Follicular Phase Group Research Articles

The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Processing of Emotional Images

Abstract. The ovarian hormone levels can affect subjective ratings and modulate late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes evoked by images of varying appeal. The present study examines how different progesterone levels influence the valence, arousal ratings and mean LPP amplitudes evoked by pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant images. Twenty-three healthy females were grouped by menstrual cycle days (estradiol and progesterone levels): 10 were included in the follicular phase group and 13 were included in the luteal phase group. Each female rated the affective images in terms of valence and arousal while event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured. The valence ratings of pleasant images were higher in follicular phase group than in luteal, but the same effect was not seen in the arousal ratings. The arousal ratings to unpleasant images were higher than those to pleasant in luteal, but not in follicular phase group. However, the mean amplitude of the early LPP (450–700 ms) was significantly greater to pleasant than to neutral and unpleasant stimuli, but did not differ between follicular and luteal phase groups. The mean amplitude of the late LPP (700–950 ms) was significantly larger to pleasant and unpleasant compared to neutral images, but did not differ between menstrual cycle phase groups. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between progesterone levels and arousal ratings of pleasant and unpleasant images in luteal phase group. Arousal scores for unpleasant images negatively correlated with mean LPP amplitudes to unpleasant images at Pz site in the luteal phase group. The present study provides evidence that subjective ratings of affective images of different attractiveness could be influenced by female menstrual cycle phase, but mean amplitudes of LPP (450–950 ms) are not affected. However, results of correlational analysis suggest that valence, arousal ratings and mean LPP amplitudes are susceptible to the influence of hormone progesterone in luteal phase.

M1 macrophages decrease in the deciduae from normal pregnancies but not from spontaneous abortions or unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions.

To investigate the M1/M2 polarity of macrophages in the endometrium among different menstrual cycles, normal and abnormal pregnancies, and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs). Endometrial tissue was obtained from 43 patients undergoing hysterectomy, either in the follicular phase (Group 1, n=23) or in the luteal phase (Group 2, n=20). In addition, decidual tissue was obtained from 53 pregnant women during the first trimester, either of normal pregnancies (Group 3, n=12) or abnormal pregnancies (Group 4: spontaneous abortions, n=20; Group 5: unexplained RSA, n=21). Using immunofluorescence to examine the M1 and M2 macrophages in the endometrium and deciduae from cases with different menstrual phases and various pregnancy outcomes, respectively, we endeavored to learn the possible pathophysiology of abortions. M1 macrophages were abundant in the deciduae of spontaneous abortions and unexplained RSA, whereas the frequency of M2 macrophages was significantly higher in the endometrium of luteal phase and normal pregnancies. M2 polarization is important for early successful pregnancies in humans.

Influence of different menstrual phases on the Bispectral Index during dexmedetomidine sedation

To investigate the influence of different menstrual phases on the Bispectral Index (BIS) during dexmedetomidine (Dex) sedation, 40 patients with regular menstrual cycle, American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II, aged 18–40 years, undergoing selective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, were enrolled. According to different menstrual phases and the serum progesterone concentration, they were divided into two groups: the follicular phase group (Group F) and the luteal phase group (Group L), and each group had 20 patients. Before anesthesia induction, patients were infused with an initial loading dose of Dex (1 μg/kg) for 10 minutes and then 0.5 μg/kg/h for 20 minutes. BIS and the changes in hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were recorded within those 30 minutes. Time to lower BIS to 70 and 60 in Group L was shorter than that in Group F (9.4 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 11.3 ± 2.1 minutes, p = 0.005; 11.3 ± 2.4 minutes vs. 14.0 ± 3.6 minutes, p = 0.021). The number of patients whose BIS reached 50 in Group L was greater than that in Group F (15 vs. 8, p < 0.05). The lowest BIS value in the Group L was lower than that in Group F (46.8 ± 6.3 vs. 55.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.006), and the heart rate of patients in both groups showed a decrease (p < 0.05). The sedative effect of Dex was more significant in patients during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase.

