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Purpose: To investigate the influence of menstrual-cycle (MC) phase on measures of recovery status, that is, resting heart rate, perceived sleep quality, and physical and mental readiness to train, among female endurance athletes. Methods: Daily data were recorded during 1 to 4 MCs (ie, duration ≥21 and ≤35 d, ovulatory, luteal phase ≥10 d) of 41 trained-to-elite-level female endurance athletes (mean [SD]: age 27 [8] y, weekly training: 9 [3] h). Resting heart rate was assessed daily using a standardized protocol, while perceived sleep quality and physical and mental readiness to train were assessed using a visual analog scale (1–10). Four MC phases (early follicular phase [EFP], late follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and midluteal phase [MLP]) were determined using the calendar-based counting method and urinary ovulation-prediction test. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Results: Resting heart rate was significantly higher in MLP (1.7 beats·min−1, P =.006) compared with EFP without significant differences between the other MC phases. Perceived sleep quality was impaired in MLP compared with late follicular phase (−0.3, P =.035). Physical readiness to train was lower both in ovulatory phase (−0.6, P =.015) and MLP (−0.5, P =.026) compared with EFP. Mental readiness to train did not show any significant differences between MC phases (P >.05). Conclusions: Although significant, the findings had negligible to small effect sizes, indicating that MC phase is likely not the main determinant of changes in measures of recovery status but, rather, one of the many possible stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful reproductive management of domestic mammals depends primarily upon timely identification of oestrous cycle stages. There is a need to develop an alternative non-invasive, welfare-friendly, accurate and reliable method to identify reproductive cycle stages. This is of particular interest for horse breeders, because horses are high-value farm animals that require careful management and individual monitoring. Saliva sampling is non-invasive, painless and welfare-friendly. Thus, we performed a metabolomic analysis of equine saliva during different reproductive stages to identify changes in the salivary metabolome during anoestrus, the oestrous cycle and early gestation. We compared the saliva and plasma metabolomes to investigate the relationship between the two fluids according to the physiological stage. We collected saliva and plasma samples from six mares during seasonal anoestrus, during the follicular phase 3 days, 2 days and 1 day before ovulation and the day when ovulation was detected, during the luteal phase 6 days after ovulation, and during early gestation 18 days after ovulation and insemination. Metabolome analysis was performed by proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We identified 58 and 51 metabolites in saliva and plasma, respectively. The levels of four metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and five metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma showed significant modifications during the 4 days until ovulation, ie 3 days prior to and on the day of ovulation. The levels of 11 metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and 17 metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma were significantly different between the seasonal anoestrus and the ovarian cyclicity period. The physiological mechanisms involved in the onset of ovarian cyclicity and in ovulation induced modifications of the metabolome both in plasma and saliva. The metabolites whose salivary levels changed during the reproductive cycle could be potential salivary biomarkers to detect the reproductive stage in a welfare friendly production system. In particular, we propose creatine and alanine as candidate salivary biomarkers of ovulation and of the onset of ovarian cyclicity, respectively. However, extensive validation of their reliability is required. Our study contributes to extend to domestic mammals the use of saliva as a non-invasive alternative diagnostic fluid for reproduction in a welfare-friendly production system. • The metabolites level in mare saliva was analyzed according to the reproductive stage. • The saliva metabolome is modified during transition from anestrus to ovarian cyclicity. • The saliva metabolome is modified during the ovulation process. • Saliva is a non-invasive and welfare-friendly diagnostic fluid for equine reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Estrogen and progesterone, hormones specific to females, undergo fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal cavity and Eustachian tube patency depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in two groups of women: those in a follicular phase group and those in a luteal phase group. (2) Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 25 healthy non-pregnant women aged 24 to 32. Based on the phase of the cycle confirmed in sonography, they were divided into follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) groups. The Eustachian tube and nasal cavity patency examination was carried out using a SNOT-22 Questionnaire, a rhinomanometer, and a tympanometer. (3) Results: We observed that the incidence of nasal obstruction in SNOT-22 was significantly dependent on the cycle phase (p = 0.012) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Similar relationships were noticed between the cycle phase and the rhinomanometry outcome, where the LP was associated with a lower flow. We also revealed that the incidence of ear blockage significantly depended on the cycle phase (p = 0.001) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the LP also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. We observed that patients with negative PEAK L and R levels had a lower flow in rhinomanometry. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the menstrual cycle's substantial impact on both subjective and objective nasal and Eustachian tube patency measurements. The novel finding in this study is that women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the luteal phase also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. These results suggest that the deterioration of hearing during the menstrual cycle could be a result of swelling of the nasal mucosa and tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation in the reproductive tract has become a serious threat to animal fertility. Recently, the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the context of reproduction and the inflammatory response has been highlighted, but the role of PPARβ/δ has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effect of PPARβ/δ ligands (agonist: L-165,041 and antagonist: GSK 3787) on the transcriptome profile of porcine endometrium during LPS-induced inflammation in the mid-luteal and follicular phases of the oestrous cycle (days 10–12 and 18–20, respectively) using the RNA-Seq method. During the mid-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, the current study identified 145 and 143 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after treatment with an agonist or antagonist, respectively. During the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, 55 and 207 DEGs were detected after treatment with an agonist or antagonist, respectively. The detected DEGs are engaged in the regulation of various processes, such as the complement and coagulation cascade, NF-κB signalling pathway, or the pathway of 15-eicosatetraenoic acid derivatives synthesis. The results of the current study indicate that PPARβ/δ ligands are involved in the control of the endometrial inflammatory response. • PPARβ/δ ligands are involved in the control of the inflammatory response in the porcine endometrium. • PPARβ/δ ligands may regulate the endometrial inflammatory response by engaging multiple intracellular mechanisms. • Effects of PPARβ/δ ligands on the transcriptome of LPS-stimulated endometrium depends on the phase of the oestrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Compared with men, women are disproportionately affected by alcohol, including greater risks of behavioral impairment and relapse from abstinence-based treatments. One potential mechanism underlying this disparity is ovarian hormone fluctuations across menstrual cycle phases, particularly estradiol (E2). Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that E2 levels positively correlate with alcohol consumption, suggesting E2 modulates drinking. Rewarding properties of alcohol are thought to mediate this relationship. The present study tested the degree to which women report increased rewarding effects from alcohol and heightened attention to alcohol-related cues when E2 was elevated during the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Method: Fifty women aged 21–29 participated in a within-subjects placebo-controlled study examining how menstrual cycle phase alters the rewarding properties of alcohol and alcohol-associated cues when sober and intoxicated, as measured by their attentional bias toward alcohol-associated cues and subjective reports. Measures were obtained following 0.60 g/kg alcohol and placebo during the early follicular phase when E2 was low and the late follicular phase (i.e., ovulation) when E2 was elevated. Results: Attentional bias to alcohol-associated cues was greater during the late follicular phase in both sober and intoxicated states. Women reported rewarding effects from alcohol, but no effects of phase were observed. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the rewarding properties of alcohol-associated cues might be enhanced during the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle when E2 is elevated, possibly increasing the risk for excessive drinking in women during this phase. Public Health Significance Statement: The findings of this study demonstrate that around ovulation, women find cues associated with alcohol more rewarding. This enhanced reward can lead to increased alcohol consumption. Thus, women may be at a greater risk for excessive alcohol use during the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle around ovulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) undergo notable physiological and morphological changes. Maintaining proper zinc (Zn) homeostasis is crucial in both somatic and germinal mammalian cells. This study aimed to assess the impact of the estrous phase (luteal or follicular) on Zn transporter expression in bovine COC and OEC (BOEC). The expression of Zn transporters Slc39a6 (ZIP6), Slc39a8 (ZIP8), Slc39a14 (ZIP14), Slc30a3 (ZnT3), Slc30a7 (ZnT7), and Slc30a9 (ZnT9) was analyzed in COC and BOEC from cows during the luteal or follicular phases. Gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 was quantified in COC and BOEC. The gene expression in the remaining transporters could not be quantified due to low mRNA levels (ZIP8 and ZnT3 in COC and BOEC; ZnT7 in BOEC) or absence of expression (ZnT7 in COC). In COC, the relative expression (RE) of all three transporters was higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (P ≤ 0.05). In BOEC, the luteal phase increased the RE of ZIP 6 (P ≤ 0.05), decreased the RE of ZnT9 (P ≤ 0.05), and did not modify the RE of ZIP14 (P > 0.05) compared to the follicular phase. In conclusion, the study reveals differences in the gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 according to the estrous cycle phase in ex vivo samples of bovine COC and OEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the menstrual cycle, its associated health concerns, and the subsequent effects on athlete performance could facilitate the formulation of educated and tailored strategies for training and participating in competitive sports. In turn, this can decrease the probability of injuries, maintain psychological well-being, and ultimately enhance athlete performance. Objectives. The study aimed to investigate the perspective of collegiate student-athletes related to health issues and sports performance during their menstrual period, both in terms of training and competition, as well as the athletes’ willingness to discuss pertaining their menstrual cycle. Materials and methods. Our study included 115 female student-athletes participating in land-based individual/team sports (n = 95) and a combination of land/water-based sports (n = 20). A questionnaire was used to collect data for this cross-sectional study, which was undertaken and completed by the participants. A descriptive analysis was performed, with results reported in frequency and percentage, followed by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann-Whitney) to analyze the mean differences between the training participation groups during menstruation. Results. In general, all athletes experienced several health issues, with abdominal pain and lower back pain being the most prevalent. Furthermore, nearly all of them (95.33%) experienced pain on the first day of their periods. Menstruation also influences the performance of female athletes during exercise (70.43%) and competition (73.91%), causing increased fatigue and reduced endurance in the majority of them. Additionally, there is a significant difference between the context of training engagement and the number of weekly exercise sessions (0.011) during the menstrual cycle. Conclusions. Menstruation significantly affects the health and performance of female athletes, both during training and competition. Coaches and athletes must comprehend the menstrual cycle to address this issue effectively. It is crucial that coaches and athletes possess a comprehensive understanding of the menstrual cycle in order to effectively address this issue. Moreover, involving medical professionals and sports nutritionists in managing menstrual cycles is also another strategy for enhancing athlete performance.

