Investigating the Endocrine-metabolic-immunological Axis During the Female Menstrual Cycle by Functional Genomics

As there are fluctuations in the hormonal balance during the menstrual cycle, it is assumed that due to the interaction between the hormonal system and the immune system, some diseases might be worsened in the course of a cycle. This interaction is particularly important during the phases of the cycle when the corpus luteum is formed and secretes estrogens and progesterone (secretion phase, luteal phase), as well as during menstruation itself. To date, there is no comprehensive review regarding the molecular signaling pathways that are active during and influence the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle influences blood glucose levels. Women are subject to greater fluctuations in blood glucose levels than men according to the phases of the menstrual cycle (menstrual phase, proliferative phase, ovulation, luteal phase). Since there are contradictory results regarding the influence of the menstrual cycle on glucose metabolism, the glucose and insulin response, as well as the glucose-dependent intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) after food intake are determined in the study presented here using an oral glucose tolerance test.