Menstrual Phase Research Articles

Interaction of sleep and emotion across the menstrual cycle.

Menstruating individuals experience an increased risk for sleep and affective disorders, attributed in part to monthly oscillations in sex hormones. Emotional functioning and sleep continuity worsens during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. This study examined the interactive effects of sleep, menstrual phase, and emotion in healthy women. Participants (N = 51, 43% Caucasian) aged 18-35 (m = 24 years) completed actigraphy and daily sleep/emotion diaries over two menstrual cycles (m days = 51.29). Diary and actigraphic total wake time at night (TWT) and daily ratings of positive and negative affect were compared across four phases of the menstrual cycle: perimenstrual, mid-follicular, periovulatory, and mid-luteal. Relationships between phase, sleep, and emotion were estimated using multistep hierarchical linear modelling. Mean menstrual cycle length was 28.61 ± 2.69 days. Perimenstrual phase positively predicted anger (p < 0.001) but no other emotions. Additionally, the perimenstrual phase predicted higher rates of TWT, such that diary TWT was 8-16 min longer during the perimenstrual (m = 67.54, SE = 3.37) compared to other phases (p < 0.001). Actigraphic TWT was also increased by 4-7 min (m = 61.54, SE = 3.37) in the perimenstrual phase (p < 0.001). Positive emotions were 0.05-0.10 points lower (p = 0.006-0.02) when TWT was greater in the perimenstrual phase. Greater rates of anger and sleep disruption were seen during the perimenstrual phase compared with other phases. When poor sleep occurred during the perimenstrual phase individuals reported reduced positive emotions. Reducing perimenstrual sleep disruptions may be an important intervention target for those at risk for affective disorders.

Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study

BackgroundThere are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.MethodsAn observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).ConclusionHormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.Trial registrationThe protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .

Psychophysiological Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training Exercise over Menstrual Cycle Phases: An Exploratory Study.

Although there is potential for the menstrual cycle to impact psychophysiological responses to exercise, there has been a paucity of studies investigating this aspect, specifically in the context of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This exploratory study aimed to examine the psychophysiological responses to HIIT over the menstrual cycle. Twenty-three healthy and physically active young women were recruited. Each woman completed a cycle ergometer HIIT session in the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in a random order. Psychophysiological variables of interest were collected at baseline, and during and after exercise. Primary variables of interest were anxiety, mood, motivation, enjoyment, arousal, affect, and menstrual distress. Higher pain, water retention, behavior change (related to social interactions, eating habits, and self-performance), and autonomic reactions (consisting of nausea, dizziness, hot flashes, and cold sweats) were observed before HIIT during the menstrual phase compared with the follicular phase ( P < 0.05). Participants exhibited worse psychological responses to HIIT sessions during the menstrual phase, followed by the luteal phase. Findings also noted participants arrived to the laboratory with lower motivation to initiate HIIT sessions during the luteal and menstrual phases compared with the follicular phase. This difference was observed before and during HIIT. Motivation and depressive symptoms showed a significant reduction from pre-HIIT to post-HIIT ( P < 0.05), regardless of menstrual phase. The findings revealed that the menstrual cycle had a significant impact on psychophysiological responses. Moreover, HIIT could be adopted to improve motivation and depressive symptoms; however, further research is needed to explore the effects of HIIT across the menstrual cycle in women with clinical depression.

Sex Hormones Influence the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch Effect.

