Relationship of ovarian and thyroid function

In an investigation of relationships between ovarian function and thyroid function, three groups of ten women each were studied by means of radioactive iodine uptake. In the first group no significant changes were noted during normal menstrual cycles. The second group, women who had dysfunctional uterine bleeding and were under treatment with diethylstilbestrol, most of the patients had no significant change in the uptake of radioactive iodine. Three patients did show a small increase in the uptake. (A fourth patient had a very bizarre result with a very great increase in the uptake, but it is felt that some undetected error was involved.)The third group was made up of women without evident ovarian function. Under treatment with diethylstilbestrol one patient showed a small increase in iodine uptake. The other nine had no significant change. No convincing evidence was found of any change in thyroid function as measured by the uptake of radioactive iodine-either during normal menstrual cycles or following the administration of diethylstilbestrol in dosages of 3 mg. daily for two to three weeks.     

THE USE OF RADIOACTIVE IODINE IN THE TREATMENT OF GRAVES' DISEASE

Fifty patients with uncomplicated Graves'' disease were treated with radioactive iodine (I₁₃₁). Twenty-six patients who were followed for one year or longer are the basis of this report. Twenty-five are now euthyroid; only one is not completely well.The total dose of radioiodine administered varied from 0.5 to 10 millicuries. The average length of time necessary for return to a euthyroid state was from three to four months.Hypometabolism developed in three patients, and in one the signs and symptoms of myxedema developed. No other complications ensued. One patient who apparently relapsed had complete return to normal after further iodine administration.The determination of the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland is a useful diagnostic procedure in differentiating conditions simulating hyperthyroidism.Following treatment with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland becomes smaller, the uptake of iodine by the gland is reduced, and the level of organic iodine in the plasma becomes normal.In acute thyroiditis, in spite of a high basal metabolic rate, high content of organic iodine in the plasma and other evidences of “hyperthyroidism,” the uptake of I₁₃₁ has been very low.     

The use of radioactive iodine in the treatment of Graves disease

Fifty patients with uncomplicated Graves' disease were treated with radioactive iodine (I(131)). Twenty-six patients who were followed for one year or longer are the basis of this report. Twenty-five are now euthyroid; only one is not completely well. The total dose of radioiodine administered varied from 0.5 to 10 millicuries. The average length of time necessary for return to a euthyroid state was from three to four months. Hypometabolism developed in three patients, and in one the signs and symptoms of myxedema developed. No other complications ensued. One patient who apparently relapsed had complete return to normal after further iodine administration. The determination of the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland is a useful diagnostic procedure in differentiating conditions simulating hyperthyroidism.Following treatment with radioactive iodine, the thyroid gland becomes smaller, the uptake of iodine by the gland is reduced, and the level of organic iodine in the plasma becomes normal. In acute thyroiditis, in spite of a high basal metabolic rate, high content of organic iodine in the plasma and other evidences of "hyperthyroidism," the uptake of I(131) has been very low.     

Effect of yogic exercises on thyroid function in subjects resident at sea level upon exposure to high altitude

Using radioactive iodine, the effect of 1 month's yogic exercises has been investigated on the thyroid function of subjects resident at sea level (SL) specially after their exposure to high altitude (HA). The results have been compared with a group of SL subjects who underwent physical training (PT) exercises for the same duration. Ten healthy male volunteers in the age range of 20–30 years were used as test subjects in this study with each serving as his own control. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 5 each. One group practised hatha yogic exercises, while the other group performed the regular PT exercises. The thyroidal accumulation and release of radioactive iodine have been measured in each of the subjects of both groups before and after 1 month of their respective exercises at SL. One month of yogic exercises at SL has been observed to cause a significant reduction in the trans-thy-roidal availability of radioiodine. The thyroid radioactivity in this group of subjects was always below normal levels with the exception of two peaks of radioactive iodine uptake, when the levels of radioactivity in the thyroid were similar to the control values of pre-yogic exercises. The release of radiolabel at 24–48 h was significantly increased after yogic exercises. In contrast, the subjects performing PT exercises for the same duration at SL showed significant thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine at 24 h. Subsequently their¹³¹I uptake continued to rise slowly until 72 h without any demonstrable thyroidal release of radiolabel. This indicated that increased thyroid activity was induced by conventional PT exercise. Exposure of SL residents to HA irrespective of their exercise regime altered the thyroidal handling of radioiodine. Thyroidal concentrations of freshly administered radioiodine at early and late sampling intervals were very high in both of the groups, especially the yogics, after their return to SL from HA. Possible mechanisms of the observed changes have been discussed.     