Flexibility in starting ovarian stimulation at different phases of the menstrual cycle for treatment of infertile women with the use of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection

To investigate flexibility in starting controlled ovarian stimulation at any phase of the menstrual cycle in infertile women undergoing treatment with assisted reproduction. Retrospective cohort study. Academic tertiary-care medical center. At total of 150 infertile patients undergoing invitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Ninety of the women also underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedures. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle when ovarian stimulation was started, three groups of patients were identified, namely: conventional group (ovarian stimulation started in the early follicular phase), late follicular phase group, and luteal phase group. When dominant follicles were observed, final oocyte maturation was triggered with the use of GnRH agonist and hCG. In all three groups, viable embryos were cryopreserved for subsequent transfer. number of mature oocytes retrieved. fertilization rate, viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved, cancellation rate, and clinical pregnancy outcomes from FET cycles. There were no differences in the mean number of mature oocytes retrieved in the conventional group, late follicular phase group, and luteal phase group (5.7 ± 3.6, 5.2 ± 3.7, and 5.2 ± 3.9, respectively). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the viable embryo rate per oocyte retrieved (37.9%, 38.5%, and 43.6%), clinical pregnancy rates (41.5%, 45.5%, and 38.9%), and implantation rates (30.7%, 30.2%, and 27.1%) in the three groups. All three ovarian stimulation protocols were observed to be equally effective. These results demonstrate that ovarian stimulation can be commenced on any day of the menstrual cycle. ChiCTR-OPN-15007332.

Similar in vitro maturation rates of oocytes retrieved during the follicular or luteal phase offer flexible options for urgent fertility preservation in breast cancer patients.

Are in vitro maturation (IVM) rates of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), retrieved from breast cancer patients seeking urgent fertility preservation (FP) before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, different between those recovered in the follicular or in the luteal phase of the cycle? The present investigation reveals no major difference in the number of COCs recovered or their IVM rates whatever the phase of the cycle at which egg retrieval is performed, suggesting that IVM is a promising tool for breast cancer patients seeking urgent oocyte cryopreservation. FP now represents a standard of care for young cancer patients having to undergo gonadotoxic treatment. Mature oocyte cryopreservation after IVM of COCs has been proposed for urgent FP, especially in women, who have no time to undergo ovarian stimulation, or when it is contraindicated. From January 2011 to December 2014, we prospectively studied 248 breast cancer patients awaiting neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aged 18-40 years, candidates for oocyte vitrification following IVM, either at the follicular or the luteal phase of the cycle. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone and progesterone levels and antral follicle count (AFC) were measured prior to oocyte retrieval. Patients were sorted into two groups according to the phase of the cycle during which eggs were harvested (Follicular phase group, n = 127 and Luteal phase group, n = 121). Number of COCs recovered, maturation rates after 48 h of culture and total number of oocytes cryopreserved were assessed. Moreover, the oocyte retrieval rate (ORR) was calculated by the number of COCs recovered ×100/AFC. In the Follicular and the Luteal phase groups, women were comparable in terms of age, BMI and markers of follicular ovarian status. There was no significant difference in the number of COCs recovered (mean ± SEM), 9.3 ± 0.7 versus 11.1 ± 0.8, and ORR (median (range)) 43.1 (1-100) versus 47.8 (7.7-100)%. Moreover, maturation rates after 48 h of culture (median (range)) were comparable in the follicular and luteal phase groups, 66.7 (20-100) versus 64.5 (0-100)%. Finally, the total number of oocytes cryopreserved (mean ± SEM) was similar in both groups (6.2 ± 0.4 versus 6.8 ± 0.5). Despite the intact meiotic competence of immature oocytes recovered during the follicular or the luteal phase, there is a dramatic lack of data regarding the outcome of IVM oocytes cryopreserved in cancer patients. IVM of oocytes may be an interesting method of FP in urgent situations. Improving the culture conditions will be needed to increase the maturation rates and the overall potential of in vitro matured oocytes. None. N/A.

Timing for a Laparoscopic Myomectomy During the Menstrual Cycle.

To determine whether the different phases (follicular phase, luteal phase, or menstruation) of the menstrual cycle could affect the operative blood loss during a laparoscopic myomectomy. Retrospective comparative study. University hospital. A total of 220 patients who underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy were classified into the follicular phase (n = 90), luteal phase (n = 93), and menstruation group (n = 37) on the basis of the adjusted day of the menstrual cycle. Laparoscopic myomectomy. The operative blood loss during the laparoscopic myomectomy was measured. The baseline demographics (age, body mass index, and myoma characteristics) were similar among the 3 groups. No significant differences were observed in the operative blood loss (p = .231) and in the hemoglobin change (p = .526) among the 3 groups. In addition, no other statistical differences were found in terms of the other operative results, including the operative time, the length of hospital stay, and operative complications. The different phase of the menstrual cycle had no effect in the operative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. Therefore, the menstrual cycle is not an important factor to determine the optimal timing of a laparoscopic myomectomy.

