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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2015Progesterone prepares the endometrium for pregnancy by stimulating proliferation in response to human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) produced by the corpus luteum. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Progesterone prepares the endometrium for pregnancy by stimulating proliferation in response to human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) produced by the corpus luteum. This occurs in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. In assisted reproduction techniques(ART), progesterone and/or hCG levels are low, so the luteal phase is supported with progesterone, hCG or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to improve implantation and pregnancy rates.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the relative effectiveness and safety of methods of luteal phase support provided to subfertile women undergoing assisted reproduction.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched databases including the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group (MDSG) Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and trial registers. We conducted searches in November 2014, and further searches on 4 August 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of luteal phase support using progesterone, hCG or GnRH agonist supplementation in ART cycles.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently selected trials, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95%confidence intervals (CIs) for each comparison and combined data when appropriate using a fixed-effect model. Our primary out come was live birth or ongoing pregnancy. The overall quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE methods.
MAIN RESULTS
Ninety-four women RCTs (26,198 women) were included. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias in most domains. The main limitations in the evidence were poor reporting of study methods and imprecision due to small sample sizes.1. hCG vs placebo/no treatment (five RCTs, 746 women)There was no evidence of differences between groups in live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.90 to 3.12, three RCTs,527 women, I2 = 24%, very low-quality evidence, but I2 of 61% was found for the subgroup of ongoing pregnancy) with a random effects model. hCG increased the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (1 RCT, OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.91 to 9.6, low quality evidence).2. Progesterone vs placebo/no treatment (eight RCTs, 875 women)Evidence suggests a higher rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy in the progesterone group (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.86, five RCTs, 642 women, I2 = 35%, very low-quality evidence). OHSS was not reported.3. Progesterone vs hCG regimens (16 RCTs, 2162 women)hCG regimens included comparisons of progesterone versus hCG and progesterone versus progesterone + hCG. No evidence showed differences between groups in live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.38, five RCTs, 833 women, I2 = 0%, low quality evidence) or in the risk of OHSS (four RCTs, 615 women, progesterone vs hCG OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.34; four RCTs,678 women; progesterone vs progesterone plus hCG, OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.26, low-quality evidence).4. Progesterone vs progesterone with oestrogen (16 RCTs, 2577 women)No evidence was found of differences between groups in live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.38, nine RCTs,1651 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence) or OHSS (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.63, two RCTs, 461 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence).5. Progesterone vs progesterone + GnRH agonist (seven RCTs, 1708 women)Live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates were lower in the progesterone-only group and increased in women who received progester one and one or more GnRH agonist doses (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.81, nine RCTs, 2861 women, I2 = 55%, random effects, low quality evidence). Statistical heterogeneity for this comparison was high because of unexplained variation in the effect size, but the direction of effect was consistent across studies. OHSS was reported in one study only (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.33 to 3.01, 1 RCT, 300 women, very low quality evidence).6. Progesterone regimens (45 RCTs, 13,814 women)The included studies reported nine different comparisons between progesterone regimens. Findings for live birth or ongoing pregnancy were as follows: intramuscular (IM) versus oral: OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.14 to 3.66 (one RCT, 40 women, very low-quality evidence);IM versus vaginal/rectal: OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.5 (seven RCTs, 2309 women, I2 = 71%, very low-quality evidence); vaginal/rectal versus oral: OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.69 (four RCTs, 857 women, I2 = 32%, low-quality evidence); low-dose versus high-dose vaginal: OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.11 (five RCTs, 3720 women, I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence); short versus long protocol:OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36 (five RCTs, 1205 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence); micronised versus synthetic: OR 0.9, 95%CI 0.53 to 1.55 (two RCTs, 470 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence); vaginal ring versus gel: OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.36 (oneRCT, 1271 women, low-quality evidence); subcutaneous versus vaginal gel: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.14 (two RCTs, 1465 women,I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence); and vaginal versus rectal: OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.54 (one RCT, 147 women, very low-quality evidence). OHSS rates were reported for only two of these comparisons: IM versus oral, and low versus high-dose vaginal. No evidence showed a difference between groups.7. Progesterone and oestrogen regimens (two RCTs, 1195 women)The included studies compared two different oestrogen protocols. No evidence was found to suggest differences in live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates between a short and a long protocol (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.43, one RCT, 910 women, low-quality evidence) or between a low dose and a high dose of oestrogen (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.13, one RCT, 285 women, very low-quality evidence).Neither study reported OHSS.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Both progesterone and hCG during the luteal phase are associated with higher rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy than placebo.The addition of GnRHa to progesterone is associated with an improvement in pregnancy outcomes. OHSS rates are increased with hCG compared to placebo (only study only). The addition of oestrogen does not seem to improve outcomes. The route of progester one administration is not associated with an improvement in outcomes.
