Search Results (92)

Background: Salivary pH plays a critical role in oral health by influencing enamel demineralization, buffering capacity, and the ecology of oral microbiota. Essential oils such as Origanum vulgare (oregano) possess well-documented antimicrobial properties that may reduce acidogenic bacterial activity. However, the effects of edible delivery systems like jellies on salivary pH modulation and their potential interactions with hormonal states remain poorly understood. Methods: This study evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of an oregano-oil-based jelly formulation against standard bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli) and fungal (Candida albicans) strains using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Additionally, a human trial (n = 91) measured salivary pH before and after administration of the oregano-oil jelly. Participants were characterized by age, smoking status, menopausal status, and presence of menstruation. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of final salivary pH. Results: The oregano-oil jelly demonstrated strong in vitro antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones up to 8 mm for E. coli and C. albicans. In vivo, mean unstimulated salivary pH increased from 6.94 to 7.07 overall, indicating a mild alkalinizing effect. However, menstruating participants showed a significant decrease in final pH (from 7.03 to 6.78). Multiple regression identified menstruation as a significant negative predictor (β = −0.377, p < 0.001) and initial pH as a positive predictor (β = +0.275, p = 0.002). Menopausal status was not a significant predictor, likely due to the small sample size. Conclusions: Oregano-oil jellies may represent a promising natural approach to support oral health by increasing salivary pH and providing strong antimicrobial activity. However, physiological states such as menstruation can significantly modulate this response, underscoring the importance of personalized or phase-aware oral care strategies. Further studies with larger, diverse cohorts and controlled hormonal assessments are needed to validate these findings and optimize product formulations. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a complex, estrogen-dependent condition that can significantly impact women’s quality of life and fertility. Current diagnostic strategies remain invasive and often prolonged, demonstrating the need for reliable, non-invasive biomarkers. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs), due to their stability in blood and regulatory roles in inflammation and cell proliferation, have emerged as promising candidates. Methods: This review systematically analyzes 17 studies published between 2010 and 2025 that investigated the diagnostic utility of circulating and tissue-based miRNAs in endometriosis. Results: A wide range of dysregulated miRNAs was identified, with miR-125b-5p, miR-451a, and miR-3613-5p showing the most consistent alterations across studies. However, diagnostic performance varied considerably—largely due to methodological heterogeneity. Key differences were observed in sample type (serum, plasma, endometrium), patient selection, and control group definition. The menstrual cycle phase and hormonal status were often not matched or reported, limiting reproducibility. Conclusions: Despite encouraging findings, the current evidence base is weakened by inconsistent protocols and limited validation. Standardized, multicenter research with well-characterized patient cohorts is essential to the establishment of clinically applicable miRNA-based diagnostics. If validated, miRNAs may offer a transformative, non-invasive approach for earlier detection and improved management of endometriosis. Full article

Previous research has linked both endothelial protein changes and vitamin D with infertility. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of proteins associated with endothelial function and vitamin D status in the luteal phase at day 21 in a group of non-obese women prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) with either unexplained infertility (UI) or male factor infertility (MFI). Twenty-five non-obese Caucasian women from a UK academic center with MFI (n = 14) and UI (n = 11) were recruited. Blood was withdrawn at day 21 of the menstrual cycle at the time of mock embryo transfer. Vitamin D parameters were measured by tandem mass spectroscopy. Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement was undertaken for 20 protein markers of endothelial dysfunction. Baseline demographics did not differ between groups and parameters of response following IVF did not differ. Vitamins D₂ and D₃, and 1,25 Vitamin D₃ did not differ between groups. In UI, markers of endothelial activation/dysfunction were investigated; vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) decreased and this is associated with endothelial stress; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) decreased and this may suggest impaired endometrial angiogenesis; while intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-3) increased (p < 0.05) and is associated with increased immunological activity. A marker of vascular integrity, angiopoietin-1, increased while soluble angiopoietin-1 receptor (sTie-2) decreased (p < 0.05), suggesting increased vascular development. Endothelial markers of inflammation, coagulation, and endothelial progenitor cells were unchanged. Vitamin D and its metabolites show no relationship to UI, but endothelial activation/dysfunction and vascular integrity changes in VCAM-1, VEGF, sICAM-3, angiopoietin-1, and sTie-2 may contribute to UI, though the mechanisms through which they work require further evaluation; however, these protein changes have been associated with endometriosis, raising the suggestion that subclinical/undiagnosed endometriosis may have contributed to UI in these subjects. Full article