Saturated lights appear brighter than white lights of the same luminance. This is the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch (H-K) effect, and the phenomenon can be estimated by modeling achromatic luminance and saturation to total brightness. Current H-K effect models are different between women and men and are also more variable in women, which may be due to hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle (MC). Total brightness (B) and achromatic luminance (L) were measured across blue, green, yellow-green, yellow, and red hues. These data were measured along with salivary hormone levels for nine cycling women and seven oral contraceptive (OC) users at points representing the menstrual, peri-ovulation, and luteal phases. Simple brightness/luminance (B/L) ratio estimates of the H-K effect did not differ by OC use or MC phase, but B/L ratios were higher for the red stimulus in cycling women than OC users during the luteal phase. Estrogen, progesterone, and their interaction predicted 18% of the variation in brightness for cycling women. For OC users, only estrogen could be fit to brightness models where it accounted for 5% of brightness variance. These findings first provide clear support for separating cycling women from OC users, particularly when examining long-wavelength mechanisms. Next, the interaction of OC use and MC phase on B/L ratios for the red stimulus adds to a rich history of long-wavelength mechanisms. Lastly, the current result amends previous brightness models with multiple hormone terms for cycling women but not OC users.

Impact of menstrual cycle or combined oral contraception on elite female cyclists' training responses through a clustering analysis of training sessions.

(i) To classify training sessions of elite female cyclists according to an intensity index based on a longitudinal follow-up using multiparametric data collected in situ (ii) to measure the effect of estimated menstrual cycle (MC) phases and oral contraceptive pills (OC) phases on the athletes' training responses on each type of training identified. Thirteen elite French cyclists were followed up over 30 months and 5,190 training sessions were collected and 81 MC/OCs full cycles analyzed. Power sensors and position devices captured training data in situ, which was summarized into 14 external load variables. Principal Component Analysis and K-means clustering were used to identify cycling sessions according to an intensity load index. The clusters were then verified and categorized through the analysis of heart rate and rate of perceived effort. A calendar method was used to estimate 3 phases of the MC: menstruation, mid-cycle phase (MP) and late-cycle phase (LP). Two phases were defined among monophasic OC users: pills' taking/withdrawal. Four main types of training effort were identified: Intensive, Long, Medium and Light. In the MC group (n = 7; 52 cycles), the intensity index is 8% higher during the mid-cycle (vs. menstrual phase, p = 0.032) in the Intensive effort sessions. No differences were observed in Long, Medium or Light effort, nor between the phases of pills' taking/withdrawal among OC users. The clustering analyses developed allows a training classification and a robust method to investigate the influence of the MC/OC in situ. A better training response during the mid-cycle when the sessions are the most intense suggest an impact of the MC when the athletes approach their maximal capacity.

Exploring Pelvic Symptom Dynamics in Relation to the Menstrual Cycle: Implications for Clinical Assessment and Management.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) encompass an array of conditions with discrepant classification systems, hampering accurate prevalence estimation. Despite potentially affecting up to 25% of women during their lifetime, many remain undiagnosed, underestimating the true extent. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the impacts of the menstrual cycle on PFDs and dysfunctions. Secondary objectives included investigating differences between athletic and nonathletic women. An online questionnaire examined the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) on 477 women's pelvic symptoms (aged 16-63 years), stratified by athletic status. This ad hoc instrument built upon a validated screening tool for female athletes. Most participants reported symptom fluctuations across menstrual phases, with many modifying or reducing exercise participation. A concerning number experienced daily undiagnosed pelvic floor symptoms, emphasizing needs for comprehensive medical evaluation. Exacerbated pelvic symptoms showed complex relationships with menstruation, highlighting the importance of considering the MC in customized clinical management approaches. Symptoms demonstrated differential links to menstruation, indicating needs for individualized evaluation and tailored treatment plans based on symptom profiles and hormonal interactions. Educating professionals and patients remains essential to enhancing awareness, detection, and therapeutic outcomes. Further controlled longitudinal research should elucidate intricate relationships between menstrual cycles and pelvic symptom variability.