Background and Objectives. There is a global trend towards an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their reproductive years. One of the current clinical technologies is the technology of cryopreservation of removed healthy ovaries in order to preserve fertility and their subsequent transplantation after treatment for cancer of other organs. Glycerol is often used as a non-penetrating agent in freezing to improve follicle survival. Materials and Methods. The work examined the ovaries of cats with diagnoses confirmed by histological studies: follicular phase, luteal phase, serous carcinoma, leimyosarcoma. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used to determine the kinetic parameters of dehydration and optical properties of tissues upon interaction with glycerol. Based on the change in mass over a long period of time, the diffusion coefficient of glycerol in the samples was determined. Results. The effective diffusion coefficient of interstitial water in cat ovarian tissue has been measured: D = (2.6 ± 0.4)·10−6 cm2/s (follicular phase), D = (3.3 ± 0.4)·10−6 cm2/s (luteal phase), D = (3.0 ± 0.3)·10−6 cm2/s (leiomyosarcoma), and D = (1.6 ± 0.2)·10−6 cm2/s (serous carcinoma), which is initiated within 1.5–2 hours of interaction. Diffusion of glycerol occurs over a long period of time, about 400 hours, and for the samples under study is: D = (8.3 ± 2.5)·10−8 cm2/s (follicular phase), D = (5.6 ± 1.7)·10−8 cm2/s (luteal phase), D = (2.2 ± 0.2)·10−8 cm2/s (leiomyosarcoma), and D = (1.1 ± 0.4)·10−7 cm2/s (serous carcinoma). Conclusion. The established perfusion-kinetic parameters of glycerol/interstitial water for the studied samples can be used in clinical practice in the preparation of ovarian tissue for transplantation (cryopreservation), in the transmembrane transfer of drugs, the development of new reproductive technologies, etc.

Abstract 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, I2 = 0%) and p = 0.84 (S.D= -0.65, C.I= -6.92 to 5.62, I2 = 94%)] respectively, whereas, the effects on testosterone levels were significant [p value