Background/Objective: Lifestyle intervention is recommended as first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This pilot study aimed to determine if a short-term hypocaloric dietary intervention induced changes in the phenotypic presentation of PCOS. Methods: Twenty women with PCOS and overweight/obesity participated in a 3-month hypocaloric dietary intervention with a 6-month follow-up. At pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up, assessments of menstrual cycle status, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology were performed, and PCOS phenotype status was determined using the following scale of decreasing severity: Phenotype A (ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries), Phenotype B (ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism), Phenotype C (hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries), or Phenotype D (ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovaries). Results: The participants lost 8 ± 3% of their initial body weight with the intervention (p < 0.001). Eight (40%) participants experienced a favorable shift in PCOS phenotype, while the remaining 12 (60%) participants had an unfavorable shift or no change. Changes in PCOS phenotype were primarily driven by reductions in menstrual cycle length (p = 0.010) and follicle number per ovary (p = 0.017), albeit no baseline clinical variable predicted a favorable-change PCOS presentation. At the 6-month follow-up (N = 12), weight was increased (p < 0.05), and seven participants (58%) had reverted to a more severe phenotype. Conclusions: Weight loss may provide temporary improvement in the phenotypic presentation of PCOS, yet sustained lifestyle change may be required to maintain these benefits. Full article

This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article

Women have a lower age-matched cardiovascular risk than men, largely due to estrogen’s protective role in endothelial function. While exercise improves vascular health, acute vascular responses are influenced by factors such as age, fitness level, metabolic status, and exercise modality. In premenopausal women, fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle may further affect vascular reactivity. Here, we review current evidence on acute exercise-induced vascular responses in women, emphasizing menstrual phase influences and key biomarkers such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), along with others including vascular conductance and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Despite limited and heterogeneous evidence, shear-induced vascular responses, (including FMD) following acute exercise, appear to be relatively stable across menstrual cycle phase, suggesting that strict phasic control may not always be necessary. However, future high-quality studies are needed to further clarify this response. In contrast, other vascular assessments that rely more heavily on neural components—such as vascular conductance and PWV—show greater estrogen sensitivity. Nonetheless, the inconsistencies between studies again underscore the need for future research with hormonal verification. Morever, adequate sample sizes, and standardized exercise protocols will improve both consistency and help develop and promote the inclusion of women in vascular research. Full article

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of the exercise treadmill test (ETT) remains suboptimal in premenopausal women. Menstrual cycle phases display hormonal variations and biological effects in premenopausal women. The early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle demonstrate nearly four-fold differences in estrogen levels. Methods: This study assessed the variability in ETT results between the early and late follicular phases in premenopausal women. This study included premenopausal females with regular menstrual cycles and chest pain. As per the study protocol, patients underwent two separate ETTs at the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Hormones and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) were measured. The primary endpoint was the ST segment/heart rate (HR) index. The secondary endpoints were maximum ST/HR slope, ST segment depression, HR and blood pressure (BP) response, exercise capacity, and hs-cTnT change after ETT. Results: False-positive ETT results were common in premenopausal women. The early follicular phase displayed significantly higher hs-cTnT and BP responses to ETT compared to the late follicular phase. This study reports that ETT results are similar between the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. Biological variability is observed in the BP and hs-cTnT response to ETT between the two phases. Conclusions: The menstrual cycle phase (early versus late follicular phase) did not affect the ETT results. The consideration of estrogen and hormonal status when evaluating the diagnostic test results can improve our understanding of cardiovascular disease in women. Full article