Proteomics of appetite-regulating system influenced by menstrual cycle and intensive exercise in female athletes: a pilot study

Female athletes who endure intense training are at risk of developing the 'female athlete triad,' making energy intake management crucial. However, the fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle present a challenge in maintaining consistent energy intake. This study aimed to uncover the underlying factors associated with appetite regulation linked to menstrual phases and exercise using proteomic approach. Five female athletes engaged in 60 min of bicycle exercise, followed by 90 min of rest, during both the follicular and luteal phases. Serum samples were collected before, during, and after exercise, and the serum proteome was analyzed using 2D-gel electrophoresis. A total of 511 spots were detected in the subjects' serum profiles, with significant decreases observed in haptoglobin during the luteal phase and complement component 3 during bicycle training. Unsupervised learning with a generalized estimating equation analysis showed that serum peptide YY (PYY), an appetite suppressor, significantly influenced the fluctuations of serum proteins induced by exercise (p < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between PYY and serum IgM (R = 0.87), implying that the intestinal environment and the immune response in female athletes may contribute to appetite regulation.

Association between Myometrial Thickness and Assisted Reproductive Technologies Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Myometrial thickness has been expected to be a prognosticator for lower uterine segment function. An abnormal function of the uterine muscle layer can cause common and important reproductive problems. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between baseline myometrial thickness and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes. In this prospective cohort study, 453 infertile women undergoing ART cycles without any obvious uterine pathology, participated in this prospective cohort study from February 2013 to May 2015. In order to measure the myometrial thickness in the anterior and posterior of the uterine, trans-vaginal ultrasounds were conducted on days 2-4 of the cycle (menstrual phase) preceding ovarian stimulation and the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. We defined three groups based on the baseline myometrial thickness in the anterior and posterior, including (A) <25 mm, (B) 25-29.9 mm and (C) ≥30 mm. Ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval and luteal phase support were performed in accordance with the standard long protocol. Two weeks after embryo transfer, the patients underwent a pregnancy test by checking their serum β-hCG levels. The primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary outcome measures were, implantation rate, abortion rate and live birth rate. The clinical pregnancy (P=0.013) and implantation (P=0.003) rates were significantly lower in group A than in two other groups. Although the live birth rate was lower in group A than two other groups, this decrease was not statistically significant (P=0.058). The findings may be a way for clinicians to draw focus on providing therapeutic strategies and a specific supportive care for women with a baseline myometrial thickness <25 mm in order to improve the reproductive outcome of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI).

Effects of menstrual cycle on hemodynamic and autonomic responses to central hypovolemia.

Estrogen and progesterone levels undergo changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Existing literature regarding the effect of menstrual phases on cardiovascular and autonomic regulation during central hypovolemia is contradictory. This study aims to explore the influence of menstrual phases on cardiovascular and autonomic responses in both resting and during the central hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). This is a companion paper, in which data across the menstrual phases from healthy young females, whose results are reported in Shankwar et al. (2023), were further analysed. The study protocol consisted of three phases: (1) 30 min of supine rest; (2) 16 min of four LBNP levels; and (3) 5 min of supine recovery. Hemodynamic and autonomic responses (assessed via heart rate variability, HRV) were measured before-, during-, and after-LBNP application using Task Force Monitor® (CNSystems, Graz, Austria). Blood was also collected to measure estrogen and progesterone levels. In this companion paper, we have exclusively assessed 14 females from the previous study (Shankwar et al., 2023): 8 in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (mean age 23.38 ± 3.58 years, height 166.00 ± 5.78 cm, weight 57.63 ± 5.39 kg and BMI of 20.92 ± 1.96 25 kg/m2) and 6 in the luteal phase (mean age 22.17 ± 1.33 years, height 169.83 ± 5.53 cm, weight 62.00 ± 7.54 kg and BMI of 21.45 ± 2.63 kg/m2). Baseline estrogen levels were significantly different from the follicular phase as compared to the luteal phase: (33.59 pg/ml, 108.02 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.01). Resting hemodynamic variables showed no difference across the menstrual phases. However, females in the follicular phase showed significantly lower resting values of low-frequency (LF) band power (41.38 ± 11.75 n.u. and 58.47 ± 14.37 n.u., p = 0.01), but higher resting values of high frequency (HF) band power (58.62 ± 11.75 n.u. and 41.53 ± 14.37 n.u., p = 0.01), as compared to females in the luteal phase. During hypovolemia, the LF and HF band powers changed only in the follicular phase F(1, 7) = 77.34, p < 0.0001 and F(1, 7) = 520.06, p < 0.0001, respectively. The menstrual phase had an influence on resting autonomic variables, with higher sympathetic activity being observed during the luteal phase. Central hypovolemia leads to increased cardiovascular and autonomic responses, particularly during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, likely due to higher estrogen levels and increased sympathetic activity.