Topics: Chorionic Gonadotropin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Estrogens; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Live Birth; Luteal Phase; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Maintenance; Progesterone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 26148507
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009154.pub3 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Dec 2020Fluctuations in endogenous hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle may offer vasoprotection for endothelial and smooth muscle (VSM) function. While... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Fluctuations in endogenous hormones estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle may offer vasoprotection for endothelial and smooth muscle (VSM) function. While numerous studies have been published, the results are conflicting, leaving our understanding of the impact of the menstrual cycle on vascular function unclear. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate available research exploring the role of the menstrual cycle on peripheral vascular function. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE was performed for articles evaluating peripheral endothelial and VSM function across the natural menstrual cycle: early follicular (EF) phase versus late follicular (LF), early luteal, mid luteal, or late luteal. A meta-analysis examined the effect of the menstrual cycle on the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the outcome measures. Analysis from 30 studies ( = 1,363 women) observed a "very low" certainty of evidence that endothelial function increased in the LF phase (SMD: 0.45, = 0.0001), with differences observed in the macrovasculature but not in the microvasculature (SMD: 0.57, = 0.0003, I = 84%; SMD: 0.21, = 0.17, I = 34%, respectively). However, these results are partially explained by differences in flow-mediated dilation [e.g., discrete (SMD: 0.86, = 0.001) vs. continuous peak diameter assessment (SMD: 0.25, = 0.30)] and/or menstrual cycle phase methodologies. There was a "very low" certainty that endothelial function was largely unchanged in the luteal phases, and VSM was unchanged across the cycle. The menstrual cycle appears to have a small effect on macrovascular endothelial function but not on microvascular or VSM function; however, these results can be partially attributed to methodological differences.
Topics: Adult; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Hemodynamics; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Microcirculation; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Premenopause; Signal Transduction; Young Adult
PubMed: 33064553
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00341.2020 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2022Researchers have been studying COVID-19 from day one, but not much is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the reproductive system, specifically the female reproductive... (Review)
Review
Researchers have been studying COVID-19 from day one, but not much is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the reproductive system, specifically the female reproductive system. There has been substantial anecdotal and media coverage on the effect of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system and changes in the menstrual cycle, but so far available data are not robust enough to draw firm conclusions about the topic. This article was carried out to present already published studies on the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and menstrual cycle changes. A systematic literature search was conducted on the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Three studies were finally included in the review. The findings of the studies indicate changes in menstrual volume and changes in menstrual cycle length as consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection; the latter was also the most common menstrual irregularity reported by the included studies. Women have mainly reported decreased menstrual volume and a prolonged cycle. The findings also indicate that the severity of COVID-19 does not play a role in menstrual cycle changes. However, the research on this topic is still too scarce to draw definitive conclusions, and there is a need for further research. The relevant conclusions, which could be drawn only from a well-constructed study, would have a major effect on defining the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the menstrual cycle.
PubMed: 35807090
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133800 -
Frontiers in Reproductive Health 2022Coronavirus disease 2019 lockdowns produced psychological and lifestyle consequences for women of reproductive age and changes in their menstrual cycles. To our...
