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Menstrual Cycle (menstrual + cycle)
Terms modified by Menstrual Cycle Selected AbstractsMenstrual cycle influences ocular surface parameters in normal and dry eye patientsACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2007P VERSURA Purpose: We analyzed the changes of ocular surface parameters and symptoms in healthy and dry eye women over the menstrual cycle. To our knowledge, incomplete reports appear in the literature on this issue in healthy women still in the fertile period, and none on dry eye women of the same age. This to comparatively evaluate what then happens in peri- and post-menopause. Methods: 29 females in the fertile age and a regular 26-29 days menstrual cycle were included in the study. 14 subjects with and 15 without dry eye symptoms. Symptoms were scored by the validate questionnaire OSDI. Degree of dryness was evaluated with the Schirmer test I, Jones test, BUT, Ferning test, Tear Function Index (TFI) and conjunctival imprint cytology. Degree of inflammation was evaluated with conjunctival brush cytology and dosage of exudated serum albumin in tears. Hormonal cytology procedures were applied to exfoliated cells in tears. Patients were analysed during menstruation, in the follicular and in luteal phases over two consecutive cycles and results were statistically evaluated Results: TFI, tear stability, surface dryness and inflammation were significantly related to the hormonal fluctuations in menstrual cycle, in particular to the estrogen peak occurring during the follicular phase, especially in dry eye patients. Subjective symptoms appeared to increase in the luteal phase, suggesting the presence of a pre-menstrual syndrome Conclusions: The ocular surface is confirmed to be dependent from hormonal variations; clinicians would take into account these cyclic variations during the examinations of subjects still in the fertile age, with dryness symptoms [source] O-10 Endometrial cells in cervical smears: cytological features associated with clinically significant endometrial pathologyCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2007R. N. Tiam Introduction:, To establish the significance of cytological features which could predict clinically significant endometrial pathology, and therefore guide reporting practice in cervical samples. Methods:, A retrospective review of SurePath liquid-based cytology (LBC) cervical samples between 2002 and 2006, obtained at screening and colposcopy. These smears contained normal endometrial cells present at inappropriate times of the menstrual cycle, endometrial cells with atypia (borderline change) and with features suspicious / diagnostic of endometrial carcinoma (glandular neoplasia). False negative and false positive cases detected on subsequent histology were also included. The control group comprised negative samples and a few abnormal smears. All smears were randomly assigned and blinded to menopausal status, age, use of oral contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy and presence of intrauterine device. Each smear was reviewed for 16 cytologic criteria and a cytological diagnosis was given for each. Results:, A total of 219 smears were available for review; 137 were negative, out of which 85 contained normal endometrial cells, 41 contained endometrial cells with atypia, 10 contained endometrial cells with features suggestive of adenocarcinoma and 31 contained endometrial cells with features diagnostic of adenocarcinoma. The feature most associated with benign endometrial cells is top hat with central cell condensation. In contrast, the features associated with malignant endometrial cells are smooth nuclear membrane, pale chromatin, small nucleoli and scalloped borders. Discussion:, The criteria identified in this study do not definitively define a neoplastic process, but appear to be helpful in individual cases. This study emphasises that endometrial changes should be always interpreted with the relevant clinical information, which would otherwise lead to overdiagnosis in premenopausal women. [source] How does premenstrual dysphoric disorder relate to depression and anxiety disorders?DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 3 2003Mikael Landén M.D., Ph.D. Abstract Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome that afflicts approximately 5% of all women of fertile age. The hallmark of this condition is the surfacing of symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and the disappearance of symptoms shortly after the onset of menstruation. Whereas many researchers have emphasized the similarities between PMDD and anxiety disorders, and in particular panic disorder, others have suggested that PMDD should be regarded as a variant of depression. Supporting both these notions, the treatment of choice for PMDD, the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), is also first line of treatment for depression and for most anxiety disorders. In this review, the relationship between PMDD on the one hand, and anxiety and depression on the other, is being discussed. Our conclusion is that PMDD is neither a variant of depression nor an anxiety disorder, but a distinct diagnostic entity, with irritability and affect lability rather than depressed mood or anxiety as most characteristic features. The clinical profile of SRIs when used for PMDD, including a short onset of action, suggests that this effect is mediated by other serotonergic synapses than the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of these drugs. Although we hence suggest that PMDD should be regarded as a distinct entity, it should be emphasized that this disorder does display intriguing similarities with other conditions, and in particular with panic disorder, which