Greater sensitivity of the circadian system of women to bright light, but not dim-to-moderate light.

Women typically sleep and wake earlier than men and have been shown to have earlier circadian timing relative to the light/dark cycle that synchronizes the clock. A potential mechanism for earlier timing in women is an altered response of the circadian system to evening light. We characterized individual-level dose-response curves for light-induced melatonin suppression using a within-subjects protocol. Fifty-six participants (29 women, 27 men; aged 18-30 years) were exposed to a range of light illuminances (10, 30, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 2000 lux) using melatonin suppression relative to a dim control (<1 lux) as a marker of light sensitivity. Women were free from hormonal contraception. To examine the potential influence of sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone was examined in women and testosterone was examined in a subset of men. Menstrual phase was monitored using self-reports and estradiol and progesterone levels. Women exhibited significantly greater melatonin suppression than men under the 400-lux and 2000-lux conditions, but not under lower light conditions (10-200 lux). Light sensitivity did not differ by menstrual phase, nor was it associated with levels of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone, suggesting the sex differences in light sensitivity were not acutely driven by circulating levels of sex hormones. These results suggest that sex differences in circadian timing are not due to differences in the response to dim/moderate light exposures typically experienced in the evening. The finding of increased bright light sensitivity in women suggests that sex differences in circadian timing could plausibly instead be driven by a greater sensitivity to phase-advancing effects of bright morning light.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN MINUMAN KUNYIT ASAM TERHADAP PENURUNAN DISMENOREA PRIMER

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain is a condition in which menstrual flow is difficult (difficult menstrual phase) or painful menstruation (painful menstruation). Menstrual pain is a symptom and not a disease. Dysmenorrhea can be used for menstrual pain that is quite severe where sufferers treat themselves with analgesics or go to the doctor, so this needs to be prevented or treated with non-pharmacology, namely herbal concoction therapy with tamarind turmeric.To determine the effect of giving tamarind turmeric on reducing primary dysmenorrhea in Midwifery Students at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Maluku in 2022.This study used the Quasy Experiment method with a two group pretest and posttest design. In this research design, the subjects were divided into two groups, namely the intervention group and the control group, all of which would be pretested and posttested. The research population is Midwifery Students at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Maluku in 2022, with a total sample of 32 respondents who were taken using a purposive sampling technique.The results of this study indicate that there is an effect of giving turmeric acid on primary dysmenorrhea in the intervention group of D-III Midwifery students at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Maluku in 2022 (p value = 0.000 &lt; ɑ (0.05).There is an effect of giving tamarind turmeric on reducing primary dysmenorrhea.

Pedoman Pemberian Tablet Tambah Darah (TTD) Bagi Remaja Putri di SMA Negeri 8 Makassar

The provision of blood supplement tablets in adolescent girls currently has an urgency to prevent anemia and increase iron reserves in the body which is a provision in preparing healthy quality and productive adolescent girls. Adolescent girls have a menstrual phase every month, plus their rapid growth, so they need a strong and balanced nutritional intake. One of them is by fulfilling the needs of iron (Fe) in the body. Adolescent girls who experience anemia can reduce intelligence, productivity, and learning achievement. This service aims to provide socialization to students to find out the guidelines for taking blood supplement tablets and provide insight to students about the impact of anemia and its prevention. The method used in this service activity is counseling with lecture methods and active discussion between presenters and participants. Students were briefed to follow the guidelines for giving blood supplement tablets according to the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health, namely 1 tablet every week for 1 year (52 weeks). Blood supplement tablets are nutritional supplements containing 60 mg of elemental iron and 0.25 mg of folic acid (in accordance with WHO recommendations). The conclusion of this service activity is that many students have not consumed blood supplement tablets regularly so that after counseling it is expected that students regularly consume TTD.

