Salivary testosterone across the menstrual cycle.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal observational study tracking within-subject repeated measures across menstrual cycle phases.
PubMed 39053138 · doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105608
What was done
Researchers measured salivary testosterone using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) across four time points during the mid-cycle ovulatory window and luteal phase in 339 women with ovulation confirmed via luteinizing hormone tests. Within-subject analyses were performed to evaluate hormonal changes across cycle phases.
What was found
At the aggregate level, within-subject analysis demonstrated a statistically significant but small pattern characterized by a mid-cycle peak and a subsequent luteal decrease. However, individual-level analyses revealed substantial variability in both the direction and magnitude of testosterone patterns. Specific hormonal concentrations, effect sizes, and p-values were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Salivary testosterone is widely used as a proxy for bioactive hormone exposure in behavioral neuroendocrinology. These findings demonstrate that while an aggregate mid-cycle surge occurs, high individual variability means researchers cannot assume uniform hormonal trajectories across menstrual cycles.
Limits
The abstract does not report quantitative values, effect sizes, or variance estimates. Sampling was restricted to four time points focused on the mid-cycle and luteal phases without baseline follicular measurements, and participant characteristics were not described.
Cited by
- supports Unlike men who experience a 24-hour diurnal testosterone rhythm, women experience a peak in testosterone in the week just prior to ovulation.