should be the subject of further studies. Also, the possibility that there are subtypes of PMDD more closely related to depression, or anxiety disorders, than the most common form of the syndrome, should not be excluded. Depression and Anxiety 17:122,129, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Symptomatic candidiasis: Using self sampled vaginal smears to establish the presence of Candida, lactobacilli, and Gardnerella vaginalisDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2007M. K. Engberts M.D. Abstract In a prospective cohort study, 10 symptomatic women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were taught how to prepare vaginal smears of their own vaginal fluids on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The 40 smears were stained with the PAS-method and examined by three different cytopathologists for presence of Candida. Thereafter, the smears were restained with Giemsa-stain to determine presence of lactobacilli, Gardnerella vaginalis ("clue cells") and neutrophils. All three cytopathologists unequivocally established Candida blastospores and (pseudo)hyphae in 27 out of the 40 PAS-stained vaginal smears, whereas in the remaining 13 smears Candida was not found. All 10 patients had Candida in their smears during the second half of their menstrual cycle. Self sampled smears prove to be reliable for establishing the presence of Candida in symptomatic patients with candidiasis. Candida is associated with a lactobacillus -predominated vaginal flora, but with the absence of Gardnerella vaginalis. Further studies may be directed towards the interaction between the various members of the vaginal flora. This study should open molecular methodology for determining the possible interactions of lactobacilli and Candida. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:635,639. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lack of genotoxicity induced by endogenous and synthetic female sex hormones in peripheral blood cells detected by alkaline comet assayENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 5 2007Mariana Gobbo Braz Abstract The etiology of hormone-induced cancers has been considered to be a combination of genotoxic and epigenetic events. Currently, the Comet assay is widely used for detecting genotoxicity because it is relatively simple, sensitive, and capable of detecting various kinds of DNA damage. The present study evaluates the genotoxic potential of endogenous and synthetic sex hormones, as detected by the Comet assay. Blood cells were obtained from 12 nonsmoking and 12 smoking women with regular menstrual cycles and from 12 nonsmoking women taking low-dose oral contraceptives (OC). Peripheral blood samples were collected at three phases of the menstrual cycle (early follicular, mean follicular, and luteal phases), or at three different moments of oral contraceptive intake. Three blood samples were also collected from 12 healthy nonsmoking men, at the same time as oral contraceptive users. Results showed no significant difference in the level of DNA damage among the three moments of the menstrual cycle either in nonsmoking and smoking women, or between them. No significant difference in DNA damage was also observed among oral contraceptive users, nonusers, and men. Together, these data indicate lack of genotoxicity induced by the physiological level of the female sex hormones and OC as assessed by the alkaline Comet assay. In conclusion, normal fluctuation in endogenous sex hormones and use of low-doses of oral contraceptive should not interfere with Comet assay data when this technique is used for human biomonitoring. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with changes in low-grade inflammationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2006J. J. Puder Abstract Background, A close link between mood, low-grade inflammation and obesity has been demonstrated even in healthy subjects. We investigated the relationship between changes in physical and psychological symptoms and inflammatory markers during the menstrual cycle both in normal weight and in overweight women. Materials and methods, Eight healthy normal weight (body mass index 21·6 ± 1·9 kg m,2) and seven overweight (body mass index 30 ± 2·4 kg m,2) young women with normal ovarian function and with no premenstrual syndrome were assessed 15 times throughout their menstrual cycle. At each time point fasting blood was drawn and symptoms were recorded using the Freeman Daily Symptom Record. Results, Independent of weight status, the serum concentrations of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the total scores, in addition to the individual four factors (mood, behaviour, pain and physical symptoms), of the Daily Symptom Record varied significantly during the menstrual cycle (all P , 0·04) and paralleled each other. During the menstrual cycle, repeated hs-CRP serum concentrations correlated to the corresponding total symptom score and the factors mood, behaviour and physical symptoms, independent of both weight status and changes in circulating gonadal steroids (all P , 0·04). These associations were not observed for tumour necrosis factor-, serum levels. The mean hs-CRP concentrations were associated with the mean total symptom score, independent of weight status (r = 0·56, P = 0·04). Conclusion, Healthy young women showed psychological and physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle which changed in association with alterations in low-grade inflammation and which were independent of body weight or plasma levels of gonadal steroids. [source] Variations in carotid arterial compliance during the menstrual cycle in young womenEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Koichiro Hayashi The effect of menstrual cycle phase on