Introduction: 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). Purpose: This exploratory study aimed to examine the psychophysiological responses to HIIT over the menstrual cycle. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the menstrual cycle, its associated health concerns, and the subsequent effects on athlete performance could facilitate the formulation of educated and tailored strategies for training and participating in competitive sports. In turn, this can decrease the probability of injuries, maintain psychological well-being, and ultimately enhance athlete performance. Objectives. The study aimed to investigate the perspective of collegiate student-athletes related to health issues and sports performance during their menstrual period, both in terms of training and competition, as well as the athletes’ willingness to discuss pertaining their menstrual cycle. Materials and methods. Our study included 115 female student-athletes participating in land-based individual/ team sports (n = 95) and a combination of land/water-based sports (n = 20). A questionnaire was used to collect data for this cross-sectional study, which was undertaken and completed by the participants. A descriptive analysis was performed, with results reported in frequency and percentage, followed by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann-Whitney) to analyze the mean differences between the training participation groups during menstruation. Results. In general, all athletes experienced several health issues, with abdominal pain and lower back pain being the most prevalent. Furthermore, nearly all of them (95.33%) experienced pain on the first day of their periods. Menstruation also influences the performance of female athletes during exercise (70.43%) and competition (73.91%), causing increased fatigue and reduced endurance in the majority of them. Additionally, there is a significant difference between the context of training engagement and the number of weekly exercise sessions (0.011) during the menstrual cycle. Conclusions. Menstruation significantly affects the health and performance of female athletes, both during training and competition. Coaches and athletes must comprehend the menstrual cycle to address this issue effectively. It is crucial that coaches and athletes possess a comprehensive understanding of the menstrual cycle in order to effectively address this issue. Moreover, involving medical professionals and sports nutritionists in managing menstrual cycles is also another strategy for enhancing athlete performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of P4 at the time of removal of the intravaginal device (DIV), time of detection of estrus (CD), Fixed Time Insemination (FTAI), and at day 7 post-FTAI, in sheep. The Huayrapungo Farm located in the parish of Malchinguí, with an altitude of 2600 to 2800 m.s.n.m; temperature between 7 and 17 0C, has multíparas sheep in production, breeds (Merino x Suffolk) f1, with body condition (2.5 / 5), 90 days open, and an age of 2 to 4 years. Divided into two treatments, (T1= 400 IU PMCG - 10 sheep), and (T2= 500 IU PMCG - 10 sheep). In a conventional protocol, in which, at day 0, CDR, 60mg P4 (Zoetis) was applied at day 10 was applied T1=400 IU; and T2=500 IU of PMCG i.m. (NOVORMON - PMCG 5000, Zoetis), plus 250 μg of Cloprostenol (PG2α, Ciclase DL, Zoetis), at day 12 DIV, day 13 AD, and day 14 IATF with laparoscopy method. At day 35 pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography. There was no significant difference in the pregnancy rate between treatments (60%) (P=0.073), similar in serum P4 concentrations at the time of DIV, DC, and IATF withdrawal (P=0.49). Not so, the day 7 post IATF, (P=0.020*). However, serum concentrations of P4 did not differ in the sheep's reproductive state (not pregnant or pregnant). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of female sex hormones on optimal performance have been increasingly recognized as an important consideration in exercise and sport science research. This narrative review explores the findings of studies evaluating the effects of menstrual cycle phase in eumenorrheic women and the use of hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices) on metabolism, muscular strength, and recovery in active females. Ovarian hormones are known to influence metabolism because estrogen is a master regulator of bioenergetics. Importantly, the menstrual cycle may impact protein synthesis, impacting skeletal muscle quality and strength. Studies investigating muscular strength in eumenorrheic women report equivocal findings between the follicular phase and luteal phase with no differences compared to oral contraceptive users. Studies examining recovery measures (using biomarkers, blood lactate, and blood flow) do not report clear or consistent effects of the impact of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraception use on recovery. Overall, the current literature may be limited by the evaluation of only one menstrual cycle and the use of group means for statistical significance. Hence, to optimize training and performance in females, regardless of hormonal contraception use, there is a need for future research to quantify the intra-individual impact of the menstrual cycle phases and hormonal contraceptive use in active females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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, I2 = 0%) and p = 0.84 (S.D= -0.65, C.I= -6.92 to 5.62, I2 = 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, I2 = 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe menstrual cycle (MC)-related practices, knowledge, communication, and health in Indian endurance athletes and to investigate the changes in their perception of sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance across the MC. Methods: Data on female Indian athletes (N = 96, age 22 [3] y) competing in 7 endurance sports at (inter)national and state level were collected using an online questionnaire. A Friedman rank sum test was used to assess changes in sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance across MC phases (ie, during, immediately after, and just before the bleeding phase). Results: Most of the athletes showed poor MC-related practices and suboptimal knowledge and communication about the MC. Despite no clear signs of serious health conditions, many athletes (63.5%) experienced irregular bleeding phases, particularly during periods with high exercise intensity or high training volume (54.4%). Perceived sleep quality, readiness to train, fitness, performance, and the quality of high-intensity and strength training changed significantly throughout the MC (P <.001), with a higher prevalence of a positive perception immediately after the bleeding phase. The perceived quality of low-intensity training did not change significantly throughout the MC (P =.244). Conclusions: Knowledge and communication about the MC were found to be poor in Indian endurance athletes, who reported that the MC significantly influenced their sleep quality, readiness to train, training quality, fitness, and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore how natural menstrual cycle phases and dosage of oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) influence the diurnal rhythm of distal skin temperature (DST) under real-life conditions. Participants were 41 healthy females (23.9 ± 2.48 y), comprising 27 females taking monophasic hormonal oral contraceptives (OC users) and 14 females with menstrual cycles (non-OC users). Wrist DST was continuously recorded and averaged over two consecutive 24-hour days during (pseudo)follicular and (pseudo)luteal menstrual phases. Diurnal rhythm characteristics, i.e. acrophase and amplitude, describing timing and strength of the DST rhythm, respectively, were calculated using cosinor analysis. Results show that non-OC users experienced earlier diurnal DST maximum (acrophase, p = 0.019) and larger amplitude (p = 0.016) during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase. This was observed in most (71.4%) but not all individuals. The OC users showed no differences in acrophase or amplitude between pseudoluteal and pseudofollicular phases. OC users taking a higher dosage of progestin displayed a larger amplitude for DST rhythm during the pseudoluteal phase (p = 0.009), while estrogen dosage had no effect. In conclusion, monophasic OC cause changes in diurnal DST rhythm, similar to those observed in the luteal phase of females with menstrual cycles, suggesting that synthetic progestins act in a similar manner on skin thermoregulation as progesterone does. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was carried out to investigate the micrometrical characteristics of oviduct in adult goats during follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle. Study revealed that the mucosa of oviduct of goat was highly folded during both the phases. The number, height, and thickness of the primary mucosal folds were more during follicular phase and the values of these parameters were decreased significantly from infundibulum to isthmus. The lining epithelium of all the segments of goat oviduct was pseudostratified columnar, with ciliated and non-ciliated cell, during both phases of the estrous cycle. The average height of the epithelium was higher during the luteal phase and showed a decreasing pattern from the infundibulum to the isthmus during both the phases. The thickness of propria submucosa was higher in luteal phase and difference was significant only in isthmus segment. Thickness of tunica muscularis of all parts of oviduct was significantly higher in luteal phase than the follicular phase. The thickness of propria submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa increased significantly from infundibulum to isthmus during both the phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women's football has been booming for a few years now, which has led to an increase in the expectation of the players' performance, leading to a more detailed study of women's physiology in the field of sports. Objectives: To analyze the scientific evidence on the influence of menstruation on the performance of female footballers, as well as to analyze the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. Materials and methods: The possible hormonal effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers were analyzed. The databases used to conduct the searches were Pubmed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library. All included studies met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023390652). Results: A total of nine clinical trials were included in this review. A low quality of evidence was observed in the studies. Not all the results support the idea that the menstrual cycle phases can alter the performance of female footballers. Conclusion: This systematic review shows that there is a great deal of controversy about the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers. Studies are focused on solely biological factors and gender is normally no part of those studies. Further research with larger samples, and taking not only biological but also sociological factors, are necessary to determine the effects of menstruation on the performance of female footballers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were: i) to report overall mean AMH serum concentrations in queens, ii) to determine relationship between serum AMH concentration with estradiol level, iii) to investigate the relationship between serum AMH with follicular phase and interestrus phase of the estrous cycle, iv) to discuss the usability of AMH as a biomarker to diagnosis of ovarian remnant syndrome in breeding season in queens. In the study, 64 healthy queens referred to clinics for routine ovariohysterectomy were used. After anamnesis, vaginal cytology, macroscopic examination of the uterus and ovaries and estradiol measurement, queens were divided into two groups: follicular phase (n: 45) and interestrus (n: 19). Estradiol and AMH levels in serum samples were determined by ELISA. In the evaluation of serum AMH concentrations, a statistical difference was determined between the follicular phase and interestrus (P = 0.05). A negative correlation was found between age and estradiol in both follicular phase (r = -0.171) and interestrus (r = -0.385) groups. A positive correlation was found between age and AMH in the interestrus (P<0.01, r = 0.696). Serum AMH levels in the interestrus were found to be significantly higher than follicular phase (P<0.05). It was thought that this increase in serum AMH levels during the interestrus period, which is the stage where oocytes were selected for ovulation, may be an indicator of the role of AMH in oocyte selection in queens, as in many other mammalian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide insight into the biological characteristics of the healthy cervix by defining intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) parameters across the menstrual cycle. Forty-three females of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were included in this prospective study. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IVIM-DWI scans were performed at multiple time-points across the menstrual cycle: T 1 (menses), T 2 (follicular phase), T 3 (luteal phase). Intra- and interobserver repeatability of the IVIM-DWI values were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and D* was excluded from the analyses due to poor repeatability. Differences in each IVIM-DWI parameter among T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 were explored. Subjects were stratified by age and parity for subgroup analyses (younger [18 - < 30 years] vs. older [≥30–45 years]; parity 0 vs. parity 1 and 2). Correlations between subject age and IVIM-DWI parameters were assessed. The overlap for each IVIM-DWI parameter among T 1 , T 2 , and T 3 was evaluated. ADC and D values of the cervix were significantly lower at T 3 compared with T 1 (p = 0.02 and 0.03) or T 2 (p < 0.01 and < 0.01). In younger subjects (n = 26), ADC and D values were significantly lower at T 3 compared with T 1 (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02) or T 2 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04). In older subjects (n = 17), ADC values were significantly higher at T 2 compared with T 1 (p = 0.01) or T 3 (p = 0.01). There were significant differences in ADC values at T 1 in subgroup analyses stratified by age and parity (both p < 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between age and ADC values at T 1. Overlap for IVIM-DWI parameters across the menstrual cycle was >50%. ADC and D values of the heathy cervix differed across the menstrual cycle. Age and parity may influence the ADC value. • There were statistical differences in IVIM-DWI of the healthy cervix. • Studies of IVIM-DWI and cervix should scan in the same stage of menstrual cycle. • IVIM-DWI held potential as a method for studying the cervical physiological cycle. • ADC values decrease progressively with age. • Subgroup analysis may be necessary if study involved childbearing age & cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) work mostly by preventing the pre-ovulatory gonadotropin surge, but the action of COCs on spontaneous episodic and GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)-induced LH (luteinizing hormone) release has been poorly evaluated. Oral contraceptives are known to act on the spontaneous hypothalamic–pituitary functions reducing both GnRH and gonadotropin release and blocking ovulation. Aim: To evaluate spontaneous and GnRH-induced LH release during both phases of the menstrual cycle or under the use of the contraceptive pill. Methods: A group of 12 women, subdivided into two groups, volunteered for the study. Group A (n = 6, controls) received no treatments, while Group B (n = 6) received a 21 + 7 combination of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) 30 µg + drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg. Both groups were evaluated twice: Group A during follicular and luteal phases, Group B during pill assumption and during the suspension interval, performing a pulsatility test, GnRH stimulation test, and hormonal parameters evaluation. Spontaneous and GnRH-induced secretory pulses were evaluated, as well as the instantaneous secretory rate (ISR). Results: COC treatment lowered LH and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels significantly if compared to the follicular phase of spontaneous cycles. During the suspension interval, hormone levels rapidly rose and became comparable to those of the follicular phase of the control group. The LH pulse frequency under COC administration during the suspension interval was similar to that observed during the follicular phase (2.6 ± 0.3 pulses/180 min and 2.3 ± 0.2 pulses/180 min, respectively). The GnRH-induced LH peaks were greater in amplitude and duration than those observed after ISR computation in both groups. The GnRH-induced LH release during the luteal phase of the control subjects was higher than in the follicular phase (51.2 ± 12.3 mIU/mL and 14.9 ± 1.8 mIU/mL, respectively). Conversely, subjects under COC showed a GnRH-induced LH response similar during COC and during the suspension interval. Conclusions: Our data support that the EE + DRSP preparation acts on both spontaneous pulsatile release and GnRH-induced LH release during the withdrawal period of the treatment, and that after 5–7 days from the treatment suspension, steroidal secretion from the ovary is resumed, such as that of androgens. This suggests that in hyperandrogenic patients, a suspension interval as short as 4 days might be clinically better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In the last decade, luteal-phase ovarian stimulation (LPOS) has been suggested as an alternative controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles mainly in women with a history of poor ovarian response (POR). The present randomized controlled trial study aimed to compare the outcomes of follicular phase ovarian stimulation (FPOS) and LPOS protocols in POR cases undergoing ICSI cycles. Methods Seventy-eight POR patients who met the Bologna criteria and underwent an ICSI cycle were included. In this study, 39 POR cases were allocated to the FPOS group, and 39 POR cases were allocated to the LPOS group. The primary outcome was the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. In addition, the total number of oocytes, number of top-quality day 3 embryo, day 3 embryo development rate, chemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates were defined as secondary outcomes. Results The obtained results demonstrated that the number of MII oocytes significantly increased in the LPOS group compared to the FPOS group (P = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of GV and MI oocytes, number of top-quality day 3 embryos and day 3 embryo development rate among both categories of patients. Also, the number of total and MII oocytes was significantly higher in the LPOS group (P = 0.016). Conclusion These results suggest that LPOS protocol effectively increases the number of mature oocytes in women with a history of POR. Trial registration IRCT20210405050852N1 (Registered at Iranian registry of clinical trials; available at https://en.irct.ir/trial/55402 ).

Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) work mostly by preventing the pre-ovulatory gonadotropin surge, but the action of COCs on spontaneous episodic and GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone)-induced LH (luteinizing hormone) release has been poorly evaluated. Oral contraceptives are known to act on the spontaneous hypothalamic–pituitary functions reducing both GnRH and gonadotropin release and blocking ovulation. Aim: To evaluate spontaneous and GnRH-induced LH release during both phases of the menstrual cycle or under the use of the contraceptive pill. Methods: A group of 12 women, subdivided into two groups, volunteered for the study. Group A (n = 6, controls) received no treatments, while Group B (n = 6) received a 21 + 7 combination of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) 30 µg + drospirenone (DRSP) 3 mg. Both groups were evaluated twice: Group A during follicular and luteal phases, Group B during pill assumption and during the suspension interval, performing a pulsatility test, GnRH stimulation test, and hormonal parameters evaluation. Spontaneous and GnRH-induced secretory pulses were evaluated, as well as the instantaneous secretory rate (ISR). Results: COC treatment lowered LH and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels significantly if compared to the follicular phase of spontaneous cycles. During the suspension interval, hormone levels rapidly rose and became comparable to those of the follicular phase of the control group. The LH pulse frequency under COC administration during the suspension interval was similar to that observed during the follicular phase (2.6 ± 0.3 pulses/180 min and 2.3 ± 0.2 pulses/180 min, respectively). The GnRH-induced LH peaks were greater in amplitude and duration than those observed after ISR computation in both groups. The GnRH-induced LH release during the luteal phase of the control subjects was higher than in the follicular phase (51.2 ± 12.3 mIU/mL and 14.9 ± 1.8 mIU/mL, respectively). Conversely, subjects under COC showed a GnRH-induced LH response similar during COC and during the suspension interval. Conclusions: Our data support that the EE + DRSP preparation acts on both spontaneous pulsatile release and GnRH-induced LH release during the withdrawal period of the treatment, and that after 5–7 days from the treatment suspension, steroidal secretion from the ovary is resumed, such as that of androgens. This suggests that in hyperandrogenic patients, a suspension interval as short as 4 days might be clinically better.

