Luteal Phase Of Menstrual Cycle Research Articles

Correlation of Serum Electrolytes and Ovarian Hormones Levels in Premenstrual Syndrome

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent psychological and physical symptom that may occur during the late luteal phase of menstrual cycle and resolve with menstruation in the women. Alteration of serum electrolyte levels in accordance with ovarian hormonal fluctuations has some association with PMS which affect their regular activities and reproductive life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the correlation of serum electrolytes and ovarian hormones levels in premenstrual syndrome among the 30 young unmarried women with PMS from July 2016 to June 2017 in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Bangladesh. Results: In the non-PMS and PMS group, the mean of serum sodium level was 139.97±1.30 and 140.93±1.68 mmol/L, and serum potassium level was 4.20±0.32 and 4.17±0.31 mmol/ L. The mean of serum estrogen level was 177.10±6.90 and 283.53±5.73 pg/ml and serum progesterone was 19.35±2.55 and 14.67±2.20 ng/ml in the group A and B. Premenstrual scores of irritability, abdominal bloating, backache, depression, fatigue, breast tenderness, headache, anxiety were significantly higher in comparison to those of postmenstrual scores in PMS group (p<0.05). Serum estrogen level (r= +0.558) and serum progesterone level (r= -0.408) were correlated with PMS symptoms scores in PMS group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that the PMS group has some physical and psychological symptoms as a result of fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels and biochemical markers during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 21-25

Low doses of fluoxetine for the treatment of emotional premenstrual syndrome: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study

IntroductionThe neuroactive metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone (ALLO), has been implicated in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) physiopathology and preclinical studies suggested that low doses of fluoxetine increase the ALLO brain concentration. ObjectivesTo assess which low dose of fluoxetine (2 mg/d, 5 mg/d or 10 mg/d), administered exclusively during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle, has a potential effect for preventing or mitigating emotional PMS symptoms. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, we followed 40 women (mean age = 29.7 +/- 7.4 years) with emotional PMS, during two menstrual cycles: cycle 1, without pharmacological intervention; and cycle 2, with pharmacological intervention. Participants took capsules, on average, seven days preceding the likely date of menses. We assessed the severity of PMS symptoms in both cycles using the Daily Record of Severity of Problems scale (DRSP). ResultsThere was an increase in the DRSP scores during the late luteal phase of cycle 1, confirming the diagnosis of emotional PMS. Low doses of fluoxetine (5 mg/d: 33.5%; 10 mg/d: 48.4%) reduced DRSP total score in the day before menses (day-1) at cycle 2 compared with day-1 at cycle 1. Fluoxetine 10 mg/d had the most consistent decline in emotional PMS symptoms; 70% of the participants reported a reduction greater than 40% in the DRSP score. ConclusionsLow doses of fluoxetine, which may have no or few effect on the serotonergic system, but may interfere in the progesterone metabolization, seem to have some potential to mitigate emotional PMS symptoms. While the 10 mg/d of fluoxetine had the best performance on reducing emotional PMS symptoms, the 5 mg/d dose also seems to have some effect on emotional PMS symptoms. Further larger studies will help establish the lowest effective dose of flouxetine for PMS treatment.

Effect of stress on spatial working memory and EEG signal dynamics in the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in young single girls.

Women undergo behavioral changes during the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to investigate the effect of estradiol (Es) on stress and effect of stress on spatial working memory (WM) and also to investigate electroencephalogram (EEG) signal's dynamics in the early and late follicular (EF and LF) and luteal (LU) phases of unmarried girls' menstrual cycle. Stress was induced by presentation of a short (3min) movie clip. Simultaneous with a memory test and stress induction, EEG, serum Es levels, and galvanic skin response (GSR) were assessed. Serum Es concentrations were decreased in LF, LU, and EF phases. The mean GSR score decreased after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF and LU phases versus the EF phase. Spatial WM diminished after stress induction in all three phases, but it increased in the LF phase versus the two phases before and after stress induction. Average power spectrum density in all frequency bands increased after stress induction in the frontal and prefrontal channels in the spatial WM test. The results showed that stress led to spatial WM dysfunction; however, Es improved spatial WM performance in the LF phase versus the other two phases.

Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome In Females of Gujranwala Division And Its Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by cyclic reoccurrence of distressing somatic and psychological manifestations, during luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Present research work aims to investigate prevalence of PMS in females of Gujranwala division Pakistan and to explore various risk factors associated with this syndrome. Methods: The study included self-administered questionnaire, for diagnosis of PMS and PMDD. Participants were analysed for socio-demographic characteristics and menstrual history, serum cholesterol and haemoglobin levels of patients and control were measured. Results: In the present study, 56% females were screened positive for PMS while Prevalence PMDD was 18%. Most common physical symptoms of PMS were abdominal bloating (63.2%), muscle pain (71.73%), lack of energy (85.85%) and appetite change (79.15%) whereas major distressing psychological were Irritability (82.32%), anger (74.55%), depression (49%) and anxiety (63.2%). Prevalence of PMS was 22.6% in underweight, 50.1% in participants having normal weight, 15.5% in overweight individuals and 11.6% in obese. Anaemia (P = 0.00), fatigue (P = 0.00), dysmenorrhea (P = 0.00), family history of PMS (P = 0.00) and residential area (P = 0.047) were major risk factors for development of different symptoms of PMS. Conclusion: Statistically significant association was not confirmed between PMS, obesity and blood cholesterol level. PMS is a common menstrual disorder among reproductive females of Gujranwala division, Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that anemic females were at risk to develop PMS symptoms.

Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome In Females of Gujranwala Division And Its Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by cyclic reoccurrence of distressing somatic and psychological manifestations, during luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Present research work aims to investigate prevalence of PMS in females of Gujranwala division Pakistan and to explore various risk factors associated with this syndrome. Methods: The study included self-administered questionnaire, for diagnosis of PMS and PMDD. Participants were analysed for socio-demographic characteristics and menstrual history, serum cholesterol and haemoglobin levels of patients and control were measured. Results: In the present study, 56% females were screened positive for PMS while Prevalence PMDD was 18%. Most common physical symptoms of PMS were abdominal bloating (63.2%), muscle pain (71.73%), lack of energy (85.85%) and appetite change (79.15%) whereas major distressing psychological were Irritability (82.32%), anger (74.55%), depression (49%) and anxiety (63.2%). Prevalence of PMS was 22.6% in underweight, 50.1% in participants having normal weight, 15.5% in overweight individuals and 11.6% in obese. Anaemia (P = 0.00), fatigue (P = 0.00), dysmenorrhea (P = 0.00), family history of PMS (P = 0.00) and residential area (P = 0.047) were major risk factors for development of different symptoms of PMS. Conclusion: Statistically significant association was not confirmed between PMS, obesity and blood cholesterol level. PMS is a common menstrual disorder among reproductive females of Gujranwala division, Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that anemic females were at risk to develop PMS symptoms.

Classic and 11-oxygenated androgens in serum and saliva across adulthood: a cross-sectional study analyzing the impact of age, body mass index, and diurnal and menstrual cycle variation.

11-oxygenated androgens significantly contribute to the circulating androgen pool. Understanding the physiological variation of 11-oxygenated androgens and their determinants is essential for clinical interpretation, for example, in androgen excess conditions. We quantified classic and 11-oxygenated androgens in serum and saliva across the adult age and body mass index (BMI) range, also analyzing diurnal and menstrual cycle-dependent variation. Cross-sectional. Morning serum samples were collected from 290 healthy volunteers (125 men, 22-95 years; 165 women, 21-91 years). Morning saliva samples were collected by a sub-group (51 women and 32 men). Diurnal saliva profiles were collected by 13 men. Twelve women collected diurnal saliva profiles and morning saliva samples on 7 consecutive days during both follicular and luteal menstrual cycle phases. Serum and salivary steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry profiling assays. Serum classic androgens decreased with age-adjusted BMI, for example, %change kg/m2 for 5α-dihydrotestosterone: men -5.54% (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.10 to -2.98) and women -1.62% (95%CI -3.16 to -0.08). By contrast, 11-oxygenated androgens increased with BMI, for example, %change kg/m2 for 11-ketotestosterone: men 3.05% (95%CI 0.08-6.03) and women 1.68% (95%CI -0.44 to 3.79). Conversely, classic androgens decreased with age in both men and women, while 11-oxygenated androgens did not. Salivary androgens showed a diurnal pattern in men and in the follicular phase in women; in the luteal phase, only 11-oxygenated androgens showed diurnal variation. Classic androgens decrease while active 11-oxygenated androgens increase with increasing BMI, pointing toward the importance of adipose tissue mass for the activation of 11-oxygenated androgens. Classic but not 11-oxygenated androgens decline with age.

