• Aim: Variations in sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may affect neuromuscular performance and the risk of sustaining musculoskeletal injury in women. The aim of this study was to investigate mRNA and protein levels for sex steroid hormone receptors in skeletal muscle in three distinct phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Fifteen, healthy women with regular menstrual cycles participated in the study. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were obtained in three hormonally verified phases of the menstrual cycle for each individual, that is the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. mRNA and protein levels of oestrogen (ER and ER), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptors were analysed. Results: There was an overall significant variation in mRNA and protein levels of ER and PR across the menstrual cycle. mRNA and protein levels of ER were highest in the follicular phase when oestradiol levels were low, whereas protein levels of PR were highest in the luteal phase when progesterone levels were high. mRNA levels of PR were highest in the ovulatory phase. No significant variation in AR levels was detected across the menstrual cycle. ER levels were very low in all three phases of the menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Significant variations in mRNA and protein levels of ER and PR were detected in skeletal muscle during three confirmed phases of the menstrual cycle. These results may have an impact on effects of muscular training and sports injuries in women.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

androgen receptor

oestrogen receptor-alpha

oestrogen receptor-beta

progesterone receptor

skeletal muscle

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)