Coronavirus disease 2019 lockdowns produced psychological and lifestyle consequences for women of reproductive age and changes in their menstrual cycles. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to characterize changes in menstrual cycle length associated with lockdowns compared to non-lockdown periods. A search on 5 May 2022 retrieved articles published between 1 December 2019, and 1 May 2022, from Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. The included articles were peer-reviewed observational studies with full texts in English, that reported menstrual cycle lengths during lockdowns and non-lockdowns. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were appraised using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Cohort Studies, respectively. Review Manager was used to generate a forest plot with odds ratios (OR) at the 95% confidence interval (CI), finding a significant association between lockdown and menstrual cycle length changes for 21,729 women of reproductive age (OR = 9.14, CI: 3.16-26.50) with a significant overall effect of the mean ( = 4.08, < 0.0001). High heterogeneity with significant dispersion of values was observed ( = 99%, τ = 1.40, χ = 583.78, < 0.0001). This review was limited by the availability of published articles that favored high-income countries. The results have implications for adequately preparing women and assisting them with menstrual concerns during lockdown periods.
PubMed: 36303682
DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.949365 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2017Research has reported the difference in a woman's voice across the different stages of the menstrual cycle. A review of the studies in singers on the influence of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Research has reported the difference in a woman's voice across the different stages of the menstrual cycle. A review of the studies in singers on the influence of menstruation on the singing voice will enable a better understanding of these changes.
METHODS/DESIGN
A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and regional electronic databases. The keywords "menstrual cycle," "voice change," and "singer" were used in different combinations. Only those articles that discussed the effect of menstrual cycle on the singing voice were included in the final review.
RESULTS
Six studies in the English language were identified and included in the review. Hormonal variations occur to a great extent during menstrual cycle, and these variations can influence the voice of singers. A great variability was found in the included studies. There are limited studies that have been carried out exploring the relationship between menstrual cycle and the singing voice.
CONCLUSION
Even though the studies included in the review point out toward the changes in the singing voice associated with menstrual cycle, there is a need for more studies to be carried out in diverse singing populations and in different outcome measures.
Topics: Acoustics; Biomechanical Phenomena; Electrodiagnosis; Female; Humans; Laryngoscopy; Larynx; Menstrual Cycle; Phonation; Singing; Voice Quality
PubMed: 27234008
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2016.04.018 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2019Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the clinical signs of oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility and hirsutism. Conventional treatment of PCOS includes a...
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the clinical signs of oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility and hirsutism. Conventional treatment of PCOS includes a range of oral pharmacological agents, lifestyle changes and surgical modalities. Beta-endorphin is present in the follicular fluid of both normal and polycystic ovaries. It was demonstrated that the beta-endorphin levels in ovarian follicular fluid of otherwise healthy women who were undergoing ovulation were much higher than the levels measured in plasma. Given that acupuncture impacts on beta-endorphin production, which may affect gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, it is postulated that acupuncture may have a role in ovulation induction via increased beta-endorphin production effecting GnRH secretion. This is an update of our previous review published in 2016.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) for both fertility and symptom control.
SEARCH METHODS
We identified relevant studies from databases including the Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI, CBM and VIP. We also searched trial registries and reference lists from relevant papers. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI and VIP searches are current to May 2018. CBM database search is to November 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with PCOS. We excluded quasi- or pseudo-RCTs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected the studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated risk ratios (RR), mean difference (MD), standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcomes were live birth rate, multiple pregnancy rate and ovulation rate, and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, restored regular menstruation period, miscarriage rate and adverse events. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE methods.
