation to menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception

2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512095840
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Angelopoulos ◽  
Magnus Palmér ◽  
Berit Gull ◽  
Niklas Lundqvist ◽  
Linda Kopelia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Contrast Enhancement ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Homogeneous Type ◽  
Menstrual Cycle Phase

Background There are different types of computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement patterns of the uterus. It is not known whether these are hormonally dependent. Purpose To assess the relationship between these patterns and the menstrual cycle in non-users of hormonal contraception, and the possible impact of hormonal contraception. Material and Methods Prospective observational study of abdominal CT scans of 53 premenopausal women of whom 28 were non-users and 25 users of hormonal contraception. The non-users were divided according to menstrual cycle phase: follicular (n = 12); ovulatory (n = 1); and luteal (n = 12). The pattern and intensity of contrast enhancement of the uterine myometrium were assessed. Results The dominant pattern of contrast enhancement of the myometrium was the diffuse homogeneous type in both non-users and users. The intensity of the enhancement measured in Hounsfield units (HU) was higher in the follicular phase (median 102, range 73–130) compared to the luteal phase in non-users (median 92, range 57–130); however this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.2). The HU values observed in users (median 95, range 45–160) were at the same levels compared to those of the luteal phase in non-users. Conclusion The dominant pattern of contrast enhancement in the portal venous phase of the myometrium in fertile ages is the diffuse homogeneous type and is independent of menstrual cycle phase or the use of hormonal contraception. However, these factors seem to play a role in the intensity of contrast enhancement, with a tendency of higher HU values in the follicular phase of non-users.

scholarly journals The menstrual cycle affects recognition of emotional expressions: an event-related potential study

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madoka Yamazaki ◽  
Kyoko Tamura
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Cycle Phase ◽  
Late Luteal Phase ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Several studies have investigated the relationship between behavioral changes and the menstrual cycle in female subjects at a reproductive age. The present study investigated the relationship between the menstrual cycle and emotional face recognition by measuring the N170 component of ERPs. Methods: We measured N170 of twelve women in both follicular phase and late luteal phase who were presented with human facial expressions as stimuli (happy and angry). Results: In the follicular phase, participants showed a significantly larger response to happy male facial expressions. In the late luteal phase, participants had longer reaction times to all emotional stimuli, and a significantly reduced response to happy faces, especially happy male facial expressions (P<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the menstrual cycle modulates early visual cognitive processing, and highlight the importance of considering the menstrual cycle phase in studies that investigate emotion and cognition.

scholarly journals Soy Isoflavones Exert Modest Hormonal Effects in Premenopausal Women1

1999 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison M. Duncan ◽  
Barbara E. Merz ◽  
Xia Xu ◽  
Theodore C. Nagel ◽  
William R. Phipps ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Soy Isoflavones ◽  
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽  
Early Follicular Phase

Soy isoflavones are hypothesized to be responsible for changes in hormone action associated with reduced breast cancer risk. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of isoflavone consumption in 14 premenopausal women. Isoflavones were consumed in soy protein powders and provided relative to body weight (control diet, 10 ± 1.1; low isoflavone diet, 64 ± 9.2; high isoflavone diet, 128 ± 16 mg/day) for three menstrual cycles plus 9 days in a randomized cross-over design. During the last 6 weeks of each diet period, plasma was collected every other day for analysis of estrogens, progesterone, LH, and FSH. Diet effects were assessed during each of four distinctly defined menstrual cycle phases. Plasma from the early follicular phase was analyzed for androgens, cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin, PRL, and sex hormone-binding globulin. The low isoflavone diet decreased LH (P = 0.009) and FSH (P = 0.04) levels during the periovulatory phase. The high isoflavone diet decreased free T3 (P = 0.02) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.02) levels during the early follicular phase and estrone levels during the midfollicular phase (P = 0.02). No other significant changes were observed in hormone concentrations or in the length of the menstrual cycle, follicular phase, or luteal phase. Endometrial biopsies performed in the luteal phase of cycle 3 of each diet period revealed no effect of isoflavone consumption on histological dating. These data suggest that effects on plasma hormones and the menstrual cycle are not likely to be the primary mechanisms by which isoflavones may prevent cancer in premenopausal women.

scholarly journals Serum leptin concentrations during the menstrual cycle in normal-weight women: effects of an oral triphasic estrogen-progestin medication

2000 ◽  
pp. 174-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Cella ◽  
G Giordano ◽  
R Cordera
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Hormonal Contraception ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Hormonal Treatment ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Serum Leptin ◽  
Group I ◽  
Women Groups ◽  
The Relationship

