ABSTRACT

Menstrual cycle is a complex interaction between the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, the ovaries ant the uterus. It is a repetitive phenomenon occurring during the reproductive life of a female involving a pattern sequence of structural, functional and hormonal changes in the reproductive system. The only visible external sign is the periodic discharge of blood along with degenerated uterine endometrial lining from the vagina. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of stress on estrogen concentration during luteal and menstrual phase in a population of young female adults. A population of 50 heathy age subjects within the age 18 to 30 were involved in this study, it was carried out across different geopolitical zones in Benin City. Subjects were asked to complete a gynaecological and medical questionnaire. The clinical history of the subjects was noted and different phases of the menstrual cycle were determined by the gynaecological history. Perceived stress scale was employed to ascertain psychological stress among subjects during their menstrual cycle. Results obtained established that there was significant psychological stress during the menstrual phase of the Menstrual cycle. Cortisol level also established that the psychological stress was more during the menstrual phase than the luteal phase.