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

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.

1993 ◽  
Vol 136 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Nadler ◽  
J. F. Dahl ◽  
D. C. Collins

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


2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. SYMONDS ◽  
P. GALLAGHER ◽  
J. M. THOMPSON ◽  
A. H. YOUNG

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.


1979 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Goncharov ◽  
A. V. Antonichev ◽  
V. M. Gorluschkin ◽  
L. Chachundocova ◽  
D. M. Robertson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The peripheral plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) as measured by an in vitro bioassay method were determined in daily plasma samples collected throughout one menstrual cycle in 8 normally menstruating baboons (Papio hamadryas). In addition LH was measured in plasma at three hourly intervals throughout the day in the follicular, peri-ovulatory and luteal phases of the cycle in 7, 3 and 6 animals respectively. The plasma levels of progesterone and oestradiol were also determined in the same samples throughout the menstrual cycle and during the period of the midcycle LH surge. The circulating LH profile measured throughout the cycle was characterized by a sharp mid-cycle surge (completed within one day) which was followed by a series of LH surges of varying intensity during the luteal phase of the cycle. The initial surge was considered to be pre-ovulatory as indicated by its relationship to the peak of plasma oestradiol and to the first significant increase in the levels of plasma progesterone above values found earlier in the follicular phase. A circadian rhythm of LH was observed during the luteal phase of the cycle; a 3 fold rise in LH was noted during the hours 15.00 to 24.00. No differences were observed throughout the day in the follicular phase of the cycle. The LH profile in three animals studied during the mid-cycle LH surge showed pronounced circadian changes with a major peak at 24.00 h. Plasma progesterone levels during this period rose sharply to values normally found in the mid-luteal phase of the cycle. A comparison of plasma levels of biologically active LH during the menstrual cycle of the baboon with those found in normally menstruating women reveals that in the baboon the LH peak is of much shorter duration and the levels in the follicular and peri-menstrual phases are significantly lower than in the human.


F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madoka Yamazaki ◽  
Kyoko Tamura

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.


2007 ◽  
Vol 195 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radmila Kancheva ◽  
Martin Hill ◽  
David Cibula ◽  
Helena Včeláková ◽  
Lyudmila Kancheva ◽  
...  

Pregnanolone isomers (PIs) and their polar conjugates (PICs) modulate ionotropic receptors such as γ-aminobutyric acid or pregnane X receptors. Besides, brain synthesis, PI penetrates the blood–brain barrier. We evaluated the physiological importance of PI respecting the status of sex, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. Accordingly, circulating levels of allopregnanolone (P3α 5α ), isopregnanolone (P3β 5α ), pregnanolone (P3α 5β ), epipregnanolone (P3β 5β ), their polar conjugates, and related steroids were measured in 15 men (M), 15 women in the follicular phase (F), 16 women in the luteal phase (L), and 30 women in the 36th week of gestation (P) using GC–MS. The steroid levels were similar in M and F, increased about thrice in L and escalated in P (38–410 times compared with F). The PICs were prevalent over the PIs (16–150 times). Higher ratios of 5α-PIC to 5α-PI found in P indicate the more intensive conjugation of 5α-PI during pregnancy. This mechanism probably provides for the elimination of neuroinhibitory P3α 5α in the maternal compartment. Additionally, our result points to a limited sulfation capacity for neuroinhibitory P3α 5β in P. In contrast to the situation in M, F, and L where the P3α 5β C is the most abundant PIC, and P3α 5β is present in minor quantities compared with the P3α 5α , P3α 5β may acquire physiological importance during pregnancy, contributing to the sustaining thereof. On the other hand, the declining formation of P3α 5β may participate in the initiation of parturition, given the relative abundance of the steroid, its potency to suppress the activity of oxytocin-producing cells and its effectiveness in uterine relaxation.


1972 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
William T. K. Bosu ◽  
Tore H:son Holmdahl ◽  
Elof D. B. Johansson ◽  
Carl Gemzell

ABSTRACT Concentrations of oestrogens*, progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were determined in daily peripheral plasma samples during one normal menstrual cycle in eight rhesus monkeys. The oestrogens were measured by a rapid radioimmunoassay. Progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were determined by competitive protein binding techniques subsequent to column separation on hydrophobic Sephadex. Oestrone and oestradiol in pooled plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay after column chromatography. The plasma concentration of oestrogen showed a gradual late follicular rise to a midcyclic peak followed by an abrupt fall for 1–2 days and a subsequent small rise to concentrations similar to those preceding the mid-cyclic peak. Plasma levels of progesterone were below 1 ng per ml before the mid-cyclic peak of oestrogens but rose significantly one day after the oestrogen peak, and reached a luteal plateau (range 3.4–11.3 ng per ml) five to six days later. The plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone increase paralleled the mid-cyclic peak of oestrogens. The luteal phase pattern of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone mirrored the progesterone pattern, but the concentration was somewhat lower than for progesterone. All three steroid hormones measured decreased prior to the onset of the menstrual bleeding. Oestradiol (2.4–6.9 ng per 100 ml) dominated over oestrone (1–3.2 ng per 100 ml) in the follicular phase while the reverse was true during the luteal phase. The ratio of E2:E1 was 2:1 or higher in the follicular phase, but during the late luteal phase the ratio was reversed. The patterns of the three steroid hormones observed during the menstrual cycle were qualitatively similar to those reported in women, but quantitatively the oestrogen and progesterone levels were lower, while the levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were higher in the rhesus monkey.


Author(s):  
Shehnaz Shaikh

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


Author(s):  
Hannah N. Willett ◽  
Kristen J. Koltun ◽  
Anthony C. Hackney

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.


1987 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jocelyne Brun ◽  
Bruno Claustrat ◽  
Michel David

Abstract. Nocturnal urinary excretion of melatonin, LH, progesterone and oestradiol was measured by radioimmunoassay in nine normal women during a complete cycle. In addition, these hormonal excretions were studied in two women taking an oral contraceptive. A high within-subject coefficient of variation was observed for melatonin excretion in the two groups. In the nine normal cycling women, melatonin excretion was not decreased at the time of ovulation, but was significantly increased during the luteal phase compared with that of the follicular phase (P < 0.01). These data are consistent with a positive relationship between melatonin and progesterone during the luteal phase. In the two women under an oral contraceptive, melatonin excretion was found within the same range as for the other nine. The results are discussed in terms of pineal investigation in human.


1991 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Manhem ◽  
Christina Jern ◽  
Martin Pilhall ◽  
Guy Shanks ◽  
Sverker Jern

1. The haemodynamic effects of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle were examined in 11 normotensive women (age 20–46 years). The subjects were studied on days 2–8 (follicular phase) and days 18–26 (luteal phase) in a randomized order. A standardized mental stress test and a 24 h recording of ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate were performed. 2. Pre-stress resting levels of heart rate and blood pressure were similar during the two phases of the menstrual cycle. 3. During mental stress, the heart rate response was significantly greater during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase (14.7 versus 9.7 beats/min; P < 0.05). 4. Blood pressure, plasma catecholamine concentrations and subjective stress experience increased significantly in response to stress, without any significant differences between the two phases. 5. During 24 h ambulatory monitoring, higher levels of systolic blood pressure and heart rate were observed in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). 6. These data indicate that cyclic variations in female sex hormones not only affect systolic blood pressure and heart rate, but also alter the haemodynamic responses to psychosocial stress.


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