Menstruel Siklus Sırasında Fallop Tüplerinde Lüteinizan Hormon ve Seks Steroid Hormon Reseptörlerinin Ekspresyonu (The Expressions of Luteinizing Hormone and Sex Steroid Hormone Receptors in Human Fallopian Tube During the Menstrual Cycle)

Purpose: Expression of Luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors has been showed in the tuba uterina; but their role in the Fallopian tube is still unknown. During the normal menstrual cycle, female reproductive system is exposed to fluctuating levels of sex steroids, including estrogen and progesterone. In this study, we present the cyclical variations of tubal LH, estro-gen receptors (ER), and progesterone receptors (PR).Material and Methods: Twenty women operated for benign causes were included in this study. Fallopian tubes from the different stages of menstrual cycle were collected. Then these tubes sections were examined using immunohistochemistry.Results: Expression of LH receptor did not change according to phases of menstrual cycle and there is no significant difference between follicular phase and luteal phase groups. Ac-cording to the result of statistically analyzed, there is not a significantly differences between the PR of follicular phase and luteal phase.Conclusion: We report on differences in LHR, SHR expression in the Fallopian tube from cases with follicular phase compared with luteal phase. This information may be important for the understanding of normal tubal function.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on injection pain due to rocuronium

Study ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on rocuronium injection pain. DesignProspective, randomized, double-blinded study. SettingAcademic medical center. Patients80 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women scheduled for elective surgery with general anesthesia. MeasurementsPatients were divided into two groups according to their time in the menstrual cycle. Forty patients at days 8 to 12 of the menstrual cycle were considered to be at the follicular phase (Group F), and 40 patients at days 20 to 24 of the menstrual cycle were considered to be at the luteal phase (Group L).Withdrawal movements were recorded. Main ResultsOverall frequency of withdrawal movements was significantly higher in Group L than Group F (P < 0.001). The mean withdrawal movement score was 1.77 ± 0.76 in Group L and 0.52 ± 0.67 in Group F. ConclusionMenstrual cycle phases affect the severity of rocuronium injection pain. Women exhibit greater pain sensitivity from rocuronium injection in the luteal phase than the follicular phase.

Clomiphene Citrate as An Adjuvant to hMG Stimulation of the Ovaries in Mid-to-late Follicular Phase and Subsequently Pregnancy Outcome of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfers

To compare the results of a novel regimen of human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) in combination with clomiphene citrate (CC) in mid-to-late follicular phase with those of a short protocol of GnRH agonist (GnRHa) and hMG used for IVF. In the retrospective study, 842 patients undergoing IVF were collected and classified into two groups: hMG in combination with CC in mid-to-late follicular phase (group A, n=319) and short protocol of GnRHa-hMG (group B, n=523). The main outcome measures were ovarian responses in stimulation cycles and pregnancy outcomes in subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. In group A, the serum LH concentration on day 8–10 was similar with that on the day of hCG administration (2.43± 1.92 IU vs 2.51 ± 2.05 IU). The number of mature follicles and oocytes retrieved was significantly lower in group A than in group B while the fertilization rate and the cleavage rate were comparable. The clinical pregnancy rate (47.79% vs 48.04%), the implantation rate (32.49% vs 33.11%) and the cumulative pregnancy rate (58.09% vs 60.22%) were respectively similar in group A and group B. hMG in combination with CC in mid-to-late follicular phase results in the same pregnancy outcome as short protocol. The novel protocol may take the advantage of eliminating the occurrence of a premature endogenous LH surge.

