Hormonal and Physiological Changes During Menstrual Cycle Phases Among Female Students at the University of Jos, Plateau State

Understanding the physiological changes associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle is essential for appreciating female reproductive endocrinology and its effects on overall well-being. This study assessed hormonal and physiological changes across menstrual cycle phases among female students at the University of Jos, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Sixty regularly menstruating women aged 18 to 28 years were enrolled and assessed during three phases of their cycle: menstrual, follicular, and luteal. Serum levels of oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Concurrent assessments included basal body temperature, resting heart rate, and mood using a standardised affect scale. Repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. Results demonstrated expected hormonal surges consistent with normal cycle physiology, with oestrogen peaking at the follicular-ovulatory transition and progesterone dominance in the luteal phase. Basal body temperature rose significantly in the luteal phase. Resting heart rate showed modest but statistically significant elevation in the late luteal phase. Mood scores were significantly worse during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. The study concludes that Nigerian female university students exhibit normal cyclical hormonal and physiological patterns, with premenstrual mood deterioration warranting academic support consideration. Keywords: menstrual cycle, oestrogen, progesterone, basal temperature, Plateau State.