Abstract Background Preliminary evidence demonstrates some parameters of metabolic control, including glycaemic control, lipid control and insulin resistance, vary across the menstrual cycle. However, the literature is inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association between the menstrual cycle phase and metabolites and to explore potential mediators and moderators of these associations. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional cohort study using UK Biobank. The outcome variables were glucose; triglyceride; triglyceride to glucose index (TyG index); total, HDL and LDL cholesterol; and total to HDL cholesterol ratio. Generalised additive models (GAM) were used to investigate non-linear associations between the menstrual cycle phase and outcome variables. Anthropometric, lifestyle, fitness and inflammatory markers were explored as potential mediators and moderators of the associations between the menstrual cycle phase and outcome variables. Results Data from 8694 regularly menstruating women in UK Biobank were analysed. Non-linear associations were observed between the menstrual cycle phase and total (p

This study aimed to explore the effect of the menstrual cycle (MC) phases (i.e., early follicular phase [EFP], late follicular phase [LFP], and mid-luteal phase [MLP]) on the repetitions performed to momentary failure in back squat and bench press exercises, as well as to determine subsequent fatigue (i.e., change in countermovement jump [CMJ], perceived effort, and muscle soreness). Twelve physically active eumenorrheic women performed a back squat and bench press set to momentary failure at 80% of the one-repetition maximum during the EFP, LFP, and MLP. The results revealed that subjects were able to perform 2.2 [0.2 to 4.2] more repetitions in the LFP with respect to the EFP for the back squat exercise (p = 0.009), but no significant differences were observed for the bench press (p = 0.354). The EFP displayed a larger CMJ height drop (−0.86 [−1.71 to −0.01] cm) with respect to the LFP (0.01 [−0.57 to 0.58] cm) and the MLP (−0.36 [−1.15 to 0.43] cm). Neither the perceived effort of each set to failure nor the resulting muscle soreness differed between MC phases. Therefore, practitioners should be aware that the MC could condition the repetitions available to momentary failure and the resulting allostatic load.

(1) Background: Estrogen and progesterone, hormones specific to females, undergo fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal cavity and Eustachian tube patency depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in two groups of women: those in a follicular phase group and those in a luteal phase group. (2) Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 25 healthy non-pregnant women aged 24 to 32. Based on the phase of the cycle confirmed in sonography, they were divided into follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) groups. The Eustachian tube and nasal cavity patency examination was carried out using a SNOT-22 Questionnaire, a rhinomanometer, and a tympanometer. (3) Results: We observed that the incidence of nasal obstruction in SNOT-22 was significantly dependent on the cycle phase (p = 0.012) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Similar relationships were noticed between the cycle phase and the rhinomanometry outcome, where the LP was associated with a lower flow. We also revealed that the incidence of ear blockage significantly depended on the cycle phase (p = 0.001) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the LP also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. We observed that patients with negative PEAK L and R levels had a lower flow in rhinomanometry. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the menstrual cycle’s substantial impact on both subjective and objective nasal and Eustachian tube patency measurements. The novel finding in this study is that women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the luteal phase also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. These results suggest that the deterioration of hearing during the menstrual cycle could be a result of swelling of the nasal mucosa and tubes.

Although the fluctuations of hormones over the menstrual cycle are well recognized, this study investigated the variability in these patterns for individual women. This study examined a set of daily blood hormone results from an underlying data set of previous research. Hormones included follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estradiol taken over one menstrual cycle in 20 women of reproductive age (age 20–36 years), with ultrasound-confirmed ovulation. Although every woman's profile of hormone changes was consistent with the expected physiological sequence of events, there was notable variability in the timing and peak levels. Variability in the length of the follicular phase was greater than in the length of the luteal phase, with the greater part of the variability in the cycle length being explained by variability in the follicular phase. Lower levels of FSH at the beginning of the cycle were associated with a longer follicular phase. Variability in the timing of events around ovulation was relatively consistent across all women. Variability in the length of the luteal phase was associated with the duration of elevated levels of progesterone. Differences were seen in the extent to which FSH increased at the end of the cycle. This study suggests the variability of the first part of the follicular phase may be due to initial FSH changes. Understanding the variability of menstrual cycle hormones is relevant for all women. Identifying subclinical ovulatory disturbances and variability is important to understand female health, across different populations including menstruating women and female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cytokines are released as part of an inflammatory reaction in response to strength exercise to initiate muscle repair and morphological adaptations. Whether hormonal fluctuations induced by the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptives affect inflammatory responses to strength exercise remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to compare the response of cytokines after acute strength exercise in naturally menstruating women and oral contraceptive users. Methods: Naturally menstruating women (MC, n = 13, 24 ± 4 years, weekly strength training: 4.3 ± 1.7 h) and women using a monophasic combined pill (> 9 months) (OC, n = 8, 22 ± 3 years, weekly strength training: 4.5 ± 1.9 h) were recruited. A one-repetition-maximum (1RM) test and strength exercise in the squat (4 × 10 repetitions, 70%1RM) was performed in the early follicular phase or pill free interval. Concentrations of oestradiol, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were assessed before (pre), directly after (post) and 24 h after (post24) strength exercise. Results: IL-1ra increased from pre to post (+ 51.1 ± 59.4%, p = 0.189) and statistically decreased from post to post24 (– 20.5 ± 13.5%, p = 0.011) only in OC. Additionally, IL-1β statistically decreased from post to post24 (– 39.6 ± 23.0%, p = 0.044) only in OC. There was an interaction effect for IL-1β (p = 0.038) and concentrations were statistically decreased at post24 in OC compared to MC (p = 0.05). IL-8 increased across both groups from post to post24 (+ 66.6 ± 96.3%, p = 0.004). Conclusion: We showed a differential regulation of IL-1β and IL-1ra between OC users in the pill-free interval and naturally cycling women 24 h after strength exercise, while there was no effect on other cytokines. Whether this is associated with previously shown compromised morphological adaptations remains to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The lambing trait is an important production trait in sheep, and the FecB gene is one of the major genes affecting sheep reproduction. In order to explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms affecting lambing number in sheep, we used RNA-seq technology to detect the thyroid transcircRNA recombinome expression patterns during the luteal and luteal phases in different FecB genotypes of small-tail Han sheep (STH), identified reproduction-related circRNAs in the thyroid gland of STH sheep, and performed bioinformatic analysis, RT-qPCR validation of these genes, and dual luciferase reporter gene experimental validation to predict their potential functions in repopulation and better reveal the molecular mechanisms of thyroid organization during reproduction in sheep. Litter size is an economically important trait in sheep, and it is a complex trait controlled by multiple genes in multiple organs. Among them, the regulation of lamb number trait by the thyroid gland is a very important part. However, the molecular mechanisms of the thyroid gland in sheep reproduction remain unclear. Here, RNA-seq was used to detect transcriptome expression patterns in the thyroid gland between follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) in FecB BB (MM) and FecB ++ (ww) STH sheep, respectively, and to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) associated with reproduction. Bioinformatic analysis of the source genes of these DECs revealed that they can be enriched in multiple signaling pathways involved in the reproductive process of animals. We found that the source genes of these DECs, such as GNAQ, VEGFC, MAPK1, STAT1, and HSD17B7, may play important roles in the reproductive process of animals. To better understand the function of these DECs, we constructed circRNA–miRNA co-expression networks. Dual luciferase reporter assays suggested that a ceRNA regulatory mechanism between circ_0003259-oar-miR-133-TXLNA and circ_0012128-oar-miR-370-3p-FGFR1 may hold. All of these DEC expression profiles in the thyroid gland provide a novel resource for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying STH sheep prolificacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FecB (also known as BMPR1B) is a crucial gene in sheep reproduction, which has a mutation (A746G) that was found to increase the ovulation rate and litter size. The FecB mutation is associated with reproductive endocrinology, such mutation can control external estrous characteristics and affect follicle-stimulating hormone during the estrous cycle. Previous researches showed that the FecB mutation can regulate the transcriptomic profiles in the reproductive-related tissues including hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary during the estrous cycle of small-tailed Han (STH) sheep. However, little research has been reported on the correlation between FecB mutation and the estrous cycle in STH sheep oviduct. To investigate the coding and noncoding transcriptomic profiles involved in the estrous cycle and FecB in the sheep oviduct, RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the transcriptomic profiles of mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the oviduct during the estrous cycle of STH sheep with mutant (FecB BB) and wild-type (FecB ++) genotypes. In total, 21,863 lncRNAs and 43,674 mRNAs were screened, the results showed that mRNAs had significantly higher expression levels than the lncRNAs, and the expression levels of these screened transcripts were lower in the follicular phase than they were in the luteal phase. Among them, the oviductal glycoprotein gene (OVGP1) had the highest expression level. In the comparison between the follicular and luteal phases, 57 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 637 DE mRNAs were detected, including FSTL5 mRNA and LNC_016628 lncRNA. In the comparison between the FecB BB and FecB ++ genotypes, 26 DE lncRNAs and 421 DE mRNAs were detected, including EEF1D mRNA and LNC_006270 lncRNA. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis indicated that the DE mRNAs were enriched mainly in terms related to reproduction such as the tight junction, SAGA complex, ATP-binding cassette, nestin, and Hippo signaling pathway. The interaction network between DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs indicated that LNC_018420 may be the key regulator in sheep oviduct. Together, our results can provide novel insights into the oviductal transcriptomic function against a FecB mutation background in sheep reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Women’s football has been booming for a few years now, which has led to an increase in the expectation of the players’ performance, leading to a more detailed study of women’s physiology in the field of sports.Objectives:To analyze the scientific evidence on the influence of menstruation on the performance of female footballers, as well as to analyze the methodological quality of the studies included in this review.Materials and methods:The possible hormonal effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers were analyzed. The databases used to conduct the searches were Pubmed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library. All included studies met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023390652).Results:A total of nine clinical trials were included in this review. A low quality of evidence was observed in the studies. Not all the results support the idea that the menstrual cycle phases can alter the performance of female footballers.Conclusion:This systematic review shows that there is a great deal of controversy about the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers. Studies are focused on solely biological factors and gender is normally no part of those studies. Further research with larger samples, and taking not only biological but also sociological factors, are necessary to determine the effects of menstruation on the performance of female footballers.