Influence of the menstrual cycle on the incidence of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gynecological surgery: a pilot study

Study ObjectiveTo investigate whether the phase of menstrual cycle influences the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing general anesthesia for elective laparoscopic gynecological surgery. DesignProspective, observational, blinded study. SettingGeneral hospital, Postanesthesia Care Unit, and gynecologic floor room. Patients111 ASA physical status 1 and 2 women, aged 18 to 53 years. InterventionsPatients were classified into three groups according to the phase of menstrual cycle at the time of anesthesia: Group F1: follicular phase (menstrual days 1-8; n = 34); Group O2: ovulatory phase (days 9-15; n = 40); and Group L3: luteal phase (days 16 to end of cycle; n = 37). Anesthetic, postoperative pain management, and antiemetic regimens were standardized. MeasurementsFrequency of nausea, vomiting, or both were assessed for early (0-2 hrs). Late PONV (2-24 hrs) along with the use of rescue antiemetic, severity of nausea, and pain. Main ResultsIn the follicular (n = 34), ovulatory (n = 40) and luteal phase (n = 37) groups, the frequencies of PONV over 24 hours were 35%, 38%, and 14% (P = 0.04), respectively. This was due to differences in the early postoperative period where the frequencies were 21%, 25%, and 3% (P = 0.02), respectively, as frequencies were similar in the late period (15%, 20% and 14%, P = 0.71), respectively. Nausea scores, rescue antiemetic usage, pain scores, and opioid consumption were similar in the groups. ConclusionPatients in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle may have a decreased risk of PONV after laparoscopic gynecological surgery in the early postoperative period.

Effects of ovarian cycle on medlan-effecttve target plasma concentration of propofol TCI caused loss consciousness

Objective To evaluate the effects of ovarian cycle on median-effective target plasma concentration (EC50) of propofol administered by target controlled infusion (TCI) caused loss consciousness.Methods Forty ASA I or II patients who had age 20 - 39 (28.5 ± 4.8) years and were scheduled for elective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery were divided into 2 groups (n =20 each group) : The follicular phase group (F group, serum progesterone concentration O.31 1.52 ng/ml) and luteal phase group (L group, serum progesterone concentration 5.16 ～ 18.56 ng/ral).No premedication was administered.Propofol was administered by TCI.TCI system was incorporated with Marsh pharmacokinetic model.EC50 was determined by up-and-down sequential trial.The target phsma concentration (Cp) was set at 3.5 μg/ml in the fh-st patient in each group.Each time, Cp was increased/decreased by 10％ in the next patient depending on whether or not the loss consciousness occurred.Results The ECho and 95％ confidence interval of propofol TCI caused loss consciousness were 4.76 (4.52 -5.00) μg/ml in group F, 4.18(3.88 ～4.52)μg/ml in group L.EC50in group L was significantly lower than in group F (t =6.23, P ＜0.01).Conclusions As loss consciousness occurred, median-effective target plasma concentration of propofol in luteal phase was lower than that in follicular phase. Key words: Menstrual cycle; Anesthesia, general; Propofol/PK

Effect of ovarian cycle on sedative effect of propofol

Objective To investigate the effect of ovarian cycle on the sedative effect of propofol in patients. Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients, aged 20-40 yr, with body mass index 20-25 kg/m2 , scheduled for elective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, were divided into 2 groups according to the progesterone level ( n = 20 each): follicular phase group (group F, serum progesterone concentration 0.31-1.52 ng/ml) and luteal phase group (group L, serum progesterone concentration 5.16-18.56 ng/ml). Anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol and iv injection of fentanyl and cisatracurium. The initial target plasma concentration (Cp) of propofol was set at 2 μg/ml, after the Cp reached the predetermined level, the Cp increased by 0.5 μg/ml every 30 s until the patients lost consciousness and BIS value was decreased to 50. The BIS value and Cp of propofol was recorded when the patients lost consciousness. The Cp of propofol was also recorded when BIS value was decreased to 50. The patients were tracheal intubated and mechanically ventilated. Anesthesia was maintained with TCI of propofol combined with remifentanil. BIS value was maintained at 45-55 by adjusting the Cp of propofol. Results The Cps of propofol were significantly higher when the patients lost consciousness and when BIS value was decreased to 50 in group F than in group L ( P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01) . There was no significant difference in BIS value when the patients lost consciousness between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05). Conclusion Ovarian cycle can affect the sedative effect of propofol in patients, which shows that the sedative effect during the follicular phase is lower than that during the luteal phase. Key words: Menstrual cycle; Propofol; Conscious sedation

