Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Engel S, Klusmann H, Ditzen B, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S (2018)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2018

Journal

Book Volume: 52

Pages Range: 144-155

DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.002

Abstract

Oxytocin affects physiological and psychological functions that are often expressed sex-specifically, suggesting interactions between oxytocin and sex hormones. As female sex hormone concentrations change during the menstrual cycle, oxytocin might fluctuate, too. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated endogenous oxytocin concentrations across menstrual cycle phases in healthy women. Data from 13 studies (120 women) showed a significant increase of oxytocin concentrations from the early follicular phase to ovulation (g = 0.39 [0.25; 0.53], p < .001) and a significant decrease from ovulation to the mid-luteal phase (g = −0.50 [−0.81; −0.18], p < .001). There were no significant differences between the early follicular and mid-luteal phase (g = −0.19 [−0.70; −0.32], p = .471). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of differences in normal and abnormal psychobiological processes in women. They highlight the necessity to consider the menstrual cycle phase in studies on oxytocin in women.

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APA:

Engel, S., Klusmann, H., Ditzen, B., Knaevelsrud, C., & Schumacher, S. (2019). Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 52, 144-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.002

MLA:

Engel, Sinha, et al. "Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 52 (2019): 144-155.

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