Purpose: In this study, we determined female nursing students' physical and mental state involvement by measuring heart rate variability and salivary ?-amylase activity (?AMY). Methods: The study included 108 students aged 20?21 with regular menstrual cycles. The basal body temperature method was used to determine the menstrual phases. Five indices were used: low and high frequency components, and their ratio, total power, and physical stress index. In addition, ?AMY was measured using a salivary amylase monitor. A six-point scale was used for subjective mood evaluation. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for differences between groups, and the Tukey?Kramer method was used for multiple comparisons. A p-value of

Abstract Background Whether pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) can improve the pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles is controversial. The inconsistencies in the results of different studies would be related to the characteristics of the included patients and the protocol of GnRHa use. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of pretreatment with a long-acting GnRH agonist in the early follicular phase of FET cycles and determined which population was suitable for the protocol. Results We retrospectively included 630 and 1141 patients in the GnRHa FET and hormone replacement treatment (HRT) FET without GnRHa groups respectively, between October 2017 and March 2019 at a university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. On the second or third day of menstruation, 3.75 mg of leuprorelin was administered. After 14 days, HRT was initiated for endometrial preparation. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics. However, the GnRHa FET group showed a higher percentage of endometrium with a triple line pattern (94.8% vs 89.6%, p

Abstract Background In a true-natural cycle (t-NC), optimal progesterone (P4) output from the corpus luteum is crucial for establishing and maintaining an intrauterine pregnancy. In a previous retrospective study, low P4 levels ( 17 IU/L) and increased serum P4 (> 1.5 ng/mL). FET was scheduled on follicular collapse + 5 or LH surge + 6 in LUF cycles. Primary outcome was serum P4 on FET − 1. Results Among the 178 patients, 86% (n = 153) experienced follicular collapse, while 14% (n = 25) had LUF. On FET-1, the median serum luteal P4 level was 12.9 ng/mL (IQR: 9.3–17.2), ranging from 1.8 to 34.4 ng/mL. Linear stepwise regression revealed a negative correlation between body mass index (BMI) and LUF, and a positive correlation between follicular phase peak-E2 and peak-P4 levels with P4 levels on FET-1. The ROC curve analyses to predict

PURPOSEThis study aimed to compare the variability of the uterus during the menses phase (MP), follicular phase (FP), and luteal phase (LP) of the menstrual cycle using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI).METHODSThis prospective study was conducted at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2022 and January 2023. Women of childbearing age (18–45 years) with appropriate progesterone levels were included in this study. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging and IVIM-DWI scans were performed during the MP, FP, and LP. The differences in IVIM-DWI-derived parameters between these phases were then compared, and the overlap was quantitatively described.RESULTSThe apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D) values from the endometrium, uterine junctional zone (UJZ), and myometrium indicated statistical differences between the MP and FP and the MP and LP (ADC: endometrium, both P < 0.001; UJZ, P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively; myometrium, P = 0.033 and P = 0.006, respectively; D: endometrium, both P < 0.001; UJZ, P = 0.008 and P = 0.006, respectively; myometrium, P = 0.041 and P = 0.045, respectively). The perfusion-related diffusion coefficient (D*) values from the myometrium indicated statistical differences between the FP and MP and the FP and LP (D*: myometrium, P = 0.049 and P = 0.009, respectively). The overlapping endometrium ratios between the MP and FP or LP were lower than 50% in the ADC and D values (ADC: overlapping of MP and FP: 33.33%, overlapping of MP and LP: 23.33%; D: overlapping of MP and FP: 40.00%, overlapping of MP and LP: 43.33%).CONCLUSIONThe ADC and IVIM-derived parameters indicated differences in the uterus in diverse phases of the menstrual cycle, especially in the endometrium in relation to ADC and D values.

