[Urinary catecholamine excretion in women with a normal menstrual cycle (author's transl)]

The daily excretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine was analysed throughout one menstrual cycle in 8 normal women under every day circumstances. Blood levels of LH, FSH, prolactin, oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol were determined by RIA every other day, or daily around the time of ovulation. No characteristic cyclic variations were found in epinephrine except for a peak in the premenstrual period, whilst norepinephrine was increased during menstruation and at about the time of ovulation in all women. The cortisol patterns showed no characteristic cyclic changes. Possible correlations are discussed between cyclic catecholamine changes and the well known psychological and emotional changes corresponding with the phases of the menstrual cycle.