Influence of Menstrual Cycle on P Wave Dispersion

Female gender is an independent risk factor for some types of arrhythmias. We sought to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects P wave dispersion, which is a predictor of atrial fibrillation. The study population consisted of 59 women in follicular phase (mean age, 29.3 ± 7.7 years) (group F) and 53 women in luteal phase (mean age, 28.1 ± 6.8 years) (group L). The ECGs of 35 patients (mean age, 26.4 ± 4.5) were obtained in both follicular and luteal phase. Both groups underwent a standard 12-lead surface electrocardiogram recorded at 50 mm/s. Maximal (Pmax) and minimal P wave durations (Pmin) were measured. P wave dispersion (PD) was defined as the difference between Pmax and Pmin. PD was significantly higher in group L than group F (46.6 ± 18.5 versus 40.1 ± 12.7; P < 0.05). Pmin was significantly lower in group L than group F (51.6 ± 12.1 versus 59.1 ± 12.1; P = 0.002). When we compared ECGs in different phases of the 35 patients, PD was significantly higher in luteal phase than follicular phase (53.2 ± 12.3 versus 42.8 ± 10.2; P < 0.05). Pmin was significantly lower in luteal phase than follicular phase (47.6 ± 6.6 versus 56 ± 10.1; P = 0.05). We detected a significant correlation between the day of the menses and PD (r = 0.27; P < 0.05). PD was increased in luteal phase compared to follicular phase, and this difference was more prominent as the days of the cycle progressed.

Abstract P6-10-02: Differential qRT-PCR-Based Gene Expression Signatures by Menopausal Status and Menstrual Phase in Random Fine-Needle Aspiration Samples from Healthy High-Risk Women

Abstract Background: The utility of archived breast tissue samples for risk-related research is limited by the fact that menopausal and menstrual status at the time of tissue sampling is often unknown. We evaluated the expression of a panel of genes in degraded RNA samples from women undergoing random fine-needle aspirate (rFNA) in preparation for a soy-isoflavone intervention. Our goal was to identify breast epithelial gene expression patterns related to menopause and menstrual phase. Methods: Among 86 at high risk women (a 5-year Gail risk estimate &amp;gt;1.6%, or a prior history of contralateral breast cancer but no systemic therapy), 46 were premenopausal (mean age 43.8 years) and 40 were postmenopausal (mean age 55 years). Stratification by menopause and menstrual phase was accomplished using menstrual dates and plasma estradiol (E2) and progesterone(P4) concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay. 100 ng of RNA from baseline rFNA samples of the breast was reverse transcribed(mean RNA integrity 3.2). Amplicons of interest were linearly amplified to 10 cycles for 28 genes related to breast cancer and estrogen responsiveness. Assays were designed with small amplicons (&amp;lt;100 bp) and qPCR reactions were carried out using the TaqMan Low Density Arrays (Applied Biosystems). For each gene of interest, expression levels were normalized to the average expression of GAPDH and HPRT1. The means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for plasma E2, P4, and gene expression difference between pre-and postmenopausal groups, and between the follicular and luteal phase within the premenopausal group were conducted using the unpaired t-test. P-values from gene expression difference were adjusted via the Benjamini-Hochberg (1995) approach. Results: Within the premenopausal women group, there was no significant change in plasma E2 level between follicular and luteal phase groups (p=0.1756) while P4 level was higher in luteal phase (p=0.0474). The expression of five genes was significantly higher in the premenopausal than in the postmenopausal group: relative expression was 5-fold higher for progesterone receptor (PGR), 6-fold for pS2 (TFF1), 7-fold for gene regulated in breast cancer 1 protein (GREB1), 2-fold for prolactin receptor (PRLR) and 2-fold for CyclinD1 (CCND1) (adjusted p&amp;lt; 0.026 for all). Within the premenopausal women group, the expression of ERα (ESR1) was one-third lower, and the signal peptide, CUB domain, EGF-like 2 (SCUBE2) was one-fifth lower in the luteal phase group compared to the follicular phase group (adjusted p=0.0423 for ESR1, p=0.0076 for SCUBE2). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the expression of genes related to estrogenic response in the breast epithelium of premenopausal women declines following menopause, whereas the relative suppression of ESR1 and SCUBE2 relate to effects of progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These changes may allow the development of a model to date archived breast samples by menopausal and menstrual status. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-10-02.

The Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on the Hemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation

We designed this study to determine the effect of the menstrual cycle on the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation (TI). Sixty-two ASA I women who were either in the follicular phase (group F, n = 31) or luteal phase (group L, n = 31) of their menstrual cycle were included in the study. Patients received propofol and rocuronium for intubation. Hemodynamic variables were recorded before administration of the IV anesthetic, as well as after TI. Rate pressure products were calculated. Groups were similar in terms of demographic data. Rate pressure products values at the first minute after TI were significantly increased in group L than were those in group F (P < 0.001). We conclude that the phase of the menstrual cycle is an important factor in the hemodynamic response to TI.

Ovarian stimulation to cryopreserve fertilized oocytes in cancer patients can be started in the luteal phase

To analyze if oocytes can be obtained in all patients before cancer treatment within 2 weeks by initiating ovarian stimulation during the follicular or luteal phase. Prospective controlled multicenter trial. Four university-based centers. Forty cancer patients before chemotherapy. Twenty-eight patients were stimulated with gonadotropins in the follicular phase (group I). In 12 patients (group II), ovarian stimulation was initiated in the luteal phase, and these received GnRH antagonists and recombinant FSH. In 14 patients, 143 oocytes were further processed for fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Number of oocytes aspirated after ovarian stimulation, cumulative FSH/hMG dosage, viability and maturity of oocytes, and fertilization rate by ICSI. Patients in group I (age 27.6 +/- 4.9 yrs) were stimulated on average for 10.6 days, and patients in group II (age 31.2 +/- 5.7 yrs) for 11.4 days. Total amount of FSH was on average 2,255 IU (I) and 2,720 IU (II) per patient. Average and median numbers of aspirated oocytes were, respectively, 13.1 and 11.5 (I) versus 10.0 and 8.5 (II); 83.7% (I) and 80.4% (II) of the oocytes were mature and viable and could be treated by ICSI. Fertilization rate was 61.0% (I) versus 75.6% (II). This pilot study suggests that oocytes can be obtained before cancer treatment efficiently irrespective of the phase of the menstrual cycle.

The Effect Of Menstrual Cycle Phase On Indices Of Exercise-induced Muscle Damage In Young Women

Estrogen has been shown in in vitro studies to have anti-oxidant properties that may provide protection against exercise-induced muscle damage. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine if differences in symptoms of muscle damage exist when it is induced during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. METHODS Sixteen females between the ages of 18–40, nine in the follicular phase and seven in the luteal phase, completed the study. Each subject completed 75 eccentric-only biceps extensions on their non-dominant arm. Creatine kinase (CK), relaxed elbow extension (REE), range of motion (ROM), strength, and soreness were measured over seven days. RESULTS Estrogen was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the luteal phase (187.8±73.5) group than in the follicular phase (77.2±32.2) group. Despite differences in estrogen concentration, neither group or interaction effects were present for the measured variables. Significant time effects were present such that REE and ROM were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than baseline immediately post, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours later. CK was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 96 hours than at baseline or 48 hours post. Strength was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than baseline immediately post, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours later. CONCLUSIONS Signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle damage were independent of menstrual cycle phase. The estrogen concentration in females, regardless of menstrual cycle phase, may be high enough to offer protection against exercise-induced muscle damage. Alternatively, estrogen may not have any protective effect in healthy female humans.

The Effect Of Menstrual Cycle Phase On Indices Of Exercise-induced Muscle Damage In Young Women

Estrogen has been shown in in vitro studies to have anti-oxidant properties that may provide protection against exercise-induced muscle damage. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine if differences in symptoms of muscle damage exist when it is induced during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. METHODS Sixteen females between the ages of 18–40, nine in the follicular phase and seven in the luteal phase, completed the study. Each subject completed 75 eccentric-only biceps extensions on their non-dominant arm. Creatine kinase (CK), relaxed elbow extension (REE), range of motion (ROM), strength, and soreness were measured over seven days. RESULTS Estrogen was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the luteal phase (187.8±73.5) group than in the follicular phase (77.2±32.2) group. Despite differences in estrogen concentration, neither group or interaction effects were present for the measured variables. Significant time effects were present such that REE and ROM were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than baseline immediately post, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours later. CK was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 96 hours than at baseline or 48 hours post. Strength was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than baseline immediately post, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours later. CONCLUSIONS Signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle damage were independent of menstrual cycle phase. The estrogen concentration in females, regardless of menstrual cycle phase, may be high enough to offer protection against exercise-induced muscle damage. Alternatively, estrogen may not have any protective effect in healthy female humans.