Many females experience physical problems caused by menstruation, such as menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome, which disrupt their daily lives and work. Knowing when menstruation begins is essential for managing such physical conditions. However, menstrual periods are not always cyclic and can be extended by physical and mental stress. Currently used menstrual management applications rely on self-reported cycle length and basal body temperature (BBT), which makes it challenging to predict irregular periods. Advances in smart wearables have made continuous, non-invasive health monitoring accessible, such as heart rate variability (HRV). HRV characteristics reflect autonomic nervous system activity and are used as physical and mental health status indices. This study aims to explore the relationship between HRV indices and the menstrual cycle using smart wearables. A total of 13 females aged from 18 to 20 participated in this study and measured their indices using an underwear-type wearable device for six months. The device measured HRV and body acceleration. Participants recorded their BBT every morning and answered questionnaires about their physical and mental status every morning and evening. They also reported the start and end dates of menstruation. The HRV data were split into sleep and wake phases using acceleration and calculated time- and frequency-domain HRV indices. Cross-correlation and regression analysis were conducted to assess the relation between the menstrual cycle and phases, such as follicular and luteal, and the HRV indices. A significant relationship between HRV indices and the menstrual cycle length was found, particularly in the difference between the follicular and luteal phases of HRV indices. This difference showed a relatively high association with menstrual cycle length. Importantly, the regression analysis results suggested that HRV indices can be used to predict the length of the menstrual cycle and potential physical and mental disorders. These findings significantly contributed to menstrual health management and the Femtech industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency has been suggested as a potential mechanism for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) development due to involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis and transporter expression. As iron deficiency is particularly common in women of reproductive age, often due to heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), we aimed to explore the relationship between iron deficiency, HMB and ADHD in women. Methods: We screened women (18–49 years) at university and local sporting events in Western Australia. To screen for ADHD, section A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1 (ASRS-V1.1) and the Adult Concentration Inventory were used to assess cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms. Risk factors for iron deficiency, such as HMB, commonly reported symptoms and a fingerpick haemoglobin concentration (Hb) (Hemocue Hb801) were recorded. Results: Of the 405 completed questionnaires, the mean age was 24.8 ± 10.1 years, the mean Hb was 136.8 ± 12.4 g/L and 6.4% of women were anaemic. Symptoms suggestive of ADHD were reported by 174/405 (43%) women, and 128/405 (32%) women reported HMB. There was a greater prevalence of HMB reported in those experiencing symptoms suggestive of ADHD (39% vs. 26%, p = 0.01). Symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, anxiety, heart palpitations, headaches, restless legs and depression were more common in patients with symptoms suggestive of ADHD (p ≤ 0.01) and HMB (p < 0.05). Anaemia status did not influence ADHD status (p = 0.87) nor CDS scores (15.7 ± 7.0 vs. 13.8 ± 6.1, p = 0.17). Conclusions: There is an apparent relationship between those with symptoms reported in ADHD, HMB and iron deficiency. Further exploration is required to determine whether there is a causative relationship. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low energy availability (LEA) can cause impaired reproductive function, bone health issues, and suppressed immune function, and may result in decreased performance and overall health status. The purpose of this study was to investigate adaptions of body composition, blood status, resting metabolic rate, and endurance performance to gain more comprehensive insights into the symptoms of LEA and the adaptive effects in the athlete population (active women (n = 11) and men (n = 11)). Methods: Three treatments were defined as 45 (EA45, control), 30 (EA30), and 10 (EA10) kcal/kg FFM/day and randomly assigned. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed through blood sampling, bioelectrical impedance analysis, resting metabolic rate measurement, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the incremental endurance test to exhaustion. Results: There was a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). Blood serum levels were altered in triglyceride, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, blood glucose was still accumulated after 120 min during OGTT in EA10 compared to EA45 (p ≤ 0.05). The respiratory exchange ratio was reduced during submaximal stages of the incremental treadmill test to exhaustion without influencing performance output after treatment EA10 (p ≤ 0.05). However, the resting metabolic rate did not change (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, this short-term study indicates that energy restriction can lead to several metabolic-related adaptations, which suggests that the availability and regulation of glucose and fats are significantly influenced after only five days of LEA in physically active women and men. Future research should focus on longer exposures of LEA and sex-specific comparisons (including the menstrual cycle) on LEA symptoms. Full article

Currently, there are no validated guidelines or recommendations for how to interpret cardiac biomarkers in the pediatric population. The most commonly used cardiac biomarkers are cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, but the clinical value of common cardiac biomarkers in pediatric laboratory medicine is restricted due to age- and sex-specific interpretations, and there are no standardized cut-off values. The results from the studies on reference values, as well as results from clinical studies, are difficult to compare with identical studies due to the heterogeneity of subject characteristics (gestational and chronological age, sex, pubertal status, menstrual cycle, exercise), assay characteristics (type of assay, generation of assay, analytical platform used), and experimental protocol characteristics (prospective or retrospective studies, reference population selection, patient population selection, inclusion and exclusion criteria, number of subjects). Future studies need to establish evidence-based cut-offs for specific indications to optimize utilization and standardize the interpretation of common cardiac biomarkers in neonates, children, and adolescents. The aim of this article was to summarize the current analytical and clinical limitations of cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides in the pediatric population, as informed by the existing published literature. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study pioneers the application of the ViPLUS module, utilizing plane-wave ultrasound to measure breast tissue viscosity and elasticity. The primary goal was to establish normal reference values for viscosity in healthy women. Secondary objectives included exploring correlations between breast tissue viscosity and breast density categories, hormonal influences, and menstrual cycle phases. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 245 asymptomatic women. Viscosity and elasticity measurements were obtained using the ViPLUS module, ensuring high reliability with stringent quality control measures. Data were statistically analyzed to evaluate correlations and group differences. Results: The median viscosity value for normal breast parenchyma was 1.7 Pa.s, with no significant variations based on breast density, menopausal status, or menstrual cycle phase. A strong correlation (rho = 0.866, p < 0.001) was observed between elasticity and viscosity values. Conclusions: The findings suggest that breast viscosity is consistent across diverse physiological states, indicating its potential as an independent diagnostic marker. This parameter could be pivotal in future breast cancer screening strategies, especially for younger women and those with dense breasts. Full article

