An Observational Study of Factors affecting CA125 Levels in Premenopausal Women

CA125 levels show a variation in premenopausal women during the menstrual cycle. Moreover, various modifiable and non-modifiable factors affect its value which needs to be taken into account while interpreting the results. The study was done with an objective (1) to determine differences in CA125 levels during the mid-cycle and menstrual phase of menstruation and (2) to determine the factors (demographic and clinical) that may affect CA125 values.

An observational study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2019. Women of reproductive age group of 15-45 years with regular menstrual cycles were included in the study. The CA125 levels were compared among mid-cycle values and values during menstruation. A mean of the values was taken, and factors affecting it were determined by regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean age of the patients was 28.71 ± 6.14 years. The median day of sample collection during menses was day 2 and during mid-cycle was day 14. Compared to mid-cycle CA125 values, values during menses were significantly higher (24.74 ± 17.43 vs. 12.39 ± 7.3, P < 0.0001) with a mean difference of 12.35 ± 15.04. Multivariate regression analysis showed that days of menses (beta coefficient 3.49, P = 0.0001) and regular caffeine consumption (beta coefficient 7.074, P = 0.007) were significant independent positive risk factors of CA125 levels.

In conclusion, CA125 levels are significantly higher during menstruation as compared to mid-cycle values in premenopausal women. The significant factors leading to higher CA125 levels are days of menses and caffeine consumption.