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in normal-weight premenopausal women the relationship between circulating leptin and serum gonadotropins and gonadal steroids, during both spontaneous and pharmacologically induced menstrual cycles. DESIGN: Clinical longitudinal study. METHODS: Two groups of age-matched, normal-weight premenopausal volunteer women (groups I and II) were enrolled in this study. Women in group I were free of any hormonal treatment, while women in group II were taking a triphasic estrogen--progestin contraceptive preparation. Blood samples were collected daily in both groups after an overnight fast throughout a complete menstrual cycle. RESULTS: In the spontaneously cycling women, serum leptin concentration positively correlated with estradiol (P<0.03) and progesterone (P<0. 05) and was higher in the luteal than in the follicular phase (P<0. 05). However, a significant (P<0.03) short-lasting increase in circulating leptin was present in the late follicular phase of all subjects. In the women using hormonal contraception serum leptin remained unchanged throughout the cycle, along with constantly low values of circulating luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS: In normal-weight premenopausal women serum leptin concentrations differ during the menstrual cycle in line with changes in gonadotropin and gonadal steroid concentrations, increasing in the luteal phase of the cycle after a peri-ovulatory peak. These findings suggest a permissive role for leptin with regard to the functioning of the corpus luteum.

Relationship between ovarian steroids, gonadotrophins and relaxin during the menstrual cycle

1993 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
MR Johnson ◽  
G Carter ◽  
C Grint ◽  
SL Lightman
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Intramuscular Dose ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Circulating Levels

The circulating levels of relaxin have been measured and their relationship with the plasma levels of oestradiol (E2), progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have been investigated during the normal menstrual cycle. In addition, the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on plasma relaxin levels has been studied. In the first part of the study, blood samples were obtained on days 5, 10 and 15 of the follicular phase and on alternate days from the day of the LH surge (detected in early-morning urine and confirmed by circulating levels of LH) until day 6 of the following follicular phase in nine normally cycling female volunteers. In the second part of the study, a single intramuscular dose of hCG (10 000 IU) was given on day 11 of the menstrual cycle. Relaxin was detectable from the mid-luteal phase until the onset of menstruation. The plasma levels of relaxin on days 10 and 12 of the luteal phase were significantly greater than on day 6. Positive associations between the circulating levels of relaxin and E2 and negative associations between the plasma levels of FSH and those of both relaxin and E2 were found on days 8, 10 and 12 of the luteal phase. The relationship between E2 and FSH was stronger than that between relaxin and FSH. Exogenous hCG had no effect on plasma relaxin levels. The pattern of the relationship between E2 and relaxin suggests that a common mechanism may regulate their release or that plasma relaxin levels are determined by those of E2. Furthermore, the absence of any relationship between endogenous LH levels and those of relaxin and the lack of effect of exogenous hCG on plasma relaxin levels suggest that LH does not influence the circulating levels of relaxin directly. The negative relationship between FSH and relaxin is probably indirect, mediated by E2, although it is possible that relaxin influences FSH release directly.

Reproducible assessment of vaginal and rectal mucosal and skin blood flow: laser doppler fluximetry of the pelvic microcirculation

2000 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. EMMANUEL ◽  
M. A. KAMM ◽  
R. W. BEARD
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Vascular Reactivity ◽  
Rectal Mucosa ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Laser Doppler ◽  
Head Up Tilt

Pelvic venous congestion is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age. Although this condition represents a functional disturbance of the pelvic circulation which is related to the menstrual cycle, its aetiology remains unknown. Indirect techniques demonstrate that the vasoconstrictive reflex response of the microcirculation of the foot to a rise in venous pressure is attenuated throughout the menstrual cycle. We wished to develop a simple and non-invasive direct measure of pelvic blood flow to aid diagnosis of this condition. Laser doppler blood flux measurements of the skin of the big toe and of the vaginal and rectal mucosa in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in 12 healthy asymptomatic premenopausal women (mean age 30 years) with regular cycles and in four healthy asymptomatic postmenopausal women (mean age 59 years) were carried out both in the supine position and in response to 40° head-up tilt. The coefficient of variation of resting vaginal flux was lower for measurements in postmenopausal women (0.04) and in premenopausal women in the follicular phase (0.07) compared with those in the luteal phase (0.16). At rest, vaginal blood flow was higher than rectal and skin flux in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In the follicular phase a decrease in flow was observed in response to head-up tilt in the skin (-32.0%), vagina (-34.3%) and rectum (-9.4%). In the luteal phase this reflex was attenuated at these three sites (-8.6%, +6.7% and +7.4% respectively). There were no significant reflex changes in postmenopausal women. Thus laser doppler fluximetry is a reproducible method for comparing the flux of blood in the microcirculation of the skin and of the vaginal and rectal mucosa. The skin is the least sensitive site for testing vascular reactivity in response to cyclical changes. The vaginal and rectal microcirculations are the most sensitive sites for testing visceral cyclical reactivity, and have the advantage of direct anatomical relevance. The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is associated with greatest vascular reactivity and is the most appropriate phase during which to test for abnormal vascular responses.

