Ovarian hormones affect cardiovascular health yet few sufficient-sized studies with reliable ovulatory documentation have assessed the QTc-hormonal relationship. This study investigated QTc changes across ovulatory and anovulatory menstrual cycle phases.
In the 26 ovulatory cycles, QTc minimally decreased from the mid-follicular to the luteal phases (383.0 ± 12.8 vs 382.6 ± 12.8 msec, P = .859). QTc in the 36 anovulatory cycles tended to increase from mid-follicular to premenstrual phases (381.7 ± 13.1 vs 385.0 ± 16.1 msec, P = .166). The meta-analysis in ovulatory cycles yielded a random-effects weighted mean QTc shortening of 1.67 msec (P = .53) in the luteal vs the follicular phase, aligning with our cohort data.
Conclusion
In confirmed ovulatory cycles, QTc changes were minimal, showing no meaningful luteal phase QTc shortening. QTc changes in anovulatory cycles were also insignificant, with a small QTc prolongation likely due to longer estradiol exposure not counterbalanced by progesterone. Under normal physiological conditions, QTc changes during the menstrual cycle are trivial, and menstrual status does not need to be considered when interpreting the QT interval.
PMID 40378165 40378165 DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0320846 10.1371/journal.pone.0320846
Cite this article
Naderi, B., Yee, L., Shirin, S., Prior, J. C., Cheung, C., Davies, B., & Krahn, A. D. (2025). Ovulatory and anovulatory cycle phase influences on QT interval dynamics during the menstrual cycle. PloS one, 20(5), e0320846. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320846
Naderi B, Yee L, Shirin S, Prior JC, Cheung C, Davies B, et al. Ovulatory and anovulatory cycle phase influences on QT interval dynamics during the menstrual cycle. PLoS One. 2025;20(5):e0320846. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0320846
Naderi, B., et al. "Ovulatory and anovulatory cycle phase influences on QT interval dynamics during the menstrual cycle." PloS one, vol. 20, no. 5, 2025, pp. e0320846.
Regular welfare assessments are essential for identifying and addressing the physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of shelter dogs, thereby ensuring their well-being and improving chances for adoption or long-term stability within the shelter environment. This study compared biomarkers of physiological stress [fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM)], metabolic status [serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, triglycerides, low- (LDL) and high- (HDL) density lipoproteins], and fecal microbiota composition over a 1-month period in healthy and spinal-injured disabled dogs housed in a large dog rescue shelter in Thailand for over 1 year. No significant differences in fGCM concentrations were observed between groups, indicating comparable levels of physiological stress in healthy and disabled dogs under long-term shelter conditions. In contrast, disabled dogs exhibited significant metabolic and oxidative alterations, including elevated MDA and glucose, along with lower triglyceride and HDL concentrations. Microbial analyses revealed comparable alpha diversity but differences in beta diversity between groups. Notably, disabled dogs exhibited a reduced Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and decreased relative abundances of beneficial taxa such as Peptostreptococcaceae. These findings suggest that, despite comparable hormonal stress indicators, disabled dogs may experience subclinical physiological shifts that warrant more nuanced welfare monitoring. A multifactorial assessment incorporating metabolic and microbial parameters is recommended to ensure comprehensive welfare evaluation for physically impaired shelter dogs.
PostpartumParental AdjustmentTransition to ParenthoodFirst-Time Parents
The psychological effects of first-time childbirth on parents have long been a focal point in social science research. This study provides a new perspective by applying demographic transition theory to explore how the experience of having a first child influences parents' mental health. Our findings indicate that the arrival of a first child not only increases family size but also brings about significant psychological and emotional adjustments in parents. These changes are often driven by pressures associated with financial stability, career development, and shifts in personal identity, which prompt parents to reconsider their life goals and values. Moreover, the psychological effects of first-time childbirth vary notably across different socioeconomic backgrounds. This paper offers empirical insights that can guide policymakers and social organizations in developing targeted support and intervention strategies to enhance parental well-being during the transition to parenthood.
Menstrual CycleSelf-Worth and MoodBasal Body TemperatureProspective Ovulation Cohort
Open Access
Knowledge of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle can be applied to conceive or to avoid pregnancy. Fertility intentions and sexual behaviors during the fertile time may influence whether and when pregnancy occurs. The Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS) is a specific system of fertility appreciation used to conceive or to avoid pregnancy. The objective of this paper is to report intentions, behaviors, and pregnancy rates during use of the CrMS among couples who initially intended to avoid pregnancy.Data and methodsWe analyzed a prospective cohort study conducted in 17 CrMS centers across the USA and Canada, following 296 couples for up to one year after onset of initial use of the CrMS to avoid pregnancy. Baseline data included demographics, motivations, and pregnancy intentions for each partner. Couples contributed 2894 menstrual cycles, most of which had data collected (by questionnaires and daily diary) on cycle-specific pregnancy intentions, days of potential fertility, and fertility behaviors. Pregnancies were prospectively actively ascertained. We found a high concordance (91%) in cycle pregnancy intentions between partners. However, 44% of cycles with strong intentions to avoid pregnancy included intercourse on potentially fertile days or days of undetermined fertility status. Across all sensitivity scenarios, cumulative 13-cycle pregnancy rates with cycle intention to conceive ranged from 88.0% to 89.8%, and cumulative 13-cycle pregnancy rates with cycle intention to avoid ranged from 29.1% to 35.3%. In multivariate analysis, baseline motivations and intentions for pregnancy within 2 years were strongly correlated with the likelihood of pregnancy, more so than cycle intentions. The findings suggest that in some populations using natural family planning, baseline motivations and intentions may be more strongly related to pregnancy rates than cycle intentions. Our findings also highlight essential elements for evaluating correct use, including complete recording of intercourse and its timing.