Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 Mar 3;3:CD010503. Epub 2017 Mar 3.

Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keele University Medical School, North Staffordshire Hospital, City General Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK, ST4 6QG.

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a psychological and somatic disorder of unknown aetiology, with symptoms typically including irritability, depression, mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness and sleep disturbances. About 3% to 10% of women who experience these symptoms may also meet criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS symptoms recur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and reduce by the end of menstruation. Read More

Fertil Steril 2017 Apr 24;107(4):924-933.e5. Epub 2017 Feb 24.

Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of progesterone (P) for luteal phase support after ovulation induction (OI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Design: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Not applicable. Read More

Fertil Steril 2017 Mar 9;107(3):684-690.e2. Epub 2017 Jan 9.

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of luteal start vaginal micronized P in a recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) cohort.

Design: Observational cohort study using prospectively collected data.

Setting: Not applicable. Read More

Physiol Behav 2017 Mar 15;170:37-46. Epub 2016 Dec 15.

Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

There is information indicating that the variations induced by the menstrual cycle may influence the capacity of young women to respond to stress. The physiological response to stress changes across the stages of the lifespan; however, in spite of the great increase in life expectancy, the way women react after menopause, a period characterized by a dramatic decline in sex hormones, has not been sufficiently studied. The main objective of the study was to examine the capacity to respond to and recover from an acute social stressor in post-menopausal women compared to young women. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2016 Dec 25;35(12):2583-2587. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in uterine artery blood flow parameters and pregnancy outcomes, if any. An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of low-dose aspirin on uterine artery blood flow indices in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Methods: This observational study included 353 Chinese women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and 85 women without a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (control group) from Ren Ji Hospital. Read More

Linacre Q 2016 Feb;83(1):35-51

Gynecology in the Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Padova, Italy.

Background: Recent studies have identified that levonorgestrel administered orally in emergency contraception (LNG-EC) is only efficacious when taken before ovulation. However, the drug does not consistently prevent follicular rupture or impair sperm function.

Objective: The present systematic review is performed to analyze and more precisely define the extent to which pre-fertilization mechanisms of action may explain the drug's efficacy in pregnancy avoidance. Read More

Fertil Steril 2016 Dec 25;106(7):1608-1614. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Center of Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Foch, University Paris-Ouest, Suresnes, France. Electronic address:

Adequate availability and FSH sensitivity of ovarian antral follicles and coordination of their growth during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) rank among factors that may determine outcome, particularly in patients presenting ovarian function defects and so-called "poor responders." Growing evidence indicates that both factors are positively influenced by steroid hormone pretreatments. First, data from studies conducted in both animals and in women exposed to virilizing androgen doses indicate that androgen pretreatments may increase follicle responsiveness to FSH and/or the number of growing follicles in the ovary, thereby constituting an interesting perspective in the management of "poor responders. Read More

Ann Endocrinol (Paris) 2017 Feb 12;78(1):33-37. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Service d'endocrinologie et des maladies métaboliques, Institut national de nutrition et des technologies alimentaires, 11, street Jebel Lakhdhar, 1007, Bab Saadoun, Tunis, Tunisia.

Objectives: During the menstrual cycle, the influence of hormonal variations on dietary habits in women has been suggested by several studies. In this context, our work aimed to assess the spontaneous food intake and the anthropometric parameters of women at different periods of their menstrual cycles.

Methods: This prospective study included 30 healthy women with regular periods (28 to 30 days), aged between 18 and 45. Read More

Fertil Steril 2016 Nov 23;106(6):1490-1495. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

LUFC-Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven; Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address:

Objective: To evaluate the effect of luteal phase support (LPS) in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles stimulated with gonadotropins.

Design: Randomized multicenter trial.

Setting: Academic tertiary care centers and affiliated secondary care centers. Read More

J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2016 Nov 15;25(11):1122-1128. Epub 2016 Jul 15.

3 Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts.

Objective: The prevalence of hypertension in premenopausal women is increasing. There is substantial need for novel strategies to identify women who would benefit from increased screening and early interventions. Several mechanisms likely contributing to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are also involved in hypertension, including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system dysfunction and micronutrient deficiencies. Read More

Fertil Steril 2016 Oct 24;106(5):1190-1194. Epub 2016 Jun 24.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Objective: To analyze the phenotypic and clinical aspects of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University hospital. Read More

Psychophysiology 2016 Sep 30;53(9):1377-85. Epub 2016 May 30.

Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) is an automatic and preattentive process, whereby a weak stimulus attenuates responding to a sudden and intense startle stimulus. PPI is a measure of sensorimotor filtering, which is conceptualized as a mechanism that facilitates processing of an initial stimulus and is protective from interruption by a later response. Impaired PPI has been found in (a) healthy women during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and (b) individuals with types of psychopathology characterized by difficulty suppressing and filtering sensory, motor, or cognitive information. Read More

Braz J Med Biol Res 2016 10;49(6):e5227. Epub 2016 May 10.

Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.

This study reports a case of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in a young female with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who underwent fertility preservation using random-start controlled ovarian stimulation. This method involves the stimulation of the ovary regardless of a patient's menstrual-cycle phase. A review of the related literature is also provided. Read More

Int J Appl Basic Med Res 2016 Apr-Jun;6(2):79-83

Department of Biochemistry, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab, India.

Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before it is viable, occurring at a rate of 15-20%. Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) or habitual miscarriage is defined as repeated occurrence of 3 or more miscarriages before 20(th) week of gestation accounting for the most common complication of early pregnancy in humans. Various etiological factors responsible for recurrent miscarriage are anatomical, genetical, endocrinological, immunological, and infectious. Read More

Fertil Steril 2016 Aug 22;106(2):330-3. Epub 2016 Apr 22.

Fertility Center From A to Z, Ramat Aviv, Israel; IVF Unit, Assuta Medical Center, Rishon Lezion, Israel.

Objective: To study whether intranasal GnRH agonist (GnRHa) can be effectively used for luteal support in high-responder patients undergoing fresh-embryo transfer after ovulation induction with the use of GnRHa.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Private fertility clinic. Read More

Fertil Steril 2016 Aug 22;106(2):334-341.e1. Epub 2016 Apr 22.

Department of Assisted Rreproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Objective: To investigate flexibility in starting controlled ovarian stimulation at any phase of the menstrual cycle in infertile women undergoing treatment with assisted reproduction.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic tertiary-care medical center. Read More

Hum Reprod 2016 Jun 12;31(6):1339-46. Epub 2016 Apr 12.

Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 24 Parvaneh, Yaman Street, Velenjak, PO Box 19395-4763, Tehran, Iran.

Study Question: Is polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia?

Summary Answer: No associations between PCOM and metabolic disorders were found.

What Is Known Already: Polycystic ovary morphology has a prevalence of 21-63% in healthy women of reproductive age. Results of studies focusing on metabolic abnormalities among females with PCOM, are insufficient and controversial. Read More

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016 Jun 19;102:1-14. Epub 2016 Feb 19.

Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, United States.

Background: For over 25 years, there has been a debate revolving around the timing of breast cancer surgery, menstrual cycle, and prognosis.

Methods: This systematic review synthesizes and evaluates the body of evidence in an effort to inform evidence-based practice. A keyword and reference search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science to identify human studies that met the inclusion criteria. Read More

Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016 06 10;233(11):2109-17. Epub 2016 Mar 10.

Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, 901 85, Umeå, Sweden.

Rationale: In premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition that afflicts 3-8 % of women in fertile ages, the cyclic recurrence of debilitating mood symptoms is restricted to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone is produced by the corpus luteum, and circulating levels are reflected in the brain. Allopregnanolone is a modulator of the GABAA receptor, enhancing the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2016 Mar;95(9):e2939

From the Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during ovarian stimulation is a current challenge for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Our previous studies indicated that progestin can prevent premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge or moderate/severe OHSS in the general subfertile population, both in the follicular-phase and luteal-phase ovarian stimulation but it is unclear if this is true for patients with PCOS. The aim of the article was to analyze cycle characteristics and endocrinological profiles using human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for PCOS patients who are undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments and investigate the subsequently pregnancy outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FET). Read More

Med Clin (Barc) 2016 Apr 18;146(7):287-91. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Unidad de Diabetes, Departamento de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España.

Background And Objective: To determine frequency of women with type 1 diabetes showing menstrual cyclic changes in glycemia, analyze their clinical characteristics, and assess the pattern of glycemic changes.

Patients And Methods: We analyzed glucose meter readings along 168 menstrual cycles of 26 women with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated mean glucose, mean glucose standard deviation, mean fasting glucose, percentage of glucose readings>7. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016 Apr 8;199:55-9. Epub 2016 Feb 8.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hydrosalpinx on uterine and ovarian blood flows in women with tubal factor infertility.