Diazepam and Tests of Thyroid Function

The effect of diazepam on thyroid function tests was examined in 12 euthyroid patients requiring the drug for psychiatric reasons and in six patients with thyrotoxicosis. Assessment was made before and after four weeks'' therapy.There was no significant difference in results from tests of thyroid iodide trapping and binding (thyroid radioiodine uptake, thyroid clearance, and absolute iodine uptake) except in the one-hour thyroid uptake in the euthyroid group, which was increased after diazepam. This increase occurred without alteration in serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels. No change occurred in either group in tests of thyroid hormone release (protein-bound iodine, T-3 resin uptake, or Thyopac-3 and free thyroxine index).Patients with suspected thyroid disease who are taking diazepam do not need to stop therapy while their thyroid status is being determined.     

Study of FMR1 gene association with ovarian dysfunction in a sample from the Basque Country

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as cessation of menses before the age of 40. The most significant single gene associated with POF is the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 gene (FMR1). In the present work we screened women with fertility problems from the Basque Country in order to determine, whether in these women, FMR1 CGG repeat size in the intermediate and premutation range was associated with their pathology, and whether intermediate and premutation carriers had endocrine signs of diminished ovarian function, using the most established measure of ovarian reserve, the gonadotropin FSH. A patient sample of 41 women with ovarian insufficiency and a control sample of 32 women with no fertility problems from the Basque Country were examined. The patient sample was classified into three categories according to the results of the retrospective assessment of their ovarian function. In group 2 of patients, women with irregular cycles, reduced fecundity and FSH levels ≥ 10 IU/l, there is a significant increase in the number of intermediate and premutation FMR1 alleles (35–54 CGG repeats). In group 3 of patients, women with amenorrhea for at least four consecutive months and FSH levels ≥ 10 IU/l, a significant increase in the number of intermediate FMR1 alleles (35–54 CGG repeats) was found in patients compared with controls. In this group all the patients had a serum concentration > 40 IU/l. The results suggest that in the analysed Basque sample the FMR1 gene has a role in the aetiology of POF. However, elevated FSH levels are more related to the menstrual cycle pattern than to the CGG repeat size.     

Results of studies on the effect of radiologic contamination after the Czernobyl catastrophe and prophylactic iodine on thyroid morphology and function of inhabitants of North-East Poland]

The results of the investigations of radioactive contamination after the Chernobyl catastrophe and subsequent iodine prophylaxis on the thyroid gland function and morphology in Northeast Poland. The aim of the study was to determine whether kalium iodine in one dose during radioactive contamination in Poland limited the radioactive dose in the thyroid gland and if significant disadvantageous side-effects in the intrathyroid and extrathyroid occurred. Additionally during the studies we tried to determine if radioactive iodine contamination which occurred in the region of the Medical Academy in Bia?ystok caused an increase in thyroid disease. It is interesting to note the different results obtained after radioactive contamination with the results from the investigations in this same territory in 1983-1985. In 1983-1985, before the Chernobyl catastrophe, 6,921 persons in Northeast Poland were investigated. In 1986-1988, immediately after the disaster 4,010 persons were investigated. The main study according to grant No MZ-XVII was carried out in three provinces: Bia?ystok, Suwa?ki and Olsztyn. In this investigation 10,011 persons born before April 26, 1986 and after January 1, 1936 participated, 5,789 townspeople and 4,222 villagers, 3,987 children up to 16 years of age it the time of the disaster 1,973 boys and 2,009 girls; 6,024 adults 2,509 men and 3,516 women were drawn from a register. Committed doses to the thyroid in the investigated region were one of the highest in Poland and depended on age group and were depended on time of prophylaxis non proportional. Iodine prophylaxis was provided mainly with one dose of Lugol solution about 90%, 95% children and 30% adults took iodine. The majority of the population (53.3%-74%) were given iodine in April. From May 1st to 5th 23.0-43.4% received iodine, but after May 5th very few persons. Iodine was well tolerated, but Lugol Solution was better tolerated than other kinds of iodine. Only 241 (4.4%) cases had side effects, mainly vomiting (143), symptoms such as stomach ache, diarrhea, dyspnoe, skinrash etc. in lesser numbers. 12% (29 persons) were seen by a physician. In the investigated population were 200 pregnant women aged 19-40 years of which the majority (177) delivered full term healthy babies. Only 1 interrupted pregnancy and 7 had spontaneous abortion. Changes in the thyroid were noticed by 187 persons (2.3%-11.7%) most of which were enlargement of the thyroid, but only a few were confirmed by a physician. In the studied population from 1989 to 1990 over 30% of the population had struma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Influence of the Male Axillary Extracts on Regulation of Menstrual Cycles in Women

