Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate if menstruation actually alters the quantity of the total population of the leukocytes in the body of females. If it alters the leukocytes counts in the body, the extent to which it affects it was also ascertained using student of the University of Benin as case study.  Menstruation is the shedding of the endometrial lining accompanied by the loss of blood through the vagina. Normal blood loss through menstruation has not been cited as a factor that can alter the leukocyte count in healthy females. A randomized selection of female students of the University was carried out. After preliminary medical check-up, blood samples were taken before and during menstruation. A total of thirty (30) students between the ages of 18 to 29 years were included in the study. Estimations of the total leukocytes were carried out. Results presented as mean ± SEM for pre-menstruation and during menstruation were 5313 ± 22 and 6080 ± 33, respectively. The increase in total leukocyte count is statistically significant. It is concluded that menstruation causes an increase in the total leukocyte count in the body.

Key words: Granulocytes, agranulocytes, leukocytes, menstruation.