Study, 1980
How does a hormone-like substance called PGFM change through the menstrual cycle?
PGFM levels rise sharply at two points in the cycle: just before ovulation and just before the period starts. Between these peaks, levels stay much lower.
What they did
Daily blood samples were taken from 5 women over complete menstrual cycles and PGFM concentration was measured. Results were organized by the timing of ovulation and the start of the next period.
What they found
PGFM levels varied widely, ranging from 50 to 909 pmol/l. There were two clear peaks. Before ovulation, PGFM averaged 521 pmol/l. Before the period, it averaged 571 pmol/l. During the rest of the cycle, it averaged 257 pmol/l. Both peaks were significantly higher than levels during the rest of the cycle.
What it means for you
A hormone-like substance rises during two specific times in the menstrual cycle. This is a very small study of only 5 women, so the findings need to be confirmed in larger groups.
5
Women studied
571 pmol/l
PGFM before period (average)
521 pmol/l
PGFM before ovulation (average)
About the study
- Original title
- The concentration of 13,14-dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F2 alpha in peripheral venous plasma throughout the normal ovarian and menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Koullapis EN, Collins WP
- Journal
- Acta endocrinologica
- Year
- 1980
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 140
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1530/acta.0.0930123