The effect of male axillary extract on the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle in women was studied in a long-term experiment (9 months). The male secret extract had no statistically significant influence on the menstrual cycle duration in the reproductive-age women (21–45 years) with normal (26–32 days) and regular cycles or in women with abnormally short (<26 days) cycles. In the group of the reproductive-age women with irregular and abnormally long (>32 days) cycles, as well as in the group of the premenopauseage women (46–51 years) with irregular cycles, the secret extract caused a significant shortening of the menstrual cycle as compared to the control. The effect was preserved for at least two months after the exposure completed.     

Disturbance of thyroidal iodine metabolism in BB/W rat.

To investigate the thyroid function in Bio-Breeding Worcester (BB/W) rats, we have examined the iodine metabolism, serum TSH and thyroid hormone levels in 8- and 16-week-old BB/W and normal Wistar (W) rats. At 8 weeks of age, serum TSH levels were significantly higher in BB/W rats than in W rats, although there was no difference in the serum levels of free T3 and free T4. Furthermore, the thyroidal radioactive iodine incorporation at 48 h was significantly lower in BB/W rats, suggesting that they might have some defects in iodine organification. At 16 weeks of age, serum TSH levels were also significantly higher in BB/W rats than in W rats. Furthermore, serum TSH levels in 16-week-old BB/W rats were significantly higher than in 8-week-old BB/W rats. The thyroid weight was significantly greater in BB/W rats, probably due to the increased serum TSH. The thyroidal radioactive iodine uptake at 48 h and the iodine content in the thyroid homogenates were significantly lower in BB/W rats. These results suggest that BB/W rats have some defect in iodine metabolism resulting in impaired thyroid hormone synthesis.     

Thyroid status of female rhesus monkeys and preliminary information on impact of perchlorate administration

Thyroid status was assessed in adult female rhesus monkey breeders at the California National Primate Research Center at the beginning of the breeding season. The 95% confidence intervals for thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T(4)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)) (n = 66-80) were similar to those previously reported in smaller samples of macaque monkeys. Based on human criteria, 10 of 80 monkeys (12%) were hypothyroid (TSH > 2.0 μIU/mL). Because hypothyroxinaemia can be a risk factor in pregnancy, T(4) status was compared with past breeding history, breeding outcome for that season and general health records in a subset of 42 breeders. Age, weight and parity did not differ between monkeys in the lowest T(4) quartile as compared with those in the upper three quartiles. However, T(4) concentrations were significantly associated with the number of missed menstrual cycles during the previous breeding season. In additional work, three healthy lactating rhesus monkeys were given three different doses of environmental contaminant and thyroid iodine uptake inhibitor, ammonium perchlorate (0.006, 0.34, 12.8 mg/kg/day, respectively) in food for two weeks. Thyroid status variables (TSH, T(4), T(3), thyroid radioactive iodine uptake) were then measured. In the monkey receiving the highest perchlorate dose, iodine uptake was suppressed relative to baseline. The study shows the availability of tools to study thyroid status in rhesus monkeys, the variability of thyroid status in the breeder colony and the potential ability of environmental factors to influence thyroid status.     

