Changes in sialic acid concentration in human saliva during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract

Salivary sialic acid concentration was studied daily in 20 fertile women during the menstrual cycle. The Warren method was used and plasma LH and BBT were also determined. The sialic acid concentrations in saliva throughout the cycle showed a peak 4 or 5 days before the LH preovulation surge. This maximal peak showed a mean of 10.89 +/- 1.11 mg%. This method may be useful for predicting the pre- and postovulatory fertile period.