The effects of female sex hormones on optimal performance have been increasingly recognized as an important consideration in exercise and sport science research. This narrative review explores the findings of studies evaluating the effects of menstrual cycle phase in eumenorrheic women and the use of hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices) on metabolism, muscular strength, and recovery in active females. Ovarian hormones are known to influence metabolism because estrogen is a master regulator of bioenergetics. Importantly, the menstrual cycle may impact protein synthesis, impacting skeletal muscle quality and strength. Studies investigating muscular strength in eumenorrheic women report equivocal findings between the follicular phase and luteal phase with no differences compared to oral contraceptive users. Studies examining recovery measures (using biomarkers, blood lactate, and blood flow) do not report clear or consistent effects of the impact of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraception use on recovery. Overall, the current literature may be limited by the evaluation of only one menstrual cycle and the use of group means for statistical significance. Hence, to optimize training and performance in females, regardless of hormonal contraception use, there is a need for future research to quantify the intra-individual impact of the menstrual cycle phases and hormonal contraceptive use in active females.

The purpose of this study was to compare the fast maximal dynamic strength, maximal dynamic strength, and muscular endurance changes between the follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) in the menstrual cycle (MC). Fourteen healthy resistance-trained CrossFit® athletes and eumenorrheic women without oral contraception participated in this study (age: 29.64 ± 3.95 years; height: 1.62 ± 0.04 m and mass: 60.43 ± 6.56 kg). A double cross-sectional and descriptive study was developed to evaluate strength, power, and muscular endurance performance in the FP (days 5 to 7) and LP (days 20 to 23). In each assessment, the subjects performed three countermovement jumps (CMJs) for assessing fast maximal dynamic strength using My Jump 2, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) on deep squat for maximal dynamic strength, and the Karen® protocol for muscular endurance. The data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test to determine whether there were any significant differences between FP and LP for all the assessments and the significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results revealed no significant differences between the FP and LP in performance: (a) fast maximal dynamic strength (FP: 0.27 ± 0.04 m; LP: 0.29 ± 0.04 m; t = 0.98; p = 0.34; ES = 0.26); (b) maximal dynamic strength (FP: 88.14 ± 12.60 kg; LP: 87.07 ± 12.51 kg; t = 0.90; p = 0.38; ES = 0.24); and (c) muscular endurance (FP: 459.43 ± 92.71 s; LP: 456.93 ± 110.68 s; t = 0.27; p = 0.78; ES = 0.07). CrossFit® performance is not altered during the MC in CrossFit® trained athletes. However, monitoring the MC and its symptoms could be used to adapt the training prescription to the needs and preferences of the athletes.

Abstract Background: Perimenopause, the phase preceding menopause, is characterized by hormonal, cultural, and socio-familial changes. It is associated with increased follicular phase and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, potentially impacting lifestyle and contributing to sexual dysfunction during the menopausal transition. This study aimed to establish associations between lifestyle factors, depression, attitudes towards sexuality, FSH levels, and perimenopausal status among females. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 30-50 years in Karachi hospitals. Data were collected from a total of 80 females, categorized into two groups: the premenopausal period (age 30 to 40) as the control group and the perimenopausal period (age 40 to 50) as the study group. Blood samples were analyzed to measure serum FSH levels, while questionnaires were administered to assess depression, sexuality attributes, and FSH levels. Results: The study revealed that perimenopausal women exhibited higher levels of depression and secretory phase serum FSH compared to the control group, along with lower attitudes towards sexuality. Notably, attitudes towards sexuality were significantly diminished in the perimenopausal group compared to the control group (p < 0.005). Conclusion: In conclusion, the endocrine events associated with perimenopause contribute to depression, declining sexual function during the menopausal transition, and age-related increases in FSH levels among regularly cycling women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the possible functional involvement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in the follicular and luteal phases. METHODS: The research was carried out at a university located in eastern Turkey. The study included 37 healthy female volunteering students aged 18-25 years. The functional head impulse test was applied twice in the follicular phase and in the luteal phase, and the results in both phases were compared. RESULTS: In the functional head impulse test, statistically significant differences were obtained between the follicular phase and the luteal phase at the stimulus to the lateral semicircular canal direction total and 6000°/s² acceleration percentage of correct answers values, the posterior semicircular canal direction stimulations at 3000°/s² and 5000°/s² acceleration percentage of correct answers values, and the anterior semicircular canal direction stimulations at 5000°/s² acceleration percentage of correct answers values. CONCLUSION: In the luteal phase, which corresponds to the period before menstruation, the vestibulo-ocular reflex is functionally negatively affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a type of endogenous short−stranded ncRNA that influences many biological processes such as animal growth, development and metabolism. The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland in sheep, and an increasing number of studies have shown that the thyroid gland plays an important role in animal reproduction, but the molecular mechanisms of the thyroid gland in sheep reproduction are poorly understood. In this study, RNA-seq was used to detect transcriptome expression patterns in the thyroid gland between the follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) in FecB BB (MM) and FecB ++ (ww) small-tail Han (STH) sheep, respectively, and to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with reproduction. Bioinformatic analysis of the target genes of these DEMs revealed that they can be enriched in multiple GO terms associated with the reproductive process in animals and in the KEGG signaling pathway. The miRNA–mRNA coexpression network revealed that oar-miR-133 and oar-miR-370-3p may play an important role in sheep reproduction. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay suggest a possible targeting relationship between novel-51 and TARBP2. These results provided a novel resource for elucidating regulatory mechanisms underlying STH sheep prolificacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) can improve the pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles is controversial. The inconsistencies in the results of different studies would be related to the characteristics of the included patients and the protocol of GnRHa use. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of pretreatment with a long-acting GnRH agonist in the early follicular phase of FET cycles and determined which population was suitable for the protocol. Results: We retrospectively included 630 and 1141 patients in the GnRHa FET and hormone replacement treatment (HRT) FET without GnRHa groups respectively, between October 2017 and March 2019 at a university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. On the second or third day of menstruation, 3.75 mg of leuprorelin was administered. After 14 days, HRT was initiated for endometrial preparation. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics. However, the GnRHa FET group showed a higher percentage of endometrium with a triple line pattern (94.8% vs 89.6%, p < 0.001) on the day of progesterone administration, with increased implantation (35.6% vs 29.8%, p = 0.005), clinical pregnancy (49.8% vs 43.3%, p = 0.008), and live birth rate (39.4% vs 33.7%, p = 0.016), than the HRT FET cycles with similar endometrial thickness, ectopic pregnancy and early miscarriage rates. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the GnRHa FET group to be associated with an increased chance of clinical pregnancy (P=0.028, odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.70) and live birth (P=0.013, odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.70) compared to the HRT FET without GnRHa group. After subgroup analysis, we found that the GnRHa FET group showed a significantly higher live birth rate in the subgroups of age < 40 years, primary infertility, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and irregular menstruation. Conclusions: Pretreatment with a long-acting GnRHa during the early follicular phase improved the live birth rate in FET cycles. Age < 40 years, primary infertility, PCOS, and irregular menstruation are effective indications for endometrial preparation with GnRHa pretreatment in FET cycles. However, further randomized controlled trials are required to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a true-natural cycle (t-NC), optimal progesterone (P4) output from the corpus luteum is crucial for establishing and maintaining an intrauterine pregnancy. In a previous retrospective study, low P4 levels (< 10 ng/mL) measured one day before warmed blastocyst transfer in t-NC were associated with significantly lower live-birth rates. In the current study, we aim to examine the relationship between patient, follicular-phase endocrine and ultrasonographic characteristics, and serum P4 levels one day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer in t-NC. Method: 178 consecutive women undergoing their first t-NC frozen embryo transfer (FET) between July 2017-August 2022 were included. Following serial ultrasonographic and endocrine monitoring, ovulation was documented by follicular collapse. Luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) was diagnosed when there was no follicular collapse despite luteinizing-hormone surge (> 17 IU/L) and increased serum P4 (> 1.5 ng/mL). FET was scheduled on follicular collapse + 5 or LH surge + 6 in LUF cycles. Primary outcome was serum P4 on FET − 1. Results: Among the 178 patients, 86% (n = 153) experienced follicular collapse, while 14% (n = 25) had LUF. On FET-1, the median serum luteal P4 level was 12.9 ng/mL (IQR: 9.3–17.2), ranging from 1.8 to 34.4 ng/mL. Linear stepwise regression revealed a negative correlation between body mass index (BMI) and LUF, and a positive correlation between follicular phase peak-E2 and peak-P4 levels with P4 levels on FET-1. The ROC curve analyses to predict < 9.3 ng/mL (< 25th percentile) P4 levels on FET-1 day showed AUC of 0.70 (95%CI 0.61–0.79) for BMI (cut-off: 23.85 kg/m2), 0.71 (95%CI 0.61–0.80) for follicular phase peak-P4 levels (cut-off: 0.87 ng/mL), and 0.68 (95%CI 0.59–0.77) for follicular phase peak-E2 levels (cut-off: 290.5 pg/mL). Combining all four independent parameters yielded an AUC of 0.80 (95%CI 0.72–0.88). The adjusted-odds ratio for having < 9.3 ng/mL P4 levels on FET-1 day for patients with LUF compared to those with follicle collapse was 4.97 (95%CI 1.66–14.94). Conclusion: The BMI, LUF, peak-E2, and peak-P4 levels are independent predictors of low serum P4 levels on FET-1 (< 25th percentile; <9.3 ng/ml) in t-NC FET cycles. Recognition of risk factors for low serum P4 on FET-1 may permit a personalized approach for LPS in t-NC FET to maximize reproductive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Infertility is a global problem that refers to the absence of pregnancy after 12 months of intercourse without using contraception. Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are a treatment technique for infertile patients. Poor ovarian response to stimulation (POR) is one of the challenges in the field of ART. POR refers to people in whom, despite appropriate ovarian stimulation, the number of oocytes retrieved is less than expected. Several ovarian stimulation protocols are applied in POR patients, but the best protocol is not defined. One of the protocols used in POR patients is the "double stimulation in the same ovarian cycle" (DuoStim) protocol. During the DuoStim protocol, both follicular and luteal phases of an ovarian cycle are stimulated. It allows us to retrieve oocytes twice in one ovarian cycle. In the current study, ovarian stimulation in follicular and luteal phases in an ovarian cycle in patients with the poor ovarian response is compared. Results Twenty-six infertile patients with poor ovarian enrolled. They had a mean ± standard deviation age of 36.3 ± 3.15 years. The duration of follicular phase stimulation (FPS) was shorter than luteal phase stimulation (LPS) (p value = 0.003). The total dose of gonadotropin was significantly lower in FPS than in LPS (p value = 0.013). Significantly fewer total oocytes were retrieved after FPS than after LPS (p value = 0.001). Conclusion This study supports the putative benefits of LPS in infertile women with POR. Utilizing the DuoStim strategy in people with poor ovarian response caused more oocytes to be retrieved. Trial registration: irct.ir identifier: IRCT20221001056068N1, 11/22/2022, https://www.irct.ir/trial/66187.