Choice Reaction Time in Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Females: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The gonadal hormone output of females fluctuates monthly, and the endometrium, ovaries, and other genital organs undergo physical changes. It is known that women experience fluctuations in mood, energy, and cognitive abilities during different phases of their Menstrual Cycle (MC). Reaction Time (RT) is utilised to measure the ability of brain processing. The present study analysed the effect of various phases occurring in the MC on choice RT. Aim: To determine whether hormonal changes that occur throughout the MC and its phases may have any effect on cognition. Materials and Methods: An observational analytical crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The study duration was six months, from August 2021 to April 2022. A total of 50 apparently healthy females aged 18-25 years were included in the study. The subjects with a history of normal and regular MC for the last six months were included. The Choice Reaction Time (CRT) with visual and auditory stimuli was analysed using an RT apparatus developed by Anand Agencies, Pune, India. In CRT, random auditory and visual stimuli were given to the subjects, and they had to react accordingly. The RT apparatus timer started when the stimuli were given, and it automatically stopped when the subject reacted, providing the RT. RT was noted in the subjects on four occasions: two days prior to menstrual bleeding (premenstrual), the 2nd day during menstruation, the 8th day (follicular phase), and the 18th day after menstrual bleeding (luteal phase). The average value of each type of Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART) in the various menstrual phases was noted and analysed. The level of significance in the various menstrual phases was analysed with inferential statistical study using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: In the present study, prolongation of visual and ART was seen in the luteal phase. There was prolongation of VRT when the luteal phase was compared to the menstrual and follicular phase, but the difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). While in ART, there was prolongation when the luteal phase was compared with the premenstrual, menstrual, and follicular phase, but the difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The current study reveals that there was a non significant prolongation of visual and ART in the luteal phase of MC when CRT was analysed. Thus, it was observed that there was no influence of fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones on ART and VRT in various phases of the MC while conducting CRT.

Features of pathogeny of premenstrual syndrome for women with a pathological pubertal period

The results of the conducted researches testify that neuropsycic form (52,0%) prevails in the structure of premenstrual syndrome, an oedematous form (34,0%) is less widespread, most rarely meeting is cephalgic form of disease (14,0%). Table of contents of estradiol and progesterone in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle in blood of patients by a premenstrual syndrome for certain higher, than for healthy women. The level of progesterone in blood of women with premenstrual syndrome correlates with weight of disease. The most high values of progesterone are present at cephalgic, most low – at the neuropsycic of disease. Table of contents of prolactin and androgens in blood of patients does not differ premenstrual syndrome from these indexes for healthy women. A table of contents of serotonin in blood of women with the neuropsycic form of premenstrual syndrome is in reverse dependence on the degree of weight of disease. The got results it must draw on at development of algorithm of diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic measures for patients with premenstrual syndrome.

Change in Circulating Levels of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Sexual Function in Women With Type 1 Diabetes.

ContextEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are involved in the mechanisms of vascular repair and sexual function, are decreased in diabetic women compared with general population.ObjectiveThis work aimed to investigate the circulating levels of EPCs and the change in sexual function during the menstrual cycle in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) compared with healthy women.MethodsThis case-control observational study was conducted at the Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli’’ of Naples. Participants included 36 women with T1DM and 64 age-matched healthy controls. EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry and sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale. All assessments were made at the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the same menstrual cycle. Main outcome measures included differences in EPCs levels and sexual function between patients and controls.ResultsCompared with controls, women with T1DM showed significantly lower levels of both CD34 + (P < .001) and CD34 + CD133 + cells (P < .001) in the ovulatory phase, and CD34 + KDR + cells both in the ovulatory phase and in the luteal phase (P < .001 for both). Diabetic women showed significantly lower total FSFI scores and higher FSDS score than control women in all phases of the menstrual cycle. FSFI total score was predicted by both CD34 + CD133 + and CD34 + KDR + cells in the follicular phase, CD34 + and CD34 + KDR + CD133 + cells in the ovulatory phase, and CD34 + KDR + and CD34 + KDR + CD133 + cells in the luteal phase.ConclusionWomen with T1DM show lower levels of EPCs during the menstrual cycle compared with controls. EPCs count predicts sexual function in this selected population.

Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Electroencephalogram Alpha and Beta Bands During Motor Imagery and Action Observation.