arterial elasticity is controversial. In 10 healthy women (20.6 ± 1.5 years old, mean ±s.d.), we investigated the variations in central and peripheral arterial elasticity, blood pressure (carotid and brachial), carotid intima,media thickness (IMT), and serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations at five points in the menstrual cycle (menstrual, M; follicular, F; ovulatory, O; early luteal, EL; and late luteal, LL). Carotid arterial compliance (simultaneous ultrasound and applanation tonometry) varied cyclically, with significant increases from the values seen in M (0.164 ± 0.036 mm2 mmHg,1) and F (0.171 ± 0.029 mm2 mmHg,1) to that seen in the O phase (0.184 ± 0.029 mm2 mmHg,1). Sharp declines were observed in the EL (0.150 ± 0.033 mm2 mmHg,1) and LL phases (0.147 ± 0.026 mm2 mmHg,1; F= 8.51, P < 0.05). Pulse wave velocity in the leg (i.e. peripheral arterial stiffness) did not exhibit any significant changes. Fluctuations in carotid arterial elasticity correlated with the balance between oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. No significant changes were found in carotid and brachial blood pressures, carotid artery lumen diameter, or IMT throughout the menstrual cycle. These data provide evidence that the elastic properties of central, but not peripheral, arteries fluctuate significantly with the phases of the menstrual cycle. [source] Diagnosis and Treatment of the Menstrual Migraine PatientHEADACHE, Issue 2008Stephen D. Silberstein MD Women presenting with recurrent disabling headache frequently have migraine; but physicians need to rule out other headache disorders before they reach a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura. Many women who experience migraine in close association to their menstrual cycle may meet the diagnostic criteria for either menstrually related migraine (MRM), or pure menstrual migraine (PMM). Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment may be established to best suit the individual needs of that patient. Most women will find that migraine associated with hormone fluctuations respond well to standard treatment approaches including pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. Pharmacological approaches include acute, preventive, and short-term prophylaxis. Herein we review the difference between non-menstrual migraine, PMM, and MRM and identify effective treatment strategies for appropriate management of migraine associated with hormonal fluctuations. [source] Epidemiology and Biology of Menstrual MigraineHEADACHE, Issue 2008Vincent T. Martin MD Migraine is frequently associated with menstruation in female migraineurs, and consequently it is commonly referred to as menstrually associated migraine. The trigger thought to be partially responsible for menstrually associated migraine is a significant drop in circulating estrogen that is noted during 2-3 days prior to onset of menses. It is estimated that approximately 50% of women have an increased risk of experiencing migraine during the premenstrual phase of decreasing estrogen levels. Understanding the biological basis of migraine associated with menses will facilitate an accurate diagnosis and help patients recognize time susceptible to migraine exacerbations. This paper will review the biological bases for the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and review the prevalence and burden of menstrual migraine among female headache sufferers. [source] Effect of systemic hormonal cyclicity on skinINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2006N. Muizzuddin Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can cause changes in body systems other than the reproductive system. We conducted several studies to determine a possible correlation between phases of the menstrual cycle and specific skin properties. Healthy Caucasian women (ages 21,48), who had a typical 26,29 day menstrual cycle, participated in the studies. Measurements of skin barrier strength, dryness, response to lactic acid stinging, skin surface lipids, and microflora were obtained every week for 2 to 3 months. Ultraviolet B (UV-B) susceptibility in terms of minimal erythemal dose was also studied. The skin barrier was the weakest between days 22 and 26 of the cycle. Elevated neuronal response (lactic acid sting) was not observed to vary much with the cycle. Skin was driest between day 1 and day 6, while skin surface lipid secretion appeared to be highest on days 16,20 of the hormonal cycle. The highest microbial count was around days 16,22, and there was a high UV-B susceptibility between days 20 and 28 of the menstrual cycle. [source] Application of Raman spectroscopy for cervical dysplasia diagnosisJOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS, Issue 1-2 2009Elizabeth M. Kanter Abstract Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women worldwide, with over 490 000 cases diagnosed and 274 000 deaths each year. Although current screening methods have dramatically reduced cervical cancer incidence and mortality in developed countries, a "See and Treat" method would be preferred, especially in developing countries. Results from our previous work have suggested that Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect cervical precancers; however, with a classification accuracy of 88%, it was not clinically applicable. In this paper, we describe how incorporating a woman's hormonal status, particularly the point in menstrual cycle and menopausal state, into our previously developed classification algorithm improves the accuracy of our method to 94%. The results of this paper bring Raman spectroscopy one step closer to being utilized in a clinical setting to diagnose cervical dysplasia. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The effects of copper contraceptive intrauterine device on the uterine blood flow: A prospective transvaginal Doppler studyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 7 2009Nuray Yigit MD Abstract Purpose. To evaluate the hemodynamic changes by transvaginal color Doppler sonography (CDS) in the uterine vascular bed after the insertion of a contraceptive intrauterine device (CIUD) and to investigate whether those CDS findings could predict potential side effects, such as dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding. Method. Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index, and systole/diastole ratio (S/D) were measured in the uterine artery and its myometrial branches on 28 patients before and after the insertion of copper IUD, and a correlation with dysmenorrhea and abnormal bleeding was investigated. Result. PI and S/D values in the uterine artery increased significantly after the insertion of the CIUD (p < 0.05). Patients with increased bleeding scores after insertion of CIUD had significantly lower uterine artery PI compared with those without increased bleeding scores (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the Doppler flow parameters regarding dysmenorrhea scores. Conclusion. Low uterine artery PI values recorded in the early phase of the menstrual cycle in patients with a CIUD were associated with an increased bleeding risk. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009 [source] Conflict resolution in women is related to trait aggression and menstrual cycle phaseAGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 3 2003Alyson J. Bond Abstract Twenty-four women with a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and 18 controls took part in a study of patterns of female aggression. They completed a version of the Conflict Tactics Scale for a premenstrual and a follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and for the past year. The Life History of Aggression was completed during a clinician interview. The women used more aggressive tactics to solve conflicts in the premenstrual than in the follicular phase, but the difference was only significant for the PMDD group. During the past year, reasoning was the most common strategy used by women to resolve conflicts, but verbal aggression was also prevalent. Although physical violence was less common, the prevalence of any act of violence was 33% in the controls and 62% in the clinical group. Women with PMDD used both verbal and physical aggression more frequently than the controls and had a higher lifetime history of aggression. Aggression by women toward partners was associated with a general tendency to act aggressively. Aggr. Behav. 29:228,238, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Recurrent erythema multiforme triggered by progesterone sensitivityJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2010Teresa J. Nasabzadeh Determining the underlying etiology of recurrent erythema multiforme (EM) can be a difficult endeavor. Although infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been implicated in some cases, the precise trigger of a given patient's recurrent EM often remains elusive. We discuss the case of a woman with a recurrent blistering eruption that was clinically and histopathologically consistent with EM. An investigation into the etiology of the patient's EM suggested that HSV was not the causative factor but instead pointed toward a hormonal influence that we interpret as autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (APD). This case is presented to highlight the importance of considering hormonal triggers in women with recurrent EM that consistently flares during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the point at which serum progesterone levels peak. A brief review of the literature regarding the diagnosis, histopathology, etiology and treatment of APD is further provided. Nasabzadeh TJ, Stefanato CM, Doole JE, Radfar A, Bhawan J, Venna S. Recurrent erythema multiforme triggered by progesterone sensitivity. [source] Challenges to interpretation of breast MRIJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 6 2001Karen Kinkel MD Abstract This review describes the current knowledge and challenges of lesion interpretation with MRI of the breast according to different image interpretation strategies. Particular emphasis is given to patient- and tumor-related factors that influence image interpretation. The impacts of the menstrual cycle, prior surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are summarized. Particular enhancement features of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive lobular carcinoma are described. Finally, an adequate diagnosis at MRI of the breast should take into account the results of the patient's history, physical examination, and all imaging tests performed before MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:821,829. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Morphometric and hormonal changes during the Chimpanzee menstrual cycleJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Ivo H. Machatschke Abstract Background, Sex steroids affect many peripheral tissue sites in female mammals. Receptors for these hormones have been found in skin, fat, and bone. In women, these tissues can show morphological changes during the menstrual cycle that may be directly related to steroid secretion. Methods The present study was done on chimpanzees to document morphometric markers associated with these tissues (anogenital swelling volume, skin fold thickness as indicator of subcutaneous fat, bony diameters of mandible, wrist, and elbow) and to compare them with cyclic patterns of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, gonadotropins, and prolactin. Results, Swelling