Development of thyroid dysfunction among women with excessive iodine intake – A 3-year follow-up

ObjectivesThyroid dysfunction can be a result of excessive iodine intake, which may have adverse health consequences, particularly for women in fertile age. In 2010, we conducted a cross-sectional study among lactating women with excessive iodine intake in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria and found a high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction. Three years later, we conducted a follow-up study to monitor the iodine situation and explore whether thyroid dysfunction still was highly prevalent when the women no longer were post-partum. None of the women were treated for hyper- or hypothyroidism between baseline and follow-up.MethodsIn 2013, we were able to recapture 78 of the 111 women from the baseline. Thyroid hormones and antibodies were measured in serum and thyroid size was assessed by palpation. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and drinking water iodine concentration were measured.ResultsThe overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and/or positive antibodies was 34.3% and was not significantly changed from baseline. Of the non-pregnant women we reexamined, 17 had hypo- or hyperthyroidism in 2010; among these, 12 women still had abnormal thyroid function at follow-up. In addition, we found 9 new cases with marginally abnormal thyroid function. Women with thyroid dysfunction and/or positive antibodies had significantly higher BMI and thyroglobulin than women with normal thyroid function. We also found that women with high breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) at baseline had more thyroid dysfunction at follow-up than the women with lower BMIC at baseline.ConclusionsAt follow-up, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was still high and had not changed during the 3 years between studies and from a postpartum period. The women still had a high iodine intake indicated by high UIC. Breast milk iodine concentration from baseline predicted thyroid dysfunction at follow-up.     

The Normal Thyroidal Uptake of Iodine

The range of values for the 24-hour thyroidal accumulation of radioactive iodine in euthyroid persons varies with geographic location. In the San Bernardino Valley region of Southern California the “normal range” is 6 percent to 33 percent in euthyroid subjects. This is lower than in studies from other areas of the United States. The urinary iodide excretion and the absolute iodine uptake of the thyroid are higher than in studies from many other areas of the United States, pointing to iodine abundance as the reason for this difference. The geographic variation and the possibility of changing dietary iodine intake of normal persons point to the necessity of current and local determinations of the “normal range” of the thyroidal uptake of radioiodine if the results of this thyroid function test are to be properly interpreted.     

The menstrual cycle and susceptibility to virtual simulation sickness

Virtual simulation sickness (VSS) is a form of visually induced motion sickness that can result from immersion in a virtual environment (VE). As in their susceptibility to the sickness induced by real motion, women have been reported to be more susceptible than men to VSS, yet the reason for this difference is not known. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of the menstrual cycle on susceptibility to VSS in 16 naturally cycling women and to compare the responses of this group with control groups consisting of 1) 16 premenopausal women taking a combined monophasic oral contraceptive and 2) 16 men. All female participants were immersed in a nauseogenic VE on days 5, 12, 19, and 26 of their menstrual/pill cycle. These days were chosen because they fall in line with peaks and troughs of ovarian hormone levels. Menstrual cycle phase was confirmed by salivary estradiol and progesterone levels. A 4-week "pseudo-cycle" was assigned to the male participants. Hormone analysis revealed that 9 participants in the experimental group had been tested at the desired phases of their cycle. These participants exhibited a significant increase in susceptibility to VSS on day 12 of their cycle. The hormone analysis also showed that the cycles of the 7 remaining members of the experimental group had not precisely followed the expected pattern, and so these people had been tested on days that did not coincide with peaks and troughs of ovarian hormone levels. No consistent variation in susceptibility was observed over the cycle in these volunteers. In addition, no change in susceptibility was observed over the pill cycle of the oral contraceptive group nor over the pseudo-cycle applied to the male control group. The authors conclude that susceptibility to VSS varies over the menstrual cycle as a consequence of hormonal variation.     