Female sex steroids (FSS) can affect the motor system, modulating motor cortex excitability as well as performance in dexterity and coordination tasks. However, it has not yet been explored whether FSS affects the cognitive components of motor behavior. Mu is a sensorimotor rhythm observed by electroencephalography (EEG) in alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) frequency bands in practices such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO). This rhythm represents a window for studying the activity of neural circuits involved in motor cognition. Herein we investigated whether the alpha-mu and beta-mu power in the sensorimotor region (C3 and C4, hypothesis-driven approach) and the alpha and beta power over frontal, parietal, and occipital regions (data-driven approach) are modulated differently in the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases of menstrual cycles in right-handed dominant women. To do so, these women underwent MI and AO in the three menstrual cycle phases. The spectral activity of the cortical regions for the alpha and beta bands were compared between phases of the menstrual cycle and a correlation analysis was also performed in relation to estrogen and progesterone levels. For the hypothesis-based approach, beta-mu event-related desynchronization (ERD) was significantly stronger in the C3 channel in the follicular phase than in the menstrual and luteal phases. For the data-driven approach, beta ERD during MI was higher in the follicular phase than in the menstrual and luteal phases in the frontal region. These findings suggest the effect of FSS on executive movement control. No effect of menstrual cycle phases was observed in cortical areas investigated during OA, but alpha and beta bands correlated positively with the follicular phase plasma estradiol level. Thus, the attenuation of alpha and beta bands referring to mirror neuron activities appears to be associated with inhibition of cortical activity when estradiol levels are lower, improving cognitive processing of motor action.

Heart rate variability during different phases of menstrual cycle

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is a menstrual cycle effect on heart rate variability. Ten healthy regularly cycling females (age 19‐23 years) were studied during the follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) of menstrual cycle over two month. We found significant changes in heart rate (65,35±0,68 beats/min in FP vs 73,18±0,92 beats/min in LP, p&lt;0,0005), AMo and stress index during the menstrual cycle with a minimum in the follicular phase (36,81±1,14 % and 76,86±5,74 p.d.u. respectively) and maximum in the luteal phase (42,05±1,27 % and 107,70±7,77 p.d.u. respectively, p&lt;0,003). The HF and LF components decreased more during the luteal phase (655,56±46,64 ms2 and 981,85±66,64 ms2 respectively) than during the follicular phase (997,42±83,36 ms2 and 1524,66±145,17 ms2 respectively, p&lt;0,05). In the follicular phase SDNN, pNN50, MxDMn were significantly higher (0,057±0,002 s, 41,49±1,79 % and 0,333±0,012 s respectively) than in the luteal phase (0,051±0,002 s, 29,73±1,88 % and 0,303±0,012 s respectively, p&lt;0,05). Furthermore, the VIK was higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (p=0,003). These findings indicate that sympathetic nervous activity in the luteal phase is greater than in the follicular phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in the follicular phase. A difference of the balance of ovarian hormones may be responsible for these changes of autonomic functions during the menstrual cycle.

A case study on effectiveness of bhavita churna of Asoka twak in Premenstrual Syndrome

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disease characterised by manifestation of physical and psychological symptoms in females. It is a disorder of unknown etiology that recurs in the luteal phase of an ovulatory menstrual cycle. In Ayurvedic perspective, vitiation of tridoshas particularly vata can be observed in the pathogenesis of PMS. The Asoka - Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde has got vedanasthapana, pittakaphahara and sokanasana karma which implies that it can cure both somatic and affective symptoms. Bhavana includes processing of churna with liquid extracts to increase the potency. A clinical case of premenstrual syndrome has been selected to study the effectiveness of bhavita churna (processed powder) of stem bark of the drug. The treatment was conducted in the luteal phase (14 days prior to menstruation) for three menstrual cycles and a follow up was also carried out for another three consecutive menstrual cycles. There was significant reduction in symptoms as assessed through Premenstrual Syndrome Scale after 3 cycles of treatment when compared to before treatment. The effect sustained even after follow up. The Asoka - Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde stood as an effective drug for relieving physical and psychological symptoms observed in PMS.&#x0D; Key words: Asoka, Premenstrual Syndrome, bhavita churna, vedanasthapana, sokanasana

Analysis of physical performance during follicular phase vs luteal phase of menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic and young women

