Estrogens delay the postpartum recovery of the LH-RH-induced gonadotropin release

In 27 healthy postpartum women, who were neither lactating nor receiving any therapy, LH-RH stimulation tests (50 μg i.v.) were performed on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the puerperium. In a second group of 9 postpartum women an i.m. injection of 10 mg estradiol valerianate was administered within the 3rd postpartum day, and an LH-RH stimulation test was performed on days 14 and 21 of the puerperium. Blood was withdrawn at standard intervals and LH and FSH measured by radioimmunoassay. No significant FSH and LH response was found on day 7. On day 14 there was a significant release of FSH but no LH was released. On days 21 and 28 there was a significant release of FSH and LH but the magnitude of the FSH response was greater than that of the LH release. The administration of estrogens did inhibit the recovery of the pituitary from its refractoriness: on day 14 no release of LH and FSH was observed; on day 21, only a significant release of FSH could be detected in the second group of postpartum women. This emphasizes the major role played by steroids in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal function. © 1978.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Evaluation of sleep disorders in cancer patients based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Insomnia, poor sleep quality and short sleep durations are the most common problems seen in cancer patients. More studies are needed about sleep disorders in cancer patients. In our study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders and the impact of these problems on the quality of life in cancer patients. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was given to a total of 314 patients. The psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of PSQI in cancer patients revealed that 127 (40.4%) patients had global PSQI scores >5, indicating poor sleep quality. There was no statistically significant relationship between PSQI scores and sexuality, marital status, cancer stage and chemotherapy type (P > 0.05); while the