Urinary polyamine excretion in man. II. Influence of menstrual cycle

24 hours urinary excretion of putrescine, spermidine and spermine was analysed at various phases of the menstrual cycle in 10 regularly menstruating women aged 20-40 years. After determining the ovulation time, by means of the basal temperature, the menstrual cycle was divided into five stages. The urinary excretion of putrescine and spermidine appears more marked during the follicular phase. During the luteal phase spermine excretion levels may be as much as 50 times higher than those found during the other stages of the cycle. Mean values show a wide fluctuation, which depends upon the individual. Moreover, the mean values of urinary excretion of di- and polyamines of 3 menstrual cycles in a 37 year old subject, showed little variation in this person. These results suggest that a relationship exists between the phases of the menstrual cycle and the variations in urinary levels of di- and polyamines.