volume changed significantly over the menstrual cycle. All other morphometric parameters showed variation without statistical significance. Skin folds were thickest during the luteal phase. Bony diameters displayed similar but less distinctive changes. Testosterone correlated positively with diameter sites, inversely with subcutaneous fat. No relationships with either estradiol or progesterone were found. We assume that subcutaneous fat and morphometric bone parameters exhibit cycle-dependent changes that may be caused by changes in steroid secretion. [source] Urinary steroids, FSH and CG measurements for monitoring the ovarian cycle and pregnancy in the chimpanzeeJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Keiko Shimizu Abstract: Non-invasive methods for monitoring reproductive status of chimpanzee based on the measurement of urinary steroids and gonadotropins were examined. A typical pre-ovulatory urinary estrone conjugate (E1C) surge and post-ovulatory increase in pregnandiol glucuronide (PdG) were seen during the menstrual cycle. Urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) showed two peaks over the infertile menstrual cycle. The earliest changes indicating pregnancy were a coincident rise in E1C and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) levels and a concomitant fall in FSH levels. Urinary PdG levels showed a prolonged rise. Urinary E1C in the pregnant chimpanzee was higher than during the menstrual cycle and increased with advancing gestation, with maximum levels occurring near term. In the case of stillbirth, E1C and CG levels from mid- through late-pregnancy were low and the prepartum progressive increase in E1C was not shown. The data presented here are of great practical value in captive breeding management of chimpanzees. [source] Transvaginal Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) Compared with ChromolaparoscopyJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2000Dr. Somchai Tanawattanacharoen Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of HyCoSy with chromolaparoscopy for the diagnosis of tubal occlusion and uterine abnormalities. Methods: Sixty infertile women in whom the cause of infertility was thought to be tubal occlusion or uterine abnormalities and who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria as specified in the study protocol were included. HyCoSy was performed during the first half of the menstrual cycle at least 24 hours prior to chromolaparoscopy. The results from both HyCoSy and chromolaparoscopy were compared in assessing tubal occlusion and uterine pathology. Results: For the evaluation of fallopian tubes, we found corresponding results between HyCoSy and chromolaparoscopy in 80.0%. The agreement between both procedures in assessing the uterine pathology was 80.4%. Twenty-two women experienced adverse events. The most common complaint was pelvic pain. Other events encountered were: nausea (3 women) and vaginal bleeding (2 women). All events were thought to be not related to the study drug. Conclusion: HyCoSy showed good diagnostic performance in the evaluation of the fallopian tubes and uterus in infertile women. The adverse events reported in this study are minor and procedure-related (catheter insertion) rather than the trial substance. [source] A comparison of cyclic variations in anterior knee laxity, genu recurvatum, and general joint laxity across the menstrual cycleJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 11 2010Sandra J. Shultz Abstract Changes in anterior knee laxity (AKL), genu recurvatum (GR) and general joint laxity (GJL) were quantified across days of the early follicular and early luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in 66 females, and the similarity in their pattern of cyclic variations examined. Laxity was measured on each of the first 6 days of menses (M1,M6) and the first 8 days following ovulation (L1,L8) over two cycles. The largest mean differences were observed between L5 and L8 for AKL (0.32,mm), and between L5 and M1 for GR (0.56°) and GJL (0.26) (p,<,0.013). At the individual level, mean absolute cyclic changes in AKL (1.8,±,0.7,mm, 1.6,±,0.7,mm), GR (2.8,±,1.0°, 2.4,±,1.0°), and GJL (1.1,±,1.1, 0.7,±,1.0) were more apparent, with minimum, maximum and delta values being quite consistent from month to month (ICC2,3,=,0.51,0.98). Although the average daily pattern of change in laxity was quite similar between variables (Spearman correlation range 0.61 and 0.90), correlations between laxity measures at the individual level were much lower (range ,0.07 to 0.43). Substantial, similar, and reproducible cyclic changes in AKL, GR, and GJL were observed across the menstrual cycle, with the magnitude and pattern of cyclic changes varying considerably among females. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1411,1417, 2010 [source] Absolute serum hormone levels predict the magnitude of change in anterior knee laxity across the menstrual cycleJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Sandra J. Shultz Abstract This study aimed to determine whether absolute sex hormone concentrations predict the magnitude of knee joint laxity changes across the menstrual cycle. Twenty-two females (18,30 years, body mass index ,30), who reported normal menstrual cycles for the previous 6 months were tested daily across one complete menstrual cycle for serum levels of estradiol (E,=,pg/mL), progesterone (P,=,ng/mL), and testosterone (T,=,ng/dL), and knee joint laxity (KLax,=,mm displacement at 134N) measured with a standard knee arthrometer. The change in KLax across the cycle (maximum,minimum), and minimum (early follicular) and peak (postovulatory) hormone concentrations were recorded for each subject. A stepwise linear regression determined if the minimum, peak, or absolute change in hormone concentrations would predict the magnitude of change in KLax across the cycle. KLax changed on average 3.2,±,1.1 mm across the menstrual cycle (range, 1.5,5.3 mm). Minimum levels of E (39.9,±,11.8 pg/mL) and P (0.61,±,0.27 ng/mL), coupled with peak concentrations of E (199.6,±,54.9 pg/mL) and T (22.5,±,10.5 ng/dL) explained 57.6% of the change in KLax across the cycle. Greater absolute changes in KLax were observed in response to peak E and T levels when minimum E concentrations were lower and minimum P concentrations were higher in the early follicular phase. The absolute minimum concentrations of E and P in the early follicular phase appear to be important factors in determining the sensitivity of the knee joint's response to changing hormone levels. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res [source] Adrenocortical and Pituitary Glucocorticoid Feedback in Abstinent Alcohol-Dependent WomenALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2010Bryon Adinoff Background:, The long-term ingestion of alcohol diminishes hypothalamic,pituitary,adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity in alcohol-dependent men, potentially altering future relapse risk. Although sex differences in HPA axis functioning are apparent in healthy controls, disruptions in this system have received little attention in alcohol-dependent women. In this study, we assessed the basal secretory profile of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, adrenocortical sensitivity in both the presence and absence of endogenous corticotropic pituitary activation, and feedback pituitary glucocorticoid sensitivity to dexamethasone. Methods:, Seven women 4- to 8-week abstinent alcohol-only dependent subjects and 10 age-matched female healthy controls were studied. All subjects were between 30 and 50 years old, not taking oral contraceptives, and were studied during the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Circulating concentrations of ACTH and cortisol were measured in blood samples collected at frequent intervals from 2000 to 0800 hour. A submaximal dose of cosyntropin (0.01 ,g/kg), a synthetic ACTH (1,24), was administered at 0800 hour to assess adrenocortical sensitivity. In a separate session, low-dose cosyntropin was also administered following high-dose dexamethasone (8 mg intravenous) to assess adrenocortical sensitivity in the relative absence of endogenous ACTH. In addition, the ACTH response to dexamethasone was measured to determine the pituitary glucocorticoid negative feedback. Sessions were 5 days apart, and blood draws were obtained every 5 to 10 minutes. Results:, Mean concentrations and pulsatile characteristics of ACTH and cortisol over 12 hours were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Healthy controls had a somewhat higher (p < 0.08) net peak, but not net integrated, cortisol response to cosyntropin relative to the alcohol-dependent women. There were no significant group differences in either the ACTH or cortisol response to dexamethasone nor in the net cortisol response to cosyntropin following dexamethasone. Conclusion:, Significant differences in pituitary,adrenal function were not apparent between alcohol-dependent women and matched controls. Despite the small n, it appears that alcohol-dependent women do not show the same disruptions in HPA activity as alcohol-dependent men. These findings may have relevance for gender-specific treatment effectiveness. [source] Expression of mRNA and proteins for GnRH I and II and their receptors in primate corpus luteum during menstrual cycleMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 10 2008Nilkanta Chakrabarti Abstract The differential expression of mRNA and protein of GnRH I, II and their receptors (RI and RII) in the monkey corpus luteum (CL) were measured during different stages of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle as an initial step towards considering the role and regulation of GnRH (I and II) system during luteinization and luteolysis in primates. RT-PCR confirmed the sequence identity of PCR products and real time PCR quantified specific mRNA expressions. Proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Changes in mRNA expression patterns of GnRH I and II (increased) and GnRH RII (decreased) were maximal at mid-late to late stages, that is, at CL regression, where as GnRH RI was low during the entire luteal phase. However, RT-PCR and IHC studies confirmed the presence of GnRH RI at both mRNA and protein levels, respectively. IHC results showed the presence of GnRH I, II and their receptors in steroidogenic cells (granulose-luteal cells and thecal-luteal cells) across the luteal phase. Hence, GnRH I and II systems may have a role on both luteinization (from early to mid stages of CL) and luteolysis (from mid-late to very-late stages of CL). These novel findings suggest that monkey luteal GnRH system may have a role in fertility regulation in paracrine and/or autocrine manner. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1567,1577 © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The expression pattern of MUC1 glycoforms and other biomarkers of endometrial receptivity in fertile and infertile women,MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005A.W. Horne Abstract Changes in the surface epithelium of the endometrium, characterized in part by alterations in cell-surface molecules, sex steroid receptors and the appearance of pinopodes, coincide with the window of endometrial receptivity in the menstrual cycle. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of hematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning and transmission microscopy, and MUC1 glycoform, sex steroid receptor, and interleukin receptor (type 1) expression as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity using carefully characterized clinical fertile and infertile groups of women. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) called scanning immunoelectron microscopy (SIM), we confirmed that MUC1 mucin was not associated with the endometrial pinopodes, which have been linked with embryo adhesion. We also showed that failure of embryo implantation was associated with an abnormal endometrial expression of MUC1 mucin, and retention of nuclear progesterone receptor (PR) particularly in epithelial cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SEM in isolation and immunohistochemistry for interleukin receptor were not shown to be useful markers. Progesterone-dependent regulation of MUC1 appears to be an important factor in determining endometrial receptivity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of oral contraceptives on tear physiologyOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 1 2001Alan Tomlinson Summary Variations in sex hormones due to the menstrual cycle (and oral contraceptives) were evaluated for their effect on tear physiology. Subjects were 18 females taking oral contraceptives or their age matched controls (no medication), aged 21,33 years. Symptoms of ocular discomfort (visual analog scale), tear film structure (TearScope), non-invasive tear thinning time (HirCal grid), evaporation rate (ServoMed evaporimeter), osmolality (Nanolitre Osmometer), tear turnover rate, tear volume (Fluorotron Master), and tear protein levels (HPLC) were measured around day 2 (D2), actually day 1,4 and day 19 (D19) actually day 18,21 of the cycle. No significant differences were found for any tear parameters between D2 and D19 for either pill users or controls alone, or in the comparison of pill users with controls. No effect on tear physiology was found for serum hormone changes induced by oral contraceptive use or by normal cyclic variations in healthy young females. [source] Total estradiol levels in migrant and British-born British Pakistani women: Investigating early life influences on ovarian functionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Tessa M. Pollard The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that women who grow up in energetically stressed environments have later menarche and lower total estradiol levels during their reproductive years than do women who grow up in less energetically stressed environments. We assessed total estradiol in a serum sample taken 9,11 days after the start of the menstrual cycle in 26 women who grew up in Pakistan and migrated to the UK as adults, in 28 British-born British Pakistani women, and in 25 British-born women of European origin. Women who grew up in Pakistan reported a later menarche than women who grew up in the UK. However, we found no significant differences between the groups in total estradiol level. Thus our findings do not support the hypothesis that estradiol levels are partially determined during early life. However, having considered our findings in relation to those of other studies, we conclude that new methodological approaches are needed to provide a more definitive test of the hypothesis. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The impact of developmental conditions on adult salivary estradiol levels: Why this differs from progesterone?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Alejandra Núñez-De La Mora Women living in energetically stressful conditions have significantly lower baseline salivary steroid levels compared to those in affluent environments. Developmental hypotheses suggest that interpopulation variation in ovarian function results from contrasting environments experienced during growth. We use a migrant study of Bangladeshi women to test this hypothesis. We compared middle-class women (19,39 years) who migrated to London, UK, at different life-stages (pre and postmenarche), with Bangladeshi sedentees, second-generation British-Bangladeshis, and white British women living in similar London neighborhoods (total n = 227). We analyzed levels of salivary estradiol for one menstrual cycle, together with data on anthropometry, diet, lifestyle, and migration and reproductive histories. Results from multiple linear regression models, controlling for anthropometric and reproductive variables, show no significant differences in baseline estradiol levels between groups whether all cycles or just ovulatory cycles are analyzed. We also found no correlation between age at migration or time since migration on estradiol levels, nor between adult estradiol levels and age at menarche. Our results differ from previous reports of significantly lower salivary estradiol levels in populations living in more extreme ecological settings. They also contrast with our previous findings of significant intergroup differences in baseline levels of salivary progesterone. However, women who spent their childhood in Sylhet have a lower proportion of ovulatory cycles compared to women who developed in Britain. These group differences in ovulation frequency indicate more qualitative effects of contrasting developmental environments. We discuss possible explanations for differences in response between progesterone and estradiol, as well as broader implications of our findings. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) predicts levels of salivary estradiol, but not progesterone, over the menstrual cycleAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Matthew H. McIntyre We tested the association between the index-to-ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations measured over the course of a menstrual cycle in the saliva of 38 young women. Estradiol levels were positively associated with right-hand, but not left-hand, 2D:4D, and also with the difference between right- and left-hand 2D:4D. None of these measures predicted progesterone level.