Transfer of iodine through the milk in protein-restricted lactating rats

Iodine supply is important to avoid neonatal hypothyroidism. This study evaluated whether protein restriction during lactation affects iodine transfer to the pups through the milk. We studied lactating rats fed an 8% protein-restricted diet (PR), a control 23% protein diet (C), and an energy-restricted diet group (ER). On days 4, 12 and 21, mothers were separated from their pups for 4 h, injected with (131)I IP, and put together with their pups. The animals were killed 2 h later. PR pups had a significant decrease in iodine uptake in the gastric content and duodenal mucosa on the 4th day. On the contrary, at 12 and 21 days radioiodine was increased in the gastric content and in the duodenal mucosa. ER pups had an increase in iodine uptake in the gastric content and in the duodenal mucosa only at the end of lactation. The thyroid iodine uptake in PR pups was significantly decreased on the 4th day and significantly increased on the 21st day compared to control. When injected IP with an equivalent amount of (131)I, the PR pups had a decrease in thyroid iodine uptake on the 4th and 12th day, while ER pups had no significant changes. So, these data suggest that protein restriction during lactation was associated with lower iodine secretion into the milk in the beginning of lactation. However, at the end of lactation, an adaptation process seems to occur leading to a higher transfer of iodine through the milk that compensates the impairment of thyroid iodine uptake in these pups.     

Radioiodine treatment of multinodular non-toxic goitre.

OBJECTIVE--To investigate the long term effect of radioactive iodine on thyroid function and size in patients with non-toxic multinodular goitre. DESIGN--Consecutive patients with multinodular non-toxic goitre selected for radioactive iodine treatment and followed for a minimum of 12 months (median 48 months) after an intended dose of 3.7 MBq/g thyroid tissue corrected to a 100% uptake of iodine-131 in 24 hours. PATIENTS--69 patients with a growing multinodular non-toxic goitre causing local compression symptoms or cosmetic inconveniences. The treatment was chosen because of a high operative risk, previous thyroidectomy, or refusal to be operated on. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS--Standard thyroid function variables and ultrasonically determined thyroid volume before treatment as well as 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment and then once a year. RESULTS--56 patients were treated with a single dose of 131I, 12 with two doses, and one with four doses. In 45 patients treated with one dose and remaining euthyroid the median thyroid volume was reduced from 73 (interquartile range 50-106) ml to 29 (23-48) ml at 24 months in the 39 patients in whom this was measured during follow up. The median reduction was 40 (22-48) ml (60% reduction, p < 0.0001), half of which occurred within three months. Patients treated with two doses as well as those developing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism had a significant reduction in thyroid volume. Eleven patients developed hypothyroidism (cumulative five year risk 22%, 95% confidence interval 4.8% to 38.4%). Side effects were few: three cases of hyperthyroidism and two cases of radiation thyroiditis. Only one patient was dissatisfied with the result; she was referred for operation six months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS--A substantial reduction in thyroid volume accompanied by a low incidence of hypothyroidism and few side effects makes the use of radioactive iodine an attractive alternative to surgery in selected cases of non-toxic multinodular goitre.     

Recent Canadian court decisions on consent.

A 51-year-old woman presented with a painful, rapidly enlarging thyroid gland. The serum concentrations of the thyroid hormones were initially at the upper limit of normal, and the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid was completely depressed. Although subacute thyroiditis was suspected, a biopsy specimen from the thyroid showed malignant disease and no evidence of inflammation. At the time of right subtotal lobectomy metastatic breast carcinoma was diagnosed. Thus, primary or secondary malignant disease of the thyroid can simulate thyroiditis and present a serious problem in differential diagnosis.     

Exercise decreases anti-müllerian hormone in anovulatory overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women associated with menstrual irregularity and anovulation. While obesity worsens and weight loss or exercise improves reproduction function in PCOS, the mechanism for this is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exercise on ovarian hormones [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)] and menstrual and ovulatory function in women with and without PCOS. Overweight women with (n=7) and without (n=8) PCOS of comparable age, weight and BMI undertook a 12-week intensified endurance exercise training program (1?h 3 times/week) with no structured energy restriction. Primary outcomes were AMH, ovulation (weekly urinary pregnanediol) and menstrual regularity. Secondary outcomes were insulin resistance (euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp) and body composition (computed tomography and dual X-ray absorptiometry). Exercise decreased BMI, total and android fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity for all women. AMH was significantly higher in women with PCOS compared to controls before (p<0.001) and after exercise (p=0.001). There was a significant interaction between AMH changes with exercise and PCOS status (p=0.007) such that women without PCOS had no change in AMH (+1.4±5.2?pmol/l, p=0.48) while women with PCOS had a decrease in AMH (-?13.2±11.7?pmol/l, p=0.025). Exercise is associated with improvements in ovarian hormones in women with abnormal ovarian function. This suggests that mechanisms associated with ovarian dysfunction can be improved by exercise in PCOS.     

