Noninvasive assessment of menstrual cycle hormone levels and ovulation

Halfyard, Sarah J. (2005) Noninvasive assessment of menstrual cycle hormone levels and ovulation. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to develop and validate a noninvasive, easy-to-use method of determining corpus Iuteum (CL) function. -- Methods: This study documented progesterone levels obtained from tampons during menses from 18 women. The new method was compared to information obtained on analysis of progesterone concentrations from finger-prick bloodspots. The participants also kept daily temperature and Menstrual Cycle Diary© records for three cycles. -- Results: CL functioning was evident in 28 cycles and nonexistent in 5 cycles as determined by bloodspot analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in progesterone concentrations extracted from tampons from functional and non-functional cycles (p>0.05). Diary assessment revealed functional cycles had significantly higher scores for the following experiences: side breast tenderness, cramps, fluid retention, frustration, sleep problems, depression, and breast size (p<0.05). -- Conclusion: Progesterone in menstrual fluid may be an inappropriate marker for luteal function but select physical and emotional experiences observed during the menstrual cycle may indicate CL function.

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