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:434,436, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen levels in immigrant and British-born premenopausal British Pakistani women: Evidence of early life influences?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Tessa M. Pollard In women, raised insulin levels are associated with low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and high androgen levels, which are in turn linked to infertility. Since insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are major health problems for South Asians living in Western countries, we predicted that British Pakistani women would have low SHBG and raised androgen levels compared to European women. Given low birth weights in Pakistan, and known links between low birth weight and insulin resistance in later life, we also predicted that immigrant women born in Pakistan would have lower levels of SHBG and higher levels of androgens than British-born British Pakistani women. We assessed SHBG, testosterone, and the free androgen index (FAI) from a single serum sample taken on days 9,11 of the menstrual cycle from 20,40-year-old women living in the UK: 30 immigrants from Pakistan, 30 British-born British Pakistani women, and 25 British-born women of European origin. Age-adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in SHBG, testosterone, or FAI between British-born Pakistani and European-origin women. However, immigrant British Pakistani women had a significantly higher FAI than British-born British Pakistani women. Adjustment for body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and smoking status did not affect these results, but further adjustment for height, a marker of early environment, reduced the P -value for the difference in FAI between immigrant and British-born British Pakistani women to below significance. It is possible that the poorer early environment of immigrant British Pakistani women was at least partially responsible for their relatively high levels of free androgens. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:741,747, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Menstruation does not cause anemia: Endometrial thickness correlates positively with erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration in premenopausal womenAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Kathryn B.H. Clancy Menstruation has often been cited as a risk factor for iron-deficiency anemia. This study tested whether normal, premenopausal women's luteal endometrial thickness (ET) was associated with their red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentrations (Hg), and therefore whether a high ET put women at risk for anemia. Endometrial thickness can be considered a reasonable proxy for menstrual blood loss in normal women. Twenty-six healthy women from the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site in Poland, aged 20,40 years (29 ± 5.3 years, mean ± SD), were selected. Subjects' ET was measured by transvaginal ultrasound in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and their red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentrations were measured by fasting morning blood samples. Controlling for day of ET measurement, RBC and Hg were positively correlated with ET (r2 = 0.24, P = 0.05; r2 = 0.25, P = 0.04, respectively). We propose that, contrary to popular understanding, a thicker endometrium suggests greater iron reserves, rather than greater risk for anemia, in healthy women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:710,713, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] High ponderal index at birth predicts high estradiol levels in adult womenAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Grazyna Jasienska Inter-individual variation in levels of sex hormones results from differences in genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. We tested a hypothesis that programming of the fetal neuroendocrine axis may predispose some women to produce higher levels of steroid hormones during their menstrual cycles as adults. One hundred forty-five regularly menstruating 24- to 36- year-old women collected daily saliva samples for one menstrual cycle. Data on women's birth weights and birth lengths were obtained from medical records. A positive relationship was observed between ponderal index at birth (an indicator of nutritional status, calculated as birth weight/(birth length)3) and levels of estradiol (E2) in menstrual cycles, after controlling for potential confounding factors. Mean E2 was 16.4 pmol/l in the low ponderal index tertile, 17.3 pmol/l in the moderate ponderal index tertile, and 19.6 pmol/l in the high ponderal index tertile (the high ponderal index group had significantly higher E2 than both low and moderate ponderal index groups, P = 0.0001). This study shows a positive association between ponderal index recorded for women at birth and levels of E2 measured during their menstrual cycles as adults. This suggests that conditions during fetal life influence adult production of reproductive hormones and may contribute to inter-individual variation in reproductive function. In addition, because large size at birth is one of the factors linked with an increased risk of breast cancer, our findings provide a physiological link for the observed positive relationship between indicators of energetic conditions during fetal growth and breast cancer in women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:133,140, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. 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