Background: Adolescence is the period of life between the ages of 10 and 19. This period is essentially dominated by puberty. The first menstruation, called menarche, occurs, on average, at the age of 12–13. The period after menarche, especially the first 2 years, is characterized by anovulatory cycles, which can be accompanied by menstrual irregularities. This review aims to describe the current status of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of the physiological and pathological causes of menstrual irregularities in adolescence and evaluates the benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure optimal care. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed database in April 2024 using the following term: “menstrual disorder adolescence”. A total of 1724 abstracts were screened, and relevant articles from the last 10 years were included. In addition, a supplementary topic-relevant literature search of the guidelines of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the guidelines of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der wissenschaftlichen medizinischen Fachgesellschaft (awmf) was carried out. Results: In addition to cycle irregularities that occur physiologically as a result of anovulatory cycles in the context of the immaturity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, there are other cycle abnormalities that can be classified as pathological and need to be recognized and treated. Conclusions: Increasing awareness of the various specialist disciplines of physiological and pathological cycle abnormalities in adolescence and interdisciplinary cooperation between them can have a positive influence on the quality of life of adolescent women with cycle abnormalities. Full article

The extent to which estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone influence mating behavior across the menstrual cycle is unclear. The Proactive and Responsive Mating Strategies Scales (PARMSS) were developed to separately examine two specific components of sexuality and were used here to test divergent hormonal associations. Preliminary psychometric data (N = 364 females) suggest that both scales consist of one factor and demonstrate strong psychometric properties (internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct and convergent validity). The PARMSS were used in a repeated-measures observational study to examine the relationships between changes in endogenous hormone levels and both proactive and responsive mating intentions with potential new short-term or long-term partners in healthy pre-menopausal participants (N = 38). At two points in their cycle, participants provided salivary hormone samples in the laboratory and reported the likelihood of engaging in proactive and responsive behaviors with men in photos and vignettes. Participants reported greater responsive than proactive intentions. Increases in estradiol and testosterone across the cycle were associated with increases in short-term mating intentions, particularly responsivity to potential short-term relationship partners. No associations were found for intentions that were proactive or that involved potential long-term partners or for progesterone. Changes in the three hormones explained changes in short-term responsive mating intentions (22% of the variance). The results suggest (a) cyclical changes in estradiol and testosterone are differentially associated with changes in responsive vs. proactive mating intentions and (b) context-dependent changes (i.e., short-term vs. long-term mating intentions and possibly relationship status). The findings require replication with larger and diverse samples. Full article

In the last decade, the evolution of oncofertility has sparked a resurgence of interest in in vitro maturation (IVM) due to its suitability in certain oncological scenarios where controlled ovarian hyperstimulation may not be feasible. The retrieval of immature cumulus–oocyte complexes from small antral follicles, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase, presents a swift opportunity to vitrify mature oocytes or embryos post-IVM in urgent situations or when stimulation is not advisable. Harvesting immature cumulus–oocyte complexes and immature oocytes can be achieved transvaginally or directly in the laboratory from extracorporeal ovarian tissue. Although IVM has transitioned from an experimental status due to safety validations, it relies on the intricate process of oocyte maturation. Despite successful live births resulting from IVM in fertility preservation contexts, the comparatively lower developmental competence of in vitro matured oocytes highlights the necessity to enhance IVM culture systems. Recent advancements in IVM systems hold promise in bolstering oocyte competence post-IVM, thereby narrowing the gap between IVM and outcomes from ovarian stimulation. Additionally, for optimizing the chances of conception in cancer survivors, the combination of IVM and ovarian tissue cryopreservation stands as the favored choice when ovarian stimulation is unfeasible. Full article