CYCLIC VARIATIONS IN THE EOSINOPHIL COUNT DURING THE PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Abstract

MENSTRUATION is initiated and maintained by a complex coordinated activity of the endocrines. Its various phases are known to be associated with many hematologic changes, both biochemical and cytologic (1). The total leukocyte count of peripheral blood increases during the menstrual flow (2). Opinion varies regarding the behavior of the level of circulating eosinophils, and both eosinophilia and eosinopenia have been reported during the menstrual period. The relationship of the adrenal cortex to some reproductive functions is well known (3). Recently, widespread changes in serum electrolyte levels have been reported during the menstrual cycle, presumably due to alterations in adrenocortical activity (4). The menstrual cycle includes two significant events—ovulation and vascular crisis—which may work as endogenous stressing agents. The present work was undertaken in order to obtain comprehensive data regarding the level of circulating eosinophils during the various phases of the menstrual cycle and to find out whether the circulating eosinophil level could provide any indication of the pattern and degree of variability of adrenocortical activity.