Haemostatic and fibrinolytic properties of peritoneal fluid in the menstrual cycle

The haemostatic and fibrinolytic properties of peritoneal fluid aspirated during laparoscopy were studied in a group of 49 women, 12 patients during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, and 37 during the luteal phase. Haemoglobin concentration and platelet count were low and similar in the pre- and post-ovulatory groups. Factor VIII was present in low concentrations both in the pre- and post-ovulatory period. The fibrinolytic and antifibrinolytic activity as judged by measurements of plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, fibrinogen degradation products, fibrinogen and antithrombin III, rose significantly in the postovulatory period. It is concluded that the fibrinolytic activity of the peritoneal fluid depends on the stage of the menstrual cycle and is higher during the luteal phase.