Changes of PSA Concentrations in Serum and Saliva of Healthy Women during the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract. This study investigated the changes of prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentrations in serum and saliva of women during the menstrual cycle. Thirty healthy volunteers (age 23-35 yr) were enrolled in the study. During the menstrual cycle, serum and saliva PSA concentrations on days 9 (follicular phase) and 14 (mid-cycle) were significantly higher than on days 4 (early follicular phase) and 21 (luteal phase). The expected changes in gonadal hormones were seen, as evidenced by significantly higher serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations during the midcycle and luteal phase, compared to the other phases of the cycle. Serum PSA concentrations were positively correlated with salivary PSA concentrations at all 4 times (days 4, 9, 14, and 21) of the menstrual cycle, but not with the serum progesterone or estrogen concentrations. This study suggests that salivary PSA, rather than being produced in the salivary gland, may reflect the serum PSA during the normal menstrual cycle. (received 24 August 2001, accepted 13 October 2001