Menstruation-related symptoms are associated with physical activity and midpoint of sleep: a pilot study.

Menstruation-related symptoms (MRSs) significantly impact women's health and contribute to economic burdens worldwide. Current interventions, primarily pharmacological ones, have limitations and side effects that underscore the need for alternative management strategies. This study explores the association between MRSs and lifestyle factors, specifically physical activity and sleep timing across menstrual cycle phases, to inform non-pharmacological intervention development. Fourteen female students from Ritsumeikan University, Japan, with regular menstrual cycles (25-38 days), not on hormonal treatment or engaged in shift work, participated in this observational study. Using a Fitbit Inspire 2, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and sleep timing were monitored over a complete cycle. Menstrual cycle phases were defined based on ovulation day, predicted using home luteinizing hormone tests. Participants completed daily electronic questionnaires rating MRSs using a modified menstrual distress questionnaire. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with a gamma distribution and logarithmic link function, examining the relationship of TDEE and the midpoint of sleep time (MS time) with MRS severity. The following observations were noted: first, MRS severity, except for behavioral change symptoms, significantly increased during the menstrual and luteal phases compared to the follicular phase. Second, delayed MS time was associated with reduced pain, concentration symptoms, water retention, and negative affect during the menstrual phase and reduced negative affect during the luteal phase. Finally, an increase in TDEE was associated with reduced concentration symptoms, autonomic reaction symptoms, and negative affect during the menstrual and luteal phases and reduced water retention only during the luteal phase. This study provides insights into the relationship between MRSs and TDEE/MS time, suggesting potential non-therapeutic approaches for symptom management, though further research is needed to substantiate these findings for practical applications.

Female basketball game performance is influenced by menstrual cycle phase, age, perceived demands and game-related contextual factors

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the influence of physical and perceived game demands, menstrual cycle phase, perceived recovery, individual and game-related contextual factors on competitive performance in professional, female basketball players.11 professional female players (age: 20.6 ± 2.7 years) were monitored for game-related statistics (Performance Index Rating, PIR; rebounds, REB; effective field goal %, eFG%; turnovers, TO), objective (PlayerLoad per minute, PL·min−1) and subjective (RPE) game loads, pre-game perceived recovery (Total Quality Recovery, TQRpre), menstrual phase (follicular; luteal) and game-related contextual factors (game location; game outcome; score differential; opponent level) during 12 official games. Separate linear mixed models were used to evaluate the influence of RPE, PL·min−1, TQRpre, menstrual phase, contextual factors, and individual characteristics (age; playing position) on game-related statistics.Higher PIR and eFG% were found for older players and those who reported higher RPE (all p < 0.05). Higher age also led to less TO (p = 0.042). eFG% was higher when players reported higher TQRpre ;(p = 0.010). Better shooting (eFG%) and rebounding (REB) performances were found during the follicular menstrual phase (p < 0.05). More REB were collected in won games (p = 0.002).This study suggests that the co-influences of perceptual, menstrual-related, individual and game-related contextual factors should be considered to optimise female basketball players’ performance.

MR Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI) of the Normal Human Uterus in Vivo During the Menstrual Cycle.