Background: Over the decade there has been increases in the number of women participating in exercise, physical and recreational activities. This active participation of women attributes to increase demand of physical performance. It has been seen that these performances have been affect over the different phases of menstrual cycle. Fluctuation of hormones in different phases can affect the performance in different ways. Aim: The present study aims to assess and compare the physical performance during follicular phase and luteal phase of menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic and young women. Methodology: After the study design was formulated, ethical clearance was taken from IEC. The study was a comparative type where the physical performance was compared in follicular phase and luteal phase. The study involved 40 regularly menstruating women between the age group 18-24 years. The participants were assessed for functional and sprint performance. The comparison of mean and standard deviation of follicular phase and luteal phase was done. Outcome Measures: Functional performance was measured by single hop test and sprint performance was measured with 30m sprint test. Results: The functional performance of follicular phase showed 120.7±13.35cm on left side and 125.4±12.27cm on right side whereas for luteal phase it was 124.1±12.73cm on left side and 127.8±11.83cm on right side. The sprint performance of follicular phase showed 7.75±0.54sec whereas luteal phase showed 7±0.6sec. Conclusion: The study concluded that eumenorrheic women showed better physical performance in luteal phase when compared to follicular phase.

Prevalence and Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome among Young Females in Chhattisgarh, India

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), often known as premenstrual tension, is a set of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that women experience in the luteal phase of menstrual cycle (7–10 days before menstruation). The aim of the present study is to find out the prevalence of PMS in young females quantitative approach with descriptive research design was adopted and study samples was chosen by purposive research sampling. The data were collected from Pt. Ravishankar University through the fourth edition of Menstrual Distress questionnaire published in 2010 by Rudolf H. Moos. The collected data were analyzed by a descriptive statistical method. 500 girls were selected for the study. Who has reached menarche, their menarche were (12.29 ± 1.49) and is between the ages of 18 and 28 (22.81 ± 2.29). The result indicates that 13%, 13.60%, and 11.40% of girls are suffering from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of PMS. The most affected symptoms were Behavioral changes (7.05 ± 4.57), arousal (7.08 ± 4.06), and negative effects (7.03 ± 4.88). Other symptoms were autonomic reaction (4.96 ± 2.89), water retention (4.88 ± 2.6), pain (5.5 ± 2.54), control (5.5 ± 3.59), and impaired concentration (6.48 ± 5.86). The overall mean was 47.91, with a standard deviation of 13.16, indicating that the majority of the girls experienced some form of menstrual discomfort. PMS has an impact on everyday activities and quality of life. It’s also linked to social advancement and financial costs. Hence, there is a need for awareness of PMS and its management.

The ElectroUteroGraph: A Novel Tool for Assessing Uterine Contractions of Non-Pregnant Women.

Goal: Uterine contractility is known to play significant role in women's health. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for assessing uterine peristalsis, however they lack practicality, objectivity, and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, the ElectroUteroGraph (EUG) and novel electrodes are introduced, to cover the unmet need of practical intrauterine contractility assessment. The EUG measures biopotentials produced by uterine muscle contraction, similar to the basis of electrocardiography. Methods: The EUG was used to fifteen healthy, non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Amplitude and frequency-related features were derived from our recordings. Results: The EUG and novel electrodes did not cause any pain or discomfort to the patients, over their multiple recording sessions. The collected data showed difference between the proliferative and luteal phase of menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The EUG can accurately measure uterine electrical activity, in a simple, standardized, safe and pain-free approach, leading to objective evaluation of uterine peristalsis.

Association of Signs and Symptoms at Menarche with Pitta Pre-dominant Prakriti: An Observational Study

Background: Menarche a sign of puberty which links childhood to adult hood. It is the phase of progression of sexual characters required at the adolescent’s age. It is seen that premenstrual symptoms regularly occurs in luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Similarly, when we can see premenarcheal symptoms in luteal phase of first menstrual cycle. Bhawmishra has explained that difference in color is due to different Prakriti es of individuals and vitiated doshas are responsible for symptoms like pain and burning sensation.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total 673 girls were screened from Wardha city and out of them 150 were recruited for the study. Data were gathered with the help of specially designed proforma and Prakriti questionnaire. Qualitative analysis was done based on recorded data.&#x0D; Observation &amp; Results: Around 105 girls with Pitta Prakriti noted the problem of dysmenorrhea. Various observations were recorded based on regularity (16.67%)- irregularity (83.33%), quantity (Excess 19.34%, Moderate 68.66%, Scanty 12%), consistency (Clot 23.34%, Viscous 37.33%, Watery 39.33%), smell (Foul 18.67%, Normal 81.33%), dysmenorrhea condition (No 30%, Yes 70%), pain intensity (High 16.67%, Medium 72.67%, Scanty 10.66%) and other associated sign &amp; symptoms like back pain, headache, pain in abdomen, body ache, stomach pain.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was concluded that average age group were seen around 12 years, majority of participants had watery flow and viscid flow which can be explained as Pitta dosha has dominance of Agni. The duration of menstruation was seen averagely about 6 days in most of the participants.

