Oxidative Stress and the Menstrual Cycle

Title: A Longitudinal Study of the Estrogen and Progesterone Effects on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status During the Menstrual Cycle (referred as BioCycle study)

Principal Investigator: Jean Wactawski-Wende, PhD

Funding Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Period: 09/30/04 - 12/31/07

Abstract: This study is expected to provide new information on the relationship between hormone levels and several markers of oxidative stress and how this relationship is influenced by antioxidant levels. Oxidative stress is caused by highly toxic, highly reactive oxygen molecules called free radicals, which can damage tissues if not neutralized by antioxidants. These findings may help us to better understand the interplay of these factors and ultimately aid in our understanding of the determinants of infertility.