ABSTRACT
Interest in the relationship between neuroendocrine fluctuations and psychological changes through the menstrual cycle is increasing. This chapter reviews the evidence for alterations in the activity of various neurotransmitter and endocrine systems throughout the menstrual cycle and presents data indicating that hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function, as reflected in the dexamethasone suppression test varies with phase of the menstrual cycle. Similarly, data suggest that the activity of other central neurotransmitters may vary as a function of menstrual phase. The menstrual cycle phase appears to be an important variable that warrants close consideration in the interpretation of results of various neuroendocrine tests in medicine. Growth hormone levels tend to rise throughout the follicular phase to peak levels at ovulation and then decline throughout the luteal phase to minimum levels at menses. Although much of the reported menstrual cycle variation in central neurotransmitters and hormones is preliminary and requires confirmation, the data suggest that many neuroendocrine systems fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.