Mapping changes in women's visual functions during the menstrual cycle: narrative review.

This article systematically updates the literature on changes in visual functions during the phases of the normal menstrual cycle in women. To update Guttridge's 1994 review of visual structures and functions associated with the menstrual cycle and broaden the search through psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurobehavioral measurements covering 1994-2020. Narrative review conducted in a neurosciences and behavior laboratory in Brazil. The PubMed, Cochrane Clinical Answers and Google Scholar databases were searched. After screening and applying the eligibility criteria, 32 articles were examined. Through this analysis, the following information was extracted: (1) geographical distribution of the study; (2) sample size (according to age and phase of the menstrual cycle); (3) type of measurements according to psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurobehavioral instruments; (4) vision testing model; (5) visual subcategory evaluated; (6) categories of processed visual stimuli; and (7) main findings. The menstrual phases give rise to significant changes in visual functions, including in relation to orientation and spatial attention, visual campimetry and visual sensitivity. These relate specifically to the follicular and luteal phases. These findings theoretically expand the effects of menstrual cycles on visual functions found by Guttridge (1994). Despite some inconsistencies in the studies analyzed, it was found that visual processing during the follicular and luteal phases of the normal menstrual cycle of healthy women can explain physiological, cognitive, behavioral and social modulations.

Effect of Laboratory Mental Stressors on Cardiovascular Reactivity in Young Women During Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle: An Observational Study.

Introduction: Excessive cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there is inconsistent report in the literature regarding change in cardiac autonomic tone with the phase of the menstrual cycle and how it is affected by mental stress. Therefore, the present study was aimed at determining the cardiovascular reactivity to different laboratory mental stressors during follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle using heart rate variability (HRV).Methods: Thirty-three regularly cycling young females (19–35 years of age) were exposed to four cognitive tasks (Stroop test, Mental Rotation test, n-back test, and Mental Arithmetic Stress Test [MAST]) employed as laboratory mental stressors. HRV of the study participants were recorded before, during, and after each cognitive task and the recording was done in both phases of menstrual cycle for each individual.Results: A significant difference was observed in time domain parameters and nonlinear parameters of HRV in pretest versus during-test condition and during-test versus post-test conditions, but not in frequency domain parameters. No phase difference was found in time domain or frequency domain analysis of HRV in baseline or during performance of task. MAST performance (score out of 50) was significantly higher in luteal than follicular phase, while other tests showed no such difference.Conclusion: All four mental stress tasks used in the present study were able to elicit significant decrease in parasympathetic tone during performance of task as compared with baseline values of HRV. The present study did not elicit any phase difference in cardiovascular reactivity.

Efficacy of Intrauterine Perfusion of Cyclosporin A for Intractable Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Patients With Endometrial Alloimmune Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of cyclosporin A (CsA) in intractable recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients with endometrial alloimmune dysfunction.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of patients with intractable RSA with endometrial alloimmune disorders. A total of 201 women were enrolled, all of whom had at least 3 serial abortions and endometrial alloimmune dysfunction. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The CsA group (n = 101) received intrauterine infusion of 250 mg CsA on the 3rd and 7th days after menstruation for 2 menstrual cycles, while the placebo group (n = 100) received placebo. The birth of healthy, deformity-free babies was the main study outcome.ResultsIn total, 75 (74.26%) women in the CsA group and 59 (59.00%) women in the placebo group gave birth to healthy babies [P = 0.01, OR = 2.01; 95% CI (1.10∼3.65)]. Compared to the placebo group, the CsA group had dramatically lower endometrial CD56+ cell and CD57+ cell concentrations at the luteal phase of the second menstrual cycle (P < 0.05).ConclusionIntrauterine perfusion of CsA was confirmed to be a promising approach for the treatment of intractable alloimmune RSA.

LUTEAL PHASE STIMULATION AFTER FOLLICULAR PHASE STIMULATION DURING THE SAME MENSTRUAL CYCLE (DUOSTIM) IN A REDUCED OVARIAN RESERVE POPULATION: WHEN IS IT COST-EFFECTIVE?

To compare the number of eggs, mature eggs and blastocysts obtained during stimulation in follicular phase (FP) versus stiulation in luteal phase (LP) of the same menstrual cycle (DUOSTIM) in patients with decreased ovarian reserve according to the count of visible antral follicles (AF) at the time of the first oocyte retrieval.