Abstract

Oxidative stress theory has been investigated to explain the pathological basis of many medical conditions. This study is thus aimed at examining the oxidative stress pattern during the different phases of physiological phenomenon of menstruation in-relation to the hormonal characteristics. Venous samples form the cubiteal vein was taken from 25 apparently well female subjects after a 12 hour overnight fasting during the three phases of their menstrual cycle. Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) activity was assayed in all the samples. There was no statistical difference between the mean values of MDA during the follicular and the ovulatory phase of menstruation. However, MDA level in the luteal phase was significantly different from the MDA levels during follicular and ovulatory phases. (p<0.05). Serum Malondialdhyde level significant increase concided with the increase progesterone and estrogen levels during the luteal phase of menstruation which is characterized by foci and coalase necrosis. This may support the fact that oxidative stress theory has an important role to play in the physiological phenomenon of menstruation.  

Key words: Serum malondialdehyde, menstral cycle.