Impact of menstrual cycle phases on C-reactive protein concentrations

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most commonly employed indicator of acute phase reaction and predictors of cardiovascular disease in healthy women; although, only a sparse information on its variations during a regular menstrual cycle is currently available. Our objective was to see whether CRP levels are affected during different phases of menstrual cycle.Methods: Females aged 15-45 years with regular menstrual cycle in terms of length, flow and variation from cycle to cycle were followed for one menstrual cycle. Serum levels of C-reactive protein were measured in the Follicular (10th day) and in the Luteal (22nd day) phase of the menstrual cycle.Results: C-reactive protein levels were observed to vary in response to the phases of menstrual cycle. The concentrations of C-reactive protein levels tend to be highest during the Follicular phase and it declined significantly in the Luteal phase.Conclusions: Identifying the fluctuations in C-reactive protein levels during the menstrual cycle is essential as there may be clinical implication of the suitable timing of assessment while framing and concluding studies in women of reproductive age.