Study Design: In a cross-sectional study at a university teaching hospital, 60 women with hydrosalpinx-related tubal infertility (hydrosalpinx group) were compared with 60 women with male or unexplained infertility (non-hydrosalpinx group). In the mid-luteal (peri-implantation) phase of the cycle, endometrial thickness, uterine and ovarian artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI), and endometrial and ovarian volume and 3D power Doppler vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured in both groups. Read More

Reprod Biomed Online 2016 Mar 6;32(3):274-85. Epub 2016 Jan 6.

The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital and Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Resenvej 25, 7800 Skive, Denmark.

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger is effective in the induction of oocyte maturation and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during IVF treatment. This trigger concept, however, results in early corpora lutea demise and consequently luteal phase dysfunction and impaired endometrial receptivity. The aim of this strenghths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis was to summarize the progress made over the past 15 years to optimize ongoing pregnancy rates after GnRHa trigger. Read More

BMC Ophthalmol 2015 Dec 29;15:186. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Department of Ophthalmology, Kırıkkale University School of Medicine, Kırıkkale, Turkey.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential significance of the central macular thickness (foveal thickness-FT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in the eyes of patients with iron-deficiency anemia, the most common form of the anemia, via enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). We also investigated whether such changes might serve as an early indicator of underlying hematological disease.

Methods: This prospective clinical study compared 96 female patients with iron-deficiency anemia and 60 healthy female control subjects. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015 Dec 22;13(1):ijerph13010043. Epub 2015 Dec 22.

Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.

Depression is very common in reproductive women particularly with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Beta-arrestins were previously implicated in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment for mood disorders. This study examined whether a measurement for beta-arrestin1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC), could aid to distinguish between PMDD and PMS. Read More

Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2015 Apr-Jun;59(2):148-54

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the autonomic status of women with mild PMS using short-term heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and conventional autonomic function tests (CAFT).

Methods: Sixty females in the age group 17-25 years with mild premenstrual syndrome were identified using a self-report questionnaire, the shortened premenstrual assessment form. HRV and CAFTs were recorded 1- 5 days prior and 8-10 days after menstruation. Read More

J Ovarian Res 2015 Nov 19;8:77. Epub 2015 Nov 19.

Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova - IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Università 4, 41100 Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123, Modena, Italy.

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is described as a condition of insufficient progesterone exposure to maintain a regular secretory endometrium and allow for normal embryo implantation and growth. Recently, scientific focus is turning to understand the physiology of implantation, in particular the several molecular markers of endometrial competence, through the recent transcriptomic approaches and microarray technology. In spite of the wide availability of clinical and instrumental methods for assessing endometrial competence, reproducible and reliable diagnostic tests for LPD are currently lacking, so no type-IA evidence has been proposed by the main scientific societies for assessing endometrial competence in infertile couples. Read More

J Occup Health 2016 23;58(1):47-55. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Graduate School of Emergency Medical Systems, Kokushikan University.

Objectives: We studied the physical and mental conditions of 8 healthy young female ambulance paramedics working 24-hour shifts during their menstrual cycle, including assessment of cardiac autonomic nervous system activity by heart rate variability power spectral analysis.

Methods: The autonomic activity during the awake period of on- and off-duty days in the follicular, late luteal, and menstruation phases was measured. Questionnaires regarding fatigue and menstrual distress were administered and correlated with the autonomic profile. Read More

J Diabetes Sci Technol 2015 Oct 14;9(6):1192-9. Epub 2015 Oct 14.

Center for Diabetes Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.

Background: Factors influencing glycemic variability in type 1 diabetes (T1D) may play a significant role in the refinement of closed loop insulin administration. Phase of menstrual cycle is one such factor that has been inadequately investigated. We propose that unique individual patterns can be constructed and used as parameters of closed loop systems. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol India 2015 Oct 1;65(5):328-34. Epub 2014 Nov 1.

Department of Pathology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and P. G. Institute, Indore, 453111 M.P. India.

Background: Endometrium is the most sensitive indicator of ovarian function and endometrial biopsy is one of the most important investigations in infertility. The current study was carried out to investigate the histomorphological patterns of endometrium in infertile women and to compare the results with other similar studies.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study on 2,080 infertile women was carried out to find the incidence of various histomorphological patterns in hematoxylin-eosin stained sections of endometrium and compare them with other Indian studies. Read More

Eur J Appl Physiol 2016 Jan 13;116(1):153-60. Epub 2015 Sep 13.

Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.

Purpose: Sex hormones have profound effects on the nervous system in vitro and in vivo. The present study examines the effect of the menstrual cycle on maximal isometric force (MVC) and tremor during an endurance task.

Methods: Nine eumenorrheic females participated in five study visits across their menstrual cycle. Read More

PLoS One 2015 1;10(9):e0136029. Epub 2015 Sep 1.

Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P. R. China; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, P. R. China.

Objectives: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a series of cycling and relapsing physical, emotion and behavior syndromes that occur in the luteal phase and resolve soon after the onset of menses. Although PMS is widely recognized, its neural mechanism is still unclear.

Design: To address this question, we measured brain activity for women with PMS and women without PMS (control group) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Read More

Am J Clin Nutr 2015 Oct 19;102(4):933-42. Epub 2015 Aug 19.

Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research and

Background: Although habitual low-to-moderate alcohol intake has been linked with reduced all-cause mortality and morbidity, the effect of recent alcohol intake on female reproductive function has not been clearly established.

Objective: We assessed the relation between acute alcohol consumption, reproductive hormones, and markers of menstrual cycle dysfunction including sporadic anovulation, irregular cycle length, luteal phase deficiency, long menses, and heavy blood loss.

Design: A total of 259 healthy, premenopausal women from Western New York were followed for ≤2 menstrual cycles (2005-2007) and provided fasting blood specimens during ≤8 visits/cycle and four 24-h dietary recalls/cycle. Read More

Fertil Steril 2015 Nov 14;104(5):1190-4. Epub 2015 Aug 14.

The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.

Objective: To investigate whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) serum levels in the early luteal phase differ in IVF cycles that result in an ectopic pregnancy (EP) when compared with other outcomes.

Design: Retrospective cohort.

Setting: Not applicable. Read More

Curr Psychiatry Rep 2015 Oct;17(10):77

Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden,

Knowledge of gonadal hormone-related influences on human brain anatomy, function, and chemistry is scarce. The present review scrutinized organizational and functional neuroimaging correlates of the menstrual cycle and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Supportive evidence of cyclic short-term structural and functional brain plasticity in response to gonadal hormonal modulation is provided. Read More

Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2015 Aug;21(4 Headache):990-1003

Purpose Of Review: Migraine is most prevalent in women during their reproductive years. An understanding of the effects of menstruation and menopause on migraine can enable neurologists to provide targeted and appropriate medical and hormonal strategies, enabling their patients to achieve better control of migraine and reduced disability. This article reviews the effects of hormonal events on migraine and summarizes the evidence-based options available for management. Read More

Hum Psychopharmacol 2015 Nov 19;30(6):425-34. Epub 2015 Jul 19.

Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Objective: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), afflicts 5-8% of reproductive age women and results in significant functional impairment. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive quetiapine in patients with PMS/PMDD who had inadequate response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor therapy for their symptoms.

Methods: A PMS/PMDD diagnosis was confirmed by 2-month prospective diagnostic assessment of PMS/PMDD using the Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Premenstrual Symptoms (PRISM) calendar. Read More

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2015 Oct 12;135(10):1419-27. Epub 2015 Jul 12.

Department of Orthopaedic Sportsmedicine, University of Technology, Ismaninger Strasse 69, 81675, Munich, Germany.

Purpose: Fluctuating levels of endogenous estrogen are thought to have an adverse effect on lower limb biomechanics, given the observed higher rate of ACL injury at certain phases of the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fluctuating endogenous estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle on acceleration transients at the proximal tibia in young physically active females.

Methods: Eleven females aged 16-18 years participated in this study and were compared to a male control group. Read More

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015 Aug 16;100(8):2918-26. Epub 2015 Jun 16.

Center for Health Sciences (M.d.Z., A.R.W., S.A.S., I.M.C., F.C.B.), SRI International, Menlo Park, California 94025; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (I.M.C.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; and Brain Function Research Group (F.C.B.), School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.

Context: Most studies show sleep homeostasis and continuity remain stable across the menstrual cycle in young women. The influence of the menstrual cycle on physiological sleep in midlife women is unknown.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of menstrual cycle phase on the polysomnogram and electroencephalographic (EEG) features of sleep in midlife women, accounting for the presence of an insomnia disorder. Read More

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2015 Apr;35(4):313-7

Objective: To observe the impacts on endometrial and pregnancy outcomes treated with acupuncture and moxibustion in the patients of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and explore the application value, of acupuncture and moxibustion in IVF-ET treatment.

Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients of IVF-ET treated with standard long-term program at luteal phase were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 57 cases in each one. In the observation group, at the beginning of ovulatory induction, moxibustion was applied to Shenque (CV 8) and acupuncture was to Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuebai (SP 10), etc. Read More

Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 2015 ;42(2):123-8

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is triggered by hormonal events ensuing after ovulation. The symptoms can begin in the early, mid, or late luteal phase and are not associated with defined concentrations of any specific gonadal or non-gonadal hormone. Women with PMS experience affective or somatic symptoms that cause severe dysfunction in social or occupational realms. Read More

PLoS One 2015 5;10(6):e0128749. Epub 2015 Jun 5.

Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America.

The discrete effects of obesity on infertility in females remain undefined to date. To investigate obesity-induced ovarian dysfunction, we characterized metabolic parameters, steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis in obese and lean female Ossabaw mini-pigs. Nineteen nulliparous, sexually mature female Ossabaw pigs were fed a high fat/cholesterol/fructose diet (n=10) or a control diet (n=9) for eight months. Read More

Reprod Sci 2015 Dec 4;22(12):1627-31. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Kasr Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Objective: To compare the new delayed start protocol against the conventional gonadotropin (Gn)-releasing hormone antagonist protocol in poor responders (PORs).

Study Design: A total of 160 women with poor response to previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle were randomized either to start Gn then Cetrotide 0.25 subcutaneously (sc) added when leading follicle (DF) reach >12 mm or Cetrotide 0. Read More

Intern Med J 2015 Jul;45(7):725-31

Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Background: Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a life-threatening form of the disease, is accompanied by several pain, mental and physical symptoms.

Aims: In this study, we evaluated the cyclicity of AIP and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in 32 women with DNA-diagnosed AIP during their menstrual cycles, in northern Sweden.

Methods: The cyclicity of AIP symptoms and differences in them between the follicular and luteal phases, and the cyclicity of each symptom in each individual woman in different phases of her menstrual cycle were analysed with a prospective daily rating questionnaire. Read More

J Voice 2016 Jan 11;30(1):88-92. Epub 2015 Apr 11.

Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy.

Objectives: The aim of the present study had been to examine the relationships between menstrual dysphonia and measures of psychosocial distress, in a sample of female professional voice users.

Design And Methods: This is a prospective study of 52 consecutive professional voice users, aged 18-40 years, affected by transient dysphonia related to the menstrual cycle and recruited in the Division of Phoniatrics and Audiology of the Second University of Naples, from April 2011 to September 2014. The following evaluation protocol was used: videoendoscopy, the GIRBAS scale, the Voice Handicap Index, and the determination of sexual hormonal plasma levels both during the menstrual and the luteal phase of the cycle. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2015 Oct;29(10):2802-7

1Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom; and 2Water Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences and Development, Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a well-investigated area, however there is a paucity of data surrounding the damage response in females. The aim of this study was to examine the damage responses from a sport-specific bout of repeated sprints in female athletes. Eleven well-trained females (mean ± SD; age: 22 ± 3 years; height: 166. Read More

J Dig Dis 2015 May;16(5):245-55

Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Healthy women at reproductive age experience a cyclical alteration of gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology during their menstrual cycle. Additionally, the majority of healthy women also complain of worsening of GI symptoms either during the premenstrual or menstrual phase. Despite conflicting evidence, studies suggest that sex hormones may increase GI transit time during the luteal phase. Read More

Fertil Steril 2015 May 23;103(5):1194-1201.e2. Epub 2015 Mar 23.

Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Objective: To assess live-birth defects after a luteal-phase ovarian-stimulation regimen (LPS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vitrified embryo transfer (ET) cycles.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary-care academic medical center. Read More

Seizure 2015 May 23;28:18-25. Epub 2015 Feb 23.

Harvard Medical School, Harvard Neuroendocrine Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02481, USA. Electronic address:

Purpose: To extend our knowledge and practical application of the concept of catamenial epilepsy.

Methods: The review focuses on the impact of the NIH Progesterone Trial on our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of catamenial epilepsy.

Results: Catamenial epilepsy refers to the cyclic exacerbation of seizures in relation to the menstrual cycle. Read More