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Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) 2024Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, exhibiting strong female bias. Clinical studies implicate declining estradiol levels in the exacerbation...
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, exhibiting strong female bias. Clinical studies implicate declining estradiol levels in the exacerbation of anxiety symptoms in the premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. This study aimed to simulate estradiol fluctuation-linked anxiety behavior in larval zebrafish, using an estradiol treatment withdrawal model. Contrary to model aims, estradiol treatment withdrawal decreased both basal activity and anxiety-like hyperlocomotion (ANOVA main effect of dose, < 0.0001 and < 0.01, respectively) in the light/dark transition test. The accuracy of the estradiol washout model was not improved by longer durations of treatment or withdrawal. Basal activity was slightly altered by supraphysiological concentrations of WAY-200070 in the absence of added estradiol. Estrogen receptor (ER) β expression was not upregulated in larvae exposed to physiologically relevant, low concentrations of estradiol. Longer exposure to low concentrations of estradiol increased antioxidant capacity (< 0.01). In addition, acute exposure to low concentrations of estradiol increased basal activity. Data suggest that in the current models, estradiol-associated altered activity levels were linked to more favorable redox status, rather than reflecting altered anxiety levels. As such, it is recommended that zebrafish larval behavioral analysis be conducted in parallel with mechanistic studies such as redox indicators, for investigations focused on ER signaling.
PubMed: 38894975
DOI: 10.1177/24705470241261781 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Forensic chemistry plays a crucial role in aiding law enforcement investigations by applying analytical techniques for the analysis of evidence. While bloodstains are...
Forensic chemistry plays a crucial role in aiding law enforcement investigations by applying analytical techniques for the analysis of evidence. While bloodstains are frequently encountered at crime scenes, distinguishing between peripheral and menstrual bloodstains presents a challenge. This is due to their similar appearance post-drying. Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a promising technique capable of discriminating between the two types of bloodstains, offering invaluable probative information. Moreover, estimating the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains aids in crime scene reconstruction and prioritizing what evidence to collect. Despite extensive research focusing on TSD estimations, primarily in peripheral bloodstains, a crucial gap exists in determining the TSD of menstrual bloodstains. This study demonstrates how Raman spectroscopy effectively analyzes biological samples like menstrual blood, showing similar aging patterns to those of peripheral blood and provides proof-of-concept models for determining the TSD of menstrual blood. While this work shows promising results for creating a universal model for bloodstain age determination, further testing with more donors needs to be conducted before the implementation of this method into forensic practice.
Topics: Humans; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Blood Stains; Menstruation; Female; Forensic Medicine; Time Factors; Adult; Forensic Sciences
PubMed: 38894054
DOI: 10.3390/s24113262 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024(1) Background: FABMs (fertility awareness-based methods) are methods that rely on the observation of clinical signs related to fertility found in women, the so-called...
Usefulness of the Sympto-Thermal Method with Standardized Cervical Mucus Assessment (InVivo Method) for Evaluating the Monthly Cycle in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
(1) Background: FABMs (fertility awareness-based methods) are methods that rely on the observation of clinical signs related to fertility found in women, the so-called fertility bioindicators. They can be a valuable tool for diagnosing monthly cycle disorders and infertility, for example, among patients with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Until now, it has been difficult for women with PCOS to use FABM, due to the difficulty of describing fertility bioindicators and their disorders due to the biology of the syndrome. The new InVivo sympto-thermal method with standardized cervical mucus assessment may provide a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for observing the monthly cycle in this group of women. (2) Methods: The monthly cycle was evaluated in a group of 32 women of reproductive age. A total of 108 monthly cycle observation cards were analyzed: 35 monthly cycle cards were collected from 18 women with PCOS, and 73 monthly cycle cards collected from 14 healthy women. In addition, 32 pairs of macroscopic and microscopic images were evaluated: 17 pairs from the study group (four subjects) and 15 pairs from women in the control group (six subjects). (3) Results: We showed that in the group of patients with PCOS, menstruation was longer ( = 0.000814), the number of mucus peaks was statistically higher ( = 0.040747), and the interquartile range (IQR) of the duration of the follicular phase (calculated according to the BBT) was significantly higher (8 days) compared to women in the control group. We also observed that among all the women studied, the microscopic image of cervical mucus correlated with the cycle phase described in the observation card, as determined by reference to the BBT chart, provided that it showed the correct features. (4) Conclusions: Systematic maintenance of monthly cycle observation charts using the InVivo method can be an important supplement to the medical history, as it allows for a thorough assessment of, among others, the timing of monthly bleeding, cervical mucus symptoms, BBT changes, and the duration of the follicular and luteal phases among both healthy and PCOS women.