This study aims to identify the most significant features in physiological signals representing a biphasic pattern in the menstrual cycle using circular statistics which is an appropriate analytic method for the interpretation of data with a periodic nature. The results can be used empirically to determine menstrual phases. A non-uniform pattern was observed in ovulating subjects, with a significant periodicity (p0.05). There was a significant difference between ovulating and non-ovulating cycles (p

The immune system plays an important role in mediating exercise responses and adaptations. However, whether fluctuating hormone concentrations across the menstrual cycle may impact these processes remains unknown. The aim of this systematic review with meta‐analysis was to compare baseline concentrations as well as exercise‐induced changes in immune and inflammatory parameters between menstrual cycle phases. A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines using Pubmed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. Of the 159 studies included in the qualitative synthesis, 110 studies were used for meta‐analysis. Due to the designs of the included studies, only the follicular and luteal phase could be compared. The estimated standardized mean differences based on the random‐effects model revealed higher numbers of leukocytes (−0.48 [−0.73; −0.23], p < 0.001), monocytes (−0.73 [−1.37; −0.10], p = 0.023), granulocytes (−0.85 [−0.1.48; −0.21], p = 0.009), neutrophils (−0.32 [−0.52; −0.12], p = 0.001), and leptin concentrations (−0.37 [−0.5; −0.23], p = 0.003) in the luteal compared to the follicular phase at rest. Other parameters (adaptive immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules) showed no systematic baseline differences. Seventeen studies investigated the exercise‐induced response of these parameters, providing some indications for a higher pro‐inflammatory response in the luteal phase. In conclusion, parameters of innate immunity showed cycle‐dependent regulation at rest, while little is known on the exercise responses. Due to a large heterogeneity and a lack of cycle phase standardization among the included studies, future research should focus on comparing at least three distinct hormonal profiles to derive more specific recommendations for exercise prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Less is understood about female's nutrient intake's impact on the severity of the menstrual cycle (MC) symptoms, which consequently interferes with their life quality. Objectives: The goal of this study is to look at the relationship between female nutrient consumption and the severity of MC symptoms to better understand how food affects women's quality of life during their MCs. Design: To investigate this impact among healthy adult women, a self-administered, cross-sectional online questionnaire was obtained from 204 regularly menstruating women aged between 18 and 40. Methods: The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, a semi-food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), Arabic Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (A-PMS-S) for MC symptoms. Results: Results showed intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was associated with lower no to mild versus moderate to severe physical symptoms (odds ratio (OR): 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59–0.85; p < 0.001), psychological symptoms (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99; p < 0.05), and functioning symptoms (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83–1.02; p > 0.1). Thiamine prevented psychological symptoms (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.02–0.02; p < 0.001), physiological symptoms (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.58–0.60; p < 0.001), and functioning symptoms (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.47–0.48; p < 0.001). Saturated fat, iron, and niacin intakes increased the risk of experiencing MC psychological symptoms. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MC symptoms were correlated with some nutrient intake from food sources, which is considered an external controllable factor more than demographic characteristics. Therefore, women should be aware of the type of food consumed during their monthly MC phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]