Changes in Serum PSA During Normal Menstrual Cycle

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Oncology Biomarkers

Background:

• Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a recognized biomarker for prostate cancer.
• Emerging research indicates that steroid hormones can stimulate PSA synthesis in various female tissues.
• The menstrual cycle is characterized by cyclical fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum PSA levels and the cyclic variations of progesterone and estradiol in healthy women.
• To determine if PSA levels correlate with specific phases of the menstrual cycle.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 110 serum and 10 saliva samples from healthy women aged 18-45 with normal menstrual cycles.
• Quantification of PSA using the ultrasensitive DSL-9700 kit (detection limit 0.001 ng/ml).

Main Results:

• Detectable PSA concentrations were observed in 38.2% of serum samples and 10% of saliva samples.
• Serum PSA levels peaked during the mid-follicular phase (days 4-8 of the cycle).
• PSA levels demonstrated a correlation with progesterone fluctuations, exhibiting a 12-14 day lag, but showed no apparent relationship with estradiol levels.

Conclusions:

• Serum PSA levels in healthy women exhibit cyclical variations linked to the menstrual cycle.
• Progesterone, rather than estradiol, appears to be the primary hormonal influence on serum PSA levels in women, with a notable time lag.