MAIN RESULTS
We included eight RCTs with 1546 women. Five RCTs were included in our previous review and three new RCTs were added in this update of the review. They compared true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture (three RCTs), true acupuncture versus relaxation (one RCT), true acupuncture versus clomiphene (one RCT), low-frequency electroacupuncture versus physical exercise or no intervention (one RCT) and true acupuncture versus Diane-35 (two RCTs). Studies that compared true acupuncture versus Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes as they were focused on symptom control.Seven of the studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain.For true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, we could not exclude clinically relevant differences in live birth (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.24; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence); multiple pregnancy rate (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.45; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence); ovulation rate (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.15 to 0.19, I = 0%; 2 RCTs, 1010 women; low-quality evidence); clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.29; I = 0%; 3 RCTs, 1117 women; low-quality evidence) and miscarriage rate (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.56; 1 RCT, 926 women; low-quality evidence).Number of intermenstrual days may have improved in participants receiving true acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture (MD -312.09 days, 95% CI -344.59 to -279.59; 1 RCT, 141 women; low-quality evidence).True acupuncture probably worsens adverse events compared to sham acupuncture (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.31; I = 0%; 3 RCTs, 1230 women; moderate-quality evidence).No studies reported data on live birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate for the other comparisons: physical exercise or no intervention, relaxation and clomiphene. Studies including Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes.We were uncertain whether acupuncture improved ovulation rate (measured by ultrasound three months post treatment) compared to relaxation (MD 0.35, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56; 1 RCT, 28 women; very low-quality evidence) or Diane-35 (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.42; 1 RCT, 58 women; very low-quality evidence).Overall evidence ranged from very low quality to moderate quality. The main limitations were failure to report important clinical outcomes and very serious imprecision.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture we cannot exclude clinically relevant differences in live birth rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate or miscarriage. Number of intermenstrual days may improve in participants receiving true acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture. True acupuncture probably worsens adverse events compared to sham acupuncture.No studies reported data on live birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate for the other comparisons: physical exercise or no intervention, relaxation and clomiphene. Studies including Diane-35 did not measure fertility outcomes as the women in these trials did not seek fertility.We are uncertain whether acupuncture improves ovulation rate (measured by ultrasound three months post treatment) compared to relaxation or Diane-35. The other comparisons did not report on this outcome.Adverse events were recorded in the acupuncture group for the comparisons physical exercise or no intervention, clomiphene and Diane-35. These included dizziness, nausea and subcutaneous haematoma. Evidence was very low quality with very wide CIs and very low event rates.There are only a limited number of RCTs in this area, limiting our ability to determine effectiveness of acupuncture for PCOS.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Acupuncture Therapy; Cyproterone Acetate; Drug Combinations; Ethinyl Estradiol; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Menstruation; Ovulation Induction; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Pregnancy, Multiple; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31264709
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007689.pub4 -
Medicine Apr 2020Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased prevalence of serious clinical problems including: reproductive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects reproductive-aged women and is associated with increased prevalence of serious clinical problems including: reproductive implications, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk. Physical activity offers several health benefits for women with PCOS. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the effect of different types of exercise on reproductive function and body composition for women with PCOS.
METHODS
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) following recommended review methods. We searched 6 databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature; Embase; MEDLINE (via Ovid); PubMed; Sport Discus; and Web of Science; and we developed search strategies using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms and text words related to exercise interventions for women with PCOS. There was no restriction on language or publication year. The search was conducted on April 16, 2019 and updated on November 15, 2019. Two authors independently screened citations, determined risk of bias and quality of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. We conducted meta-analyses following recommended guidelines, and report results using standardized mean difference (SMD).
RESULTS
Ten RCTs (n = 533) were included in this review. Studies tested the following interventions: aerobic, resistance, and combined (aerobic/resistance) training programs. Most studies were small (average 32, range 15-124 participants), and of relatively short duration (8-32 weeks). There was high heterogeneity for outcomes of reproductive function (menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility). We noted low certainty evidence for little to no effect of exercise on reproductive hormones and moderate certainty evidence that aerobic exercise reduced body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS: BMI SMD -0.35, 95% confidence interval -0.56 to -0.14, P = .001.
