The regulation of menstrual cycle and its relationship to the moon

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1986;65(1):45-8. doi: 10.3109/00016348609158228.

Abstract

A synchronous relationship between the menstrual cycle and lunar rhythm was confirmed by: Investigative data: Among the 826 female volunteers with a normal menstrual cycle, aged between 16 and 25 years, a large proportion of menstruations occurred around the new moon (28.3%), while at other times during the lunar month the proportion of menstruations occurring ranged between 8.5-12.6%; the difference was significant (p less than 0.01).

Laboratory findings: The 6-hydroxymelatonin levels in the urina sanguinis of 3 female volunteers reached their zenith prior to and during menstruation, gradually declining to their nadir during ovulation. The difference in 6-hydroxymelatonin between menstruation and ovulation was significant (p less than 0.01). Two of these three volunteers had their zenith in the period of the new moon and nadir 3-4 days prior to the full moon respectively. Clinical experience: The lunar-menses-regulatory therapy in treatment of Nephropenic secondary amenorrhea revealed 4 clinical cure, 5 marked effect, 8 menogogue and 3 ineffect out of 20 cases.

PIP: A synchronous relationship between the menstrual cycle and lunar rhythm was confirmed by investigative data, laboratory findings, and clinical experience. Among the 826 female volunteers with a normal menstrual cycle (ages 16-25), a large proportion of menstruations occurred around the new moon (28.3%), while at other times during the lunar month, the proportion of menstruations occurring ranged between 8.5-12.6%; the difference was significant (P0.01). The 6-hydroxymelatonin levels in the urina sanguinis of 3 female volunteers reached their zenith prior to and during menstruation, gradually declining to their nadir during ovulation. The difference in 6-hydroxymelatonin between menstruation and ovulation was significant (P0.01). 2 of these 3 volunteers had their zenith in the period of the new moon and nadir 3-4 days prior to the full moon respectively. The lunar-menses-regulatory therapy in treatment of Nephropenic secondary amenorrhea revealed 4 clinical cures, 5 marked effects, 8 menogogue, and 3 ineffective out of 20 cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amenorrhea / drug therapy
  • Amenorrhea / etiology
  • Amenorrhea / physiopathology
  • Astronomical Phenomena
  • Astronomy*
  • Chromatography, Thin Layer
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / analogs & derivatives
  • Melatonin / urine
  • Menstrual Cycle*
  • Periodicity*

Substances

  • Melatonin
  • 6-hydroxymelatonin