Relationship between inhibin A and B, estradiol and follicle growth dynamics during ovarian stimulation in normo-ovulatory women

To investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of inhibin A, inhibin B and estradiol (E(2)) and the number of developing follicles during the administration of exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in various regimens in normo-ovulatory volunteers and to evaluate if inhibins act as suitable markers for the number of developing follicles during ovarian stimulation. Serial hormone determinations and assessment of follicle numbers were carried out during unstimulated cycles and during various interventions with exogenous FSH. Subjects were randomized for FSH administration into the following groups: a single high dose (375 IU) during the early follicular phase (group A), 5 consecutive low doses (75 IU/day) starting in the mid follicular phase (group B) or daily low doses (75 IU/day) during the early to late follicular phase (starting on cycle days 3, 5 or 7; groups C, D and E respectively). Extending the FSH window increases the number of small antral follicles and hence inhibin B serum concentrations. If such an intervention results in multi-follicular growth, mid follicular phase inhibin B (P = 0.001) as well as late follicular phase inhibin B and inhibin A levels are significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) increased compared with mono-follicular cycles or the natural cycle. Although mid follicular inhibin B levels correlated well with the number of small antral (P < 0.05) and pre-ovulatory (P < 0.001) follicles in the late follicular phase, mid follicular inhibin A and estradiol serum concentrations only correlated with the number of pre-ovulatory follicles (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively). The present data extend our understanding of the relationship between follicle dynamics, serum inhibins and FSH during ovarian hyperstimulation. However, although mid follicular inhibin B does correlate with the number of developing follicles, it does not facilitate the identification of women at risk for multiple follicle development.

Characteristics of developing prolonged dominant follicles in cattle

In cattle, sub-luteal circulating progesterone induces an increase in the frequency of LH pulses, prolonged growth of the dominant follicle, increased peripheral estradiol and reduced fertility. The objective of this study was to examine the earliest stages of development of prolonged dominant follicles, to gain insight into the etiology of this aberrant condition. Heifers were treated with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) from Day 4–8 post-estrus and PGF 2α was injected on Day 6 and again 12 h later (early prolonged dominant group). Follicular phase (CIDR: Day 4–6, with PGF 2α) and luteal phase (CIDR: Day 4–8, without PGF 2α) groups served as controls. As expected, peripheral progesterone in heifers of the early prolonged dominant group was intermediate between luteal and follicular phase groups after luteal regression ( P<0.05). On Day 7, the frequency of LH pulses was higher in heifers of the follicular phase and early prolonged dominant groups than the luteal phase group ( P<0.05). Dominant follicles ( n=4 per group) were collected by ovariectomy on Day 8 and were similar in size among groups ( P>0.05). Estradiol and androstenedione concentrations in the follicular fluid at ovariectomy were higher in the follicular phase and early prolonged dominant groups versus the luteal phase group ( P<0.01), whereas progesterone did not differ among groups ( P>0.05). Granulosa cells and theca interna isolated from dominant follicles were incubated for 3 h with or without gonadotropins or frozen for later analysis of mRNA for steroidogenic enzymes. Luteinizing doses (128 ng/ml) of LH and FSH increased secretion of progesterone ( P<0.05) but did not affect secretion of estradiol by granulosa cells in all groups. Low (2 or 4 ng/ml) and luteinizing doses of LH increased secretion of androstenedione by theca interna to a similar extent among groups. Expression of mRNA for P450 side chain cleavage (P450 scc), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), P450 aromatase (aromatase) and Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) protein by granulosa cells did not differ among groups ( P>0.05). Levels of mRNA for P450 scc, 3β-HSD, 17α-hydroxylase (17α-OH) and StAR protein in theca interna were similar in the follicular phase and early prolonged dominant groups ( P>0.05), but lower in the luteal phase group ( P<0.05–0.1). In summary, the premature follicular luteinization observed in previous studies after prolonged periods of sub-luteal progesterone was absent in early prolonged dominant follicles, exposed to sub-luteal progesterone for 36 h, and their characteristics resembled those of control follicles during the follicular phase.