CONCLUSION
For women with PCOS, evidence is limited to discern the effect of exercise on major health outcomes (e.g., reproductive function). There is moderate certainty evidence that aerobic exercise alone is beneficial for reducing BMI in women with PCOS. Future studies should be conducted with longer duration, larger sample sizes, and should provide detailed information on menstrual cycle and fertility outcomes.PROSPERO Systematic review registration: 2017 CRD42017058869.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32311937
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019644 -
Reproductive Health Jun 2022Menstrual health and hygiene are a major public health and social issues in Nepal. Due to inadequate infrastructure to provide education, healthcare, and communication... (Review)
Review
Menstrual health and hygiene are a major public health and social issues in Nepal. Due to inadequate infrastructure to provide education, healthcare, and communication as well as religious teachings, women and girls are excluded from participation in many activities of daily living and community activities during menstruation. Evidence based research addressing menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal is scares. The objective of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal through a socio-ecological perspective. This systematic review identifies knowledge gaps and targets for future research and interventions. Studies from Nepal that examined factors contributing to menstrual health and hygiene were identified through searches across six databases (Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Nepal Journals Online and Kathmandu University Medical Journal) in January 2019. The SEM is a public health framework that describes how health is impacted at multiple levels including the individual, interpersonal, community, organizational and policy levels. Key themes were identified, and factors contributing to menstrual health and hygiene were categorized as per the level of socio-ecological model (SEM). After a comprehensive literature review, twenty peer-reviewed publications, published between 2003 and January 2019 were included in this review. Eighteen studies were descriptive and two were interventional. The main outcomes reported were reproductive health concerns and menstrual hygiene practices. Nine studies focused on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding menstruation, seven studies highlighted reproductive health issues, three studies focused on prevalence of culturally restrictive practices, and one on school absenteeism and intimate partner violence. Lack of awareness regarding menstrual health and hygiene, inadequate WASH facilities, no sex education and culturally restrictive practices makes menstruation a challenge for Nepali women. These challenges have negative implications on women and girls' reproductive as well as mental health and school attendance among adolescent girls. There are gaps in the evidence for high quality interventions to improve menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal. Future research and interventions should address needs identified at all levels of the SEM.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Hygiene; Menstruation; Nepal; Schools
PubMed: 35773696
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01456-0 -
The Iowa Orthopaedic Journal 2024Female athletes are at increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The influence of hormonal variation on female ACL injury risk remains ill-defined....
BACKGROUND
Female athletes are at increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The influence of hormonal variation on female ACL injury risk remains ill-defined. Recent data suggests that the collagen-degrading menstrual hormone relaxin may cyclically impact female ACL tissue quality. This review aims to identify any correlation between menstrual relaxin peaks and rates of female ACL injury.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed, utilizing the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. Included studies had to directly address relaxin/female ACL interactions. The primary outcome variable was relaxin proteolysis of the ACL, at cellular, tissue, joint, and whole-organism levels. The secondary outcome variable was any discussed method of moderating relaxin levels, and the clinical results if available.
RESULTS
AllThe numerous relaxin receptors on female ACLs upregulate local collagenolysis and suppress local collagen production. Peak serum relaxin concentrations (SRC) occur during menstrual cycle days 21-24; a time phase associated with greater risk of ACL injury. Oral contraceptives (OCPs) reduce SRC, with a potential ACLprotective effect.
CONCLUSION
A reasonable correlative and plausible causative relationship exists between peak relaxin levels and increased risk of ACL injury in females, and further investigation is warranted. .
Topics: Humans; Relaxin; Female; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Menstrual Cycle; Athletic Injuries; Athletes
PubMed: 38919370
DOI: No ID Found -
Headache Sep 2015The aim of this systematic review is to identify the efficacy of different categories of treatments for menstrual migraines as found in randomized controlled trials or... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review is to identify the efficacy of different categories of treatments for menstrual migraines as found in randomized controlled trials or open label studies with similar efficacy endpoints.
BACKGROUND
Menstrual migraine is very common and approximately 50% of women have increased risk of developing migraines related to the menstrual cycle. Attacks of menstrual migraine are usually more debilitating, of longer duration, more prone to recurrence, and less responsive to acute treatment than nonmenstrual migraine attacks.
METHODS
Search for evidence was done in 4 databases that included PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Eighty-four articles were selected for full text review by 2 separate readers. Thirty-six of the 84 articles were selected for final inclusion. Articles included randomized controlled and open label trials that focused on efficacy of acute and preventative therapies for menstrual migraine. Secondary analyses where excluded because the initial study population was not women with menstrual migraine.
RESULTS
After final screening, 11 articles were selected for acute and 25 for preventive treatment of menstrual migraine. These were further subdivided into treatment categories. For acute treatment: triptans, combination therapy, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, and ergot alkaloids. For preventive treatment: triptans, combined therapy, oral contraceptives, estrogen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, phytoestrogen, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, dopamine agonist, vitamin, mineral, and nonpharmacological therapy were selected. Overall, triptans had strong evidence for treatment in both acute and short term prevention of menstrual migraine.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this literature search, of all categories of treatment for menstrual migraine, triptans have the most extensive research with strong evidence for both acute and preventive treatment of menstrual migraine. Further randomized controlled trials should be performed for other therapies to strengthen their use in the care of menstrual migraine patients.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Migraine Disorders
PubMed: 26264117
DOI: 10.1111/head.12640