Lab study, 2001
Do immune system cells change during the menstrual cycle?
Yes, a key immune molecule called IL2 drops during the second half of the cycle. This might explain why some women get more infections before their period.
What they did
In 18 healthy women aged 19-29, they measured immune and hormone levels at five different times during the cycle: days 5, 8, 14, 18, and 25.
What they found
IL2 levels and the number of immune cells producing IL2 both decreased during the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle).
What it means for you
Lower IL2 might make women more vulnerable to infections before their period. It might also help the body prepare for pregnancy by reducing immune response. The main limitations are the small sample (18 women) and that all were young and healthy.
18
women studied
19-29
age range in years
5
time points measured during cycle
About the study
- Original title
- Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in young healthy women is associated with decline in interleukin 2 levels
- Authors
- Trzonkowski P, Myśliwska J, Tukaszuk K et al.
- Journal
- Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Lab study
- What was tested
- None; observation at different cycle phases.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-15420