PubMed: 38891183
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111108 -
BMC Women's Health Jun 2024The sex steroid hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, which affects the strength and postural stability of females and leads to injuries and risk of falls.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The sex steroid hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, which affects the strength and postural stability of females and leads to injuries and risk of falls. These hormones may be modulated by exercise to impact the overall health of females.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of exercise on sex steroid hormones in eumenorrheic females.
METHODS
This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines in Lahore, Pakistan. The full-length articles were searched using these databases/search engines (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, Sci-Hub). Randomized controlled trials along with single group experimental studies were also included. All types of exercises were compared with no exercise in the control group. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool assessed and screened the articles. The data were then analyzed. The primary outcomes were the levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included (5 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies). The effects of exercise on free estradiol concentration and serum progesterone level were not significant [p = 0.37 (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.74, I = 0%) and p = 0.84 (S.D= -0.65, C.I= -6.92 to 5.62, I = 94%)] respectively, whereas, the effects on testosterone levels were significant [p value < 0.00001 (M.D = 0.89, 95% C.I= -2.16 to 3.95, I = 94%)].
CONCLUSION
A blinded randomized controlled trial should be conducted in which a structured approach should be followed by women along with warm-ups, cool down and rest intervals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
The systematic review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023473767.
Topics: Humans; Female; Progesterone; Exercise; Testosterone; Estrogens; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Estradiol
PubMed: 38890710
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03203-y -
Cureus Jun 2024This narrative review comprehensively examines the intricate relationship between period poverty and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning it as a... (Review)
Review
This narrative review comprehensively examines the intricate relationship between period poverty and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning it as a critical public health challenge with far-reaching implications. Through an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted impact of period poverty on public health, including its effects on reproductive health, mental well-being, and economic participation, the paper underscores the urgent need to address this issue within the framework of the SDGs. An overview of existing literature on period poverty, its impact on health and well-being, and its relation to the SDGs was carried out. Different perspectives, interventions, and policy approaches to addressing period poverty were also explored. By illuminating the interplay between period poverty and various SDGs, particularly those related to gender equality, health, education, and economic empowerment, the study emphasizes the imperative of integrating menstrual health and hygiene into global development efforts. Advocating for targeted policies, funding, and advocacy, the manuscript calls for a holistic and inclusive approach to breaking the cycle of period poverty, ultimately contributing to advancing the SDGs and fostering a more equitable and healthier global society. Efforts to eradicate period poverty - providing affordable menstrual products, improving sanitation infrastructure, enhancing education, and implementing supportive policies - lead to significant progress in public health and gender equity. By prioritizing menstrual health management in public health policies, educational programs, and economic strategies, we can ensure that everyone who menstruates can do so with dignity and without limits on their potential.
PubMed: 38887745
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62499 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024We aimed to assess uterine and arcuate artery Doppler indices in patients with mild primary dysmenorrhea.
PURPOSE
We aimed to assess uterine and arcuate artery Doppler indices in patients with mild primary dysmenorrhea.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 55 patients were included, consisting of women without dysmenorrhea (n=26, group A) and women with mild primary dysmenorrhea (n=29, group B). Doppler measurements of the uterine and arcuate arteries were performed in both groups on the 1st-2nd days and 21st-24th days (midluteal phase) of the menstrual cycle using transvaginal ultrasound and compared between the groups. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed using visual analog scale scores.
RESULTS
Doppler measurements of the uterine and arcuate arteries performed on the 1st-2nd days of the menstrual cycle and the midluteal phase were similar between the groups (p>0.05). There was a significant decrease in the intragroup measurements of uterine and arcuate arteries performed on the first day of menstruation and the luteal phase in both groups (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Doppler findings of the uterine and arcuate arteries did not differ between patients with and without mild primary dysmenorrhea. The etiology of primary dysmenorrhea mainly involves ischemia and vasoconstriction, but mild primary dysmenorrhea appears to be associated with a different etiology other than decreased tissue perfusion.
PubMed: 38887385
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S456239 -
Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde Jun 2024Breast cancer (BC) stands as a global concern, given its high incidence and impact on women's mortality. This complex disease has roots in various risk factors, some...