Excessive iodine intake and thyroid dysfunction among lactating Saharawi women

ObjectivesExcessive iodine intake may lead to thyroid dysfunction, which may be particularly harmful during pregnancy and lactation. The main objective was to describe iodine status and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among lactating women in areas with high iodine (HI) and very high iodine (VHI) concentrations in drinking water.Design and methodsA cross-sectional survey was performed among 111 lactating women in the Saharawi refugee camps, Algeria. Breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC), urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and the iodine concentration in the most commonly consumed foods/drinks were measured. A 24-h dietary recall was used to estimate iodine intake. Thyroid hormones and antibodies were measured in serum.ResultsMedian UIC, BMIC and iodine intake across both areas was 350 μg/L, 479 μg/L and 407 μg/day, respectively. In multiple regression analyses, we discovered that being from VHI area was associated with higher UIC and BMIC. BMIC was also positively associated with iodine intake. Thyroid dysfunction and/or positive thyroid antibodies were found in 33.3% of the women, of which 18.9% had hypothyroidism and 8.1% had hyperthyroidism and 6.3% had positive antibodies with normal thyroid function. Elevated thyroid antibodies were in total found in 17.1%. We found no difference in distribution of thyroid dysfunction or positive antibodies between HI and VHI areas. BMI, BMIC and elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) predicted abnormal thyroid function tests.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction may be caused by excessive iodine intake over several years.     

Low-protein diet changes thyroid function in lactating rats

Lactating rats were fed with free access to an 8% protein-restricted diet (PR); the control group was fed a 23% protein diet (C). An energy-restricted (pair-fed) group was given the same food as the animals in the control group, but the amounts of food consumed by both PF and PR were about the same. The body weight and serum albumin concentration of PR and PF dams were significantly (P < 0. 05) lower than that of the controls. The PR group had a significant increase in serum-free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentration, 24-hr mammary gland and milk radioiodine (I131) uptake (67%, 278%, and 200%, respectively) as compared with the controls. On the other hand, those animals had a significantly lower serum-free thyroxine (FT4) concentration and 2- and 24-hr thyroid I131 uptake (67%, 64%, and 74%, respectively). Protein malnutrition during lactation did not alter thyroid or liver 5'-deiodinase activity significantly. However, PF dams had a significantly lower (25%) thyroid 5'-deiodinase activity. These data suggest that protein-restricted lactating dams had an adaptive change in the thyroid function, which could be important to increase the transference of iodine or triiodothyronine through the milk to their pups and prevent sequelae of neonatal hypothyroidism.     

Female axillary secretions influence women''s menstrual cycles: A critique

Preti, Cutler, Garcia, Huggins, and Lawley report (1986, Horm. Behav. 20, 474-482) that women's menstrual cycles can be modulated with applications of female-derived secretions. An experimental sample of 10 women who reported that they had 29.5 +/- 3 day menstrual cycles was treated on a 22- to 25-day cycle with an extract of axillary secretions from a group of female donors. After two menstrual cycles, the mean absolute difference between the women's menses onsets and the treatment applications decreased significantly. A control sample of 9 women similarly treated with blank/ethanol showed no significant change. Reanalysis of the data indicates that four subjects in the extract sample synchronized with the extract cycles because of "errors" in the extract applications and another four synchronized as a result of experimental design, mathematical properties of cocycling menses onsets, and chance variations. After these factors are accounted for, no evidence suggests that the cycles of the subjects in the extract sample were modulated by the female-derived axillary secretion.