EVALUATION OF CHANGES IN CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS DURING DIFFERENT PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN YOUNG WOMEN

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shehnaz Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Uterine Wall ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Menstrual Phase ◽  
Granulose Cells ◽  
Efficiency Test

Introduction: Menstrual cycle or menstruation involved discharge of sanguinous fluid and a sloughing of uterine wall. In women menstruation occurs at regular intervals on an average of 28 days, although most women gave a history of regular intervals of 28 to 30 days. About 10% -15% of women showed cycle at the precise 28 ± 2 days intervals when menstrual calendar was utilized. Normally in young women in different phases of ovarian cycles the plasma levels of estrogen vary. Ovulation occurs in the first 12-13th day of menstrual cycle, which is termed estrogen surge and second occurs in mid-luteal phase. During mid cycle or follicular phase of menstrual cycle the plasma concentration of progesterone is very low about 0.9 ng/mL. its level starts rising owing to secretion from the granulose cells. During luteal phase progesterone level reaches its peak value of 18 ng/mL and its level fall to a minimum value toward the end of the cycle. Estrogen affects local and systemic vasodilation. The menstrual cycle envelops two fundamental stages, the follicular stage (FP) and the luteal stage (LP). The follicular stage can part advance into two substages; the early FP, which is characterised with moo concentrations of both the key hormones estrogen and progesterone; and the mid FP where estrogen is tall autonomously from progesterone. The LP is epitomized by tall concentration of both estrogen and progesterone. These two fundamental stages are isolated by a soak surge in luteinizing hormone activating ovulation. These recurrent changes are said to be frequency unsurprising while long time. Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the Cardiorespiratory functions changes during different Phases of Menstrual Cycle.   Material and methods: In this study, 20 with normal weight, 20 with obese and 20 with overage were included and taken them as a sample size. In this study all the young women those were recruited as a sample size are unmarried, undergraduate female student with the between the age group of 18-22years, having regular 28+6 days menstrual cycle for at least last 6months prior to this study. For the collection of data all the participants were instructed to attend the physiology lab department during each of three different phases. Day-2 during menstrual phase, Day-7, during follicular phase and Day-22 during luteal phase and the following parameters were recorded as Anthropometric measurements, measuring of pulse rate and blood pressure and cardiac efficiency test. Result: In general, work out proficiency changed essentially amid the distinctive stages of the menstrual cycle with the most elevated amid luteal stage and least amid menstrualo stage. There was no critical contrast in impact test amid menstrual stage, follicular stage and luteal stage of menstrual cycle among three bunches of people. Conclusion: We have watched noteworthy increment in cardiac and respiratory proficiency within the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle in ordinary weight people. Lower wellness levels were watched in overweight and stout females. In this manner hone of customary work out and admissions of solid slim down which offer assistance in lessening the weight and in turn the BMI will offer assistance in improving the physical wellness of the people. Keywords: Cardiorespiratory, Menstrual cycle, expiratory blast test

scholarly journals Influence of Menstrual Cycle Estradiol-β-17 Fluctuations on Energy Substrate Utilization-Oxidation during Aerobic, Endurance Exercise

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7209
Author(s):  
Hannah N. Willett ◽  
Kristen J. Koltun ◽  
Anthony C. Hackney
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Substrate Utilization ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Energy Substrate ◽  
Fat Utilization

This study examined the effect of estradiol-β-17 across the menstrual cycle (MC) during aerobic exercise on energy substrate utilization and oxidation. Thirty-two eumenorrheic (age = 22.4 ± 3.8 y (mean ± SD)), physically active women participated in two steady-state running sessions at 65% of VO2max, one during the early follicular and one during the luteal phase of the MC. Blood samples were collected at rest before each exercise session and analyzed for Estradiol-β-17 to confirm the MC phase. Carbohydrate (CHO) utilization and oxidation values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the luteal (utilization: 51.6 ± 16.7%; oxidation: 1.22 ± 0.56 g/min; effect size (ES) = 0.45, 0.27) than follicular phase (utilization: 58.2 ± 15.1%; oxidation: 1.38 ± 0.60 g/min) exercise sessions. Conversely, fat utilization and oxidation values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the luteal (utilization: 48.4 ± 16.7%; oxidation: 0.49 ± 0.19 g/min; ES = 0.45,0.28) than follicular phase (utilization: 41.8 ± 15.1%; oxidation: 0.41 ± 0.14 g/min). Estradiol-β-17 concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) greater during the luteal (518.5 ± 285.4 pmol/L; ES = 0.75) than follicular phase (243.8 ± 143.2 pmol/L). Results suggest a greater use of fat and reduced amount of CHO usage during the luteal versus follicular phase, directly related to the change in resting estradiol-β-17. Future research should investigate the role these changes may play in female athletic performance.

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