Breast cancer (BC) stands as a global concern, given its high incidence and impact on women's mortality. This complex disease has roots in various risk factors, some modifiable and others not. Understanding and identifying these factors can be instrumental in both preventing BC and improving survival rates. Remarkably, women's reproductive behaviors have emerged as critical determinants of BC susceptibility. Numerous studies have shed light on how aspects including age of menarche, first pregnancy and menopause along with number of pregnancies, hormone replacement therapies, can influence one's risk of developing BC. Furthermore, the act of breastfeeding and its duration have shown an inverse relationship with BC risk. This review delves into the biological and molecular mechanisms associated with breastfeeding that contribute to BC protection. It highlights the role of endocrine processes triggered by suckling stimulation, the gradual onset of lactational amenorrhea, delayed weaning, reduced lifetime menstrual cycles, chromosomal repair mechanisms, and immunological events throughout the lactation cycle. These insights provide a potential explanation for the protective effects conferred by breastfeeding against breast carcinomas.
PubMed: 38884025
DOI: 10.1055/a-2313-0637 -
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2024Develop the Markov Index Load State (MILS) model, based on hidden Markov chains, to assess athletes' workload responses and investigate the effects of menstrual cycle...
Exploring the effect of the menstrual cycle or oral contraception on elite athletes' training responses when workload is not objectively quantifiable: the MILS approach and findings from female Olympians.
OBJECTIVES
Develop the Markov Index Load State (MILS) model, based on hidden Markov chains, to assess athletes' workload responses and investigate the effects of menstrual cycle (MC)/oral contraception (OC), sex steroids hormones and wellness on elite athletes' training.
METHODS
On a 7-month longitudinal follow-up, daily training (volume and perceived effort, n=2200) and wellness (reported sleep quality and quantity, fitness, mood, menstrual symptoms, n=2509) data were collected from 24 female rowers and skiers preparing for the Olympics. 51 MC and 54 OC full cycles relying on 214 salivary hormone samples were analysed. MC/OC cycles were normalised, converted in % from 0% (first bleeding/pill withdrawal day) to 100% (end).
RESULTS
MILS identified three chronic workload response states: 'easy', 'moderate' and 'hard'. A cyclic training response linked to MC or OC (95% CI) was observed, primarily related to progesterone level (p=8.23e-03 and 5.72e-03 for the easy and hard state, respectively). MC athletes predominantly exhibited the 'easy' state during the cycle's first half (8%-53%), transitioning to the 'hard' state post-estimated ovulation (63%-96%). OC users had an increased 'hard' state (4%-32%) during pill withdrawal, transitioning to 'easy' (50%-60%) when on the pill. Wellness metrics influenced the training load response: better sleep quality (p=5.20e-04), mood (p=8.94e-06) and fitness (p=6.29e-03) increased the likelihood of the 'easy' state. Menstrual symptoms increased the 'hard' state probability (p=5.92e-02).
CONCLUSION
The MILS model, leveraging hidden Markov chains, effectively analyses cumulative training load responses. The model identified cyclic training responses linked to MC/OC in elite female athletes.
PubMed: 38882205
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001810 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Social Stigma; Menstruation; Women's Health; Menstruation Disturbances
PubMed: 38881447
DOI: 10.1177/17455057241262007 -
Endocrine Journal Jun 2024The endometrium during the sexual cycle undergoes detachment, tissue remodeling, and differentiation during the menstrual cycle. Localized and transient destruction and...
The endometrium during the sexual cycle undergoes detachment, tissue remodeling, and differentiation during the menstrual cycle. Localized and transient destruction and regeneration of endometrial tissue are also essential for pregnancy. It is possible to attribute many causes of failure in infertility treatment to the implantation stage. To improve the success rate of plateau fertility treatment, it is important to understand the regeneration mechanism of the endometrium, a unique regenerative tissue in the human body. In association with cell proliferation, tissue remodeling requires the relocation of proliferative cells, and the steady-state epithelial cells need to be motile for the relocation. Transient add-on motile activity in epithelial cells is mediated by epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reversible mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). The destruction and regeneration of endometrial tissue over a period of days to weeks requires a system with a rapid and characteristic mechanism similar to that of wound healing. Here, I review the relationship between the well-known phenomenon of EMT in wound healing and endometrial tissue remodeling during the sexual cycle and pregnancy establishment, which are automatically triggered by menstruation and embryonal invasion.
PubMed: 38880606
DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ24-0229