The uterus undergoes dynamic changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is based on the non-Gaussian distribution of water molecules and can perhaps represent the changes of uterine microstructure. To investigate the temporal changes in DKI-parameters of the normal uterine corpus and cervix during the menstrual cycle. Prospective. 21 healthy female volunteers (26.64 ± 4.72 years) with regular menstrual cycles (28 ± 7 days). Readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE)-based DKI and fast spin-echo T2-weighted sequences at 3.0T. Each volunteer was scanned during the menstrual phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase. Regions of interest (ROI) were manually delineated in the endometrium, junctional zone, and myometrium of the uterine body, and in the mucosal layer, fibrous stroma layer, and loose stroma layer of the cervix. The mean Kapp (diffusion kurtosis coefficient), Dapp (diffusion coefficient), and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) values were measured in the ROI. ANOVA with Bonferroni or Tamhane correction. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for assessing agreement. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. During the menstrual cycle, the highest Kapp (0.848 ± 0.184) and lowest Dapp (1.263 ± 0.283 *10-3 mm2/sec) values were found in the endometrium during the menstrual phase. The Dapp values for the myometrium were significantly higher than those of the endometrium and the junctional zone in every phase. Meanwhile, the Dapp values for the three zonal structures of the cervix during ovulation were significantly higher than those during the luteal phase. However, there was no significant difference in the ADC values of the loose stroma between ovulation and the luteal phase (P = 0.568). The reproducibility of DKI parameters was good (ICC, 0.857-0.944). DKI can show dynamic changes of the normal uterus during the menstrual cycle. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Cyclical Changes of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Healthy Young Females

Background: Menstrual cycle is a natural physiological process of female during reproductive age group. Changes of estrogen and progesterone in different phases of menstrual cycle play a crucial role in respiratory functioning. Hence, this study was designed to estimate the change of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in different phases of menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: This study included 73 healthy young females of age group of 20–25 years. All participants were in the range of normal body mass index. Weighing machine VIRGO Model no 9811 B was used for the estimation of body weight. The machine was standardized by a known 20 kg weight material. The height of the subject was measured by stadiometer and expressed in meter. PEFR was recorded by Mini Wright’s peak flow meter. PEFR recording was done between 3rd and 4th days of cycle for menstrual phase, between 10th and 12th days of cycle for proliferative phase, and between 21st and 25th days of cycle for secretory phase. Results: The PEFR in menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases of menstrual cycle was 310 ± 43, 347 ± 52, and 377 ± 47 L/min, and these variations were found to be significant with P &lt; 0.0001. Post hoc analysis of PEFR between the groups showed P value between Group I-II, II-III, and III-I was 0.019, 0.048, and &lt; 0.0001, respectively (I – menstrual phase, II – proliferative phase, and III – secretory phase). Conclusion: This study observed that the PEFR in secretory phase is highest, followed by proliferative phase then menstrual phase.

Menstrual Health Experiences of Adolescents in Institutional Care

Aim The objective of the present study was to explore the menstrual health experiences of adolescents residing in institutional care. Method An in-depth interview with 25 adolescents residing in institutional care was conducted from February to March 2022. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were transcribed and then translated for the report writing purpose. Results After inductive thematic analysis, four themes were identified, namely, menstrual experiences, access to menstrual products, social support and coping behaviours. Conclusion Based on the result findings, it can be concluded that it is high time for the policy makers, non-government organisations and government to join hands to address the needs of institutionalised adolescent menstruators. Only then, holistic women empowerment goal can be achieved. Limitation The present study was limited to qualitative analysis of 25 in-depth interviews from adolescents residing in one of the institutional cares of Gujarat state. Recommendations Future multicentric research studies could be conducted with large sample size by incorporating mixed method research design in order to gain deeper insights into the problem stated. Implications In the light of the experience of adolescent menstruators residing in institutional care, they can be educated about menstrual management. Counselling is necessary and the need of hour for adolescent menstruators to deal with how to handle emotions before and during menstrual phase.

Validity of SenseWear Armband in assessing the energy expenditure at different exercise intensities during menstrual cycle

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the SenseWear Armband (SWA) in assessing the energy expenditure at different exercise intensities during midfollicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Material and Methods: Twenty volunteer women athletes (age: 20.6±1.6 yrs, height: 168.3±7.3 cm; menstrual cycle: 28.8±2.1 days) with regular menstrual cycle participated in the study. Participants performed treadmill running exercise for 10 min at 35% and 75% of their VO2max in their midfollicular (days 7-9) and luteal phases (days 21-23). Phases of the menstrual cycle were confirmed by hormone analysis. Energy expenditure during the running exercise was assessed simultaneously by the indirect calorimetric method, and the SWA. Multi-way ANOVA was used for the effect of method (2) x phase (2) x intensity (2) on energy expenditure. In addition, the Pearson correlation coefficient was determined between the variables. Results: Estradiol and progesterone levels measured in the midfollicular phase were significantly higher than in luteal phase (p&lt;0.05). Energy expenditure at 75% intensity was significantly higher than energy expenditure at 35% intensity (p&lt;0.05). No significant method (p&gt;0.05) and phase (p&gt;0.05) effect was found in energy expenditure. There was no significant method x phase, phase x intensity, and method x phase x intensity interaction (p&gt;0.05), however method x intensity interaction was significant (p&lt;0.05). At the midfollicular phase the correlations between energy levels from indirect calorimetric and SWA methods were not significant (for 35%, r=0.382; for 75%, r=0.147; p&gt;0.05). In contrast, significant correlation was found between energy levels from the indirect calorimetric, and the SWA methods at the luteal phase (for 35%, r=0.495; for 75%, r=0.748; p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that energy expenditures at different menstrual phases were similar and that SWA was a valid method in assessing energy expenditure at different exercise intensities during the menstrual cycle.

Correlation of perceived stress with monthly cyclical changes in the female body.

Women are liable to stress-related disorders as female sex hormone, estrogen has been indicated to be protective against stress disorders. The hormone level varies with different phases of menstrual cycle. Moreover, postmenopausal women are at risk for stress-related disorders. So this study was done to correlate the different phases of menstrual cycle with the perceived stress in different phases of monthly cycle. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS), Dehradun. Four hundred girls in the age group of 18-26 years were selected for the study. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire was circulated via Google forms after briefing them about the study. Informed consent was also taken. The menstrual history of the subjects was enquired by one-to-one interaction. The participants completed the PSS questionnaire twice in the same cycle. Data collected were statistically analyzed, using Independent t-test and Chi-square test and point biserial correlation test. The analysis showed strong statistical association of PSS with two phases of menstrual cycle. The PSS score was higher in the late luteal and menstrual phase, while it was less in the late follicular phase (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The decreased oestrogen levels in the late luteal & menstrual phase are strongly associated with perceived stress in our study. Hormonal changes in the monthly cycles are related with stress, behavioral shift and many other physical changes in females. This information to the family physicians would be beneficial in counseling the females regarding various changes occurring during the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle Associated Alteration of Vastus Lateralis Motor Unit Function

BackgroundEstrogen and progesterone are the primary female sex hormones and have net excitatory and inhibitory effects, respectively, on neuronal function. Fluctuating concentrations across the menstrual cycle has led to several lines of research in relation to neuromuscular function and performance; however evidence from animal and cell culture models has yet to be demonstrated in human motor units coupled with quantification of circulating hormones. Intramuscular electromyography was used to record motor unit potentials and corresponding motor unit potential trains from the vastus lateralis of nine eumenorrheic females during the early follicular, ovulation and mid luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, alongside assessments of neuromuscular performance. Multi-level regression models were applied to explore effects of time and of contraction level. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05.ResultsKnee extensor maximum voluntary contraction, jump power, force steadiness, and balance did not differ across the menstrual phases (all p > 0.4). Firing rate of low threshold motor units (10% maximum voluntary contraction) was lower during the ovulation and mid luteal phases (β = − 0.82 Hz, p < 0.001), with no difference in motor unit potentials analysed from 25% maximum voluntary contraction contractions. Motor unit potentials were more complex during ovulation and mid luteal phase (p < 0.03), with no change in neuromuscular junction transmission instability (p > 0.3).ConclusionsAssessments of neuromuscular performance did not differ across the menstrual cycle. The suppression of low threshold motor unit firing rate during periods of increased progesterone may suggest a potential inhibitory effect and an alteration of recruitment strategy; however this had no discernible effect on performance. These findings highlight contraction level-dependent modulation of vastus lateralis motor unit function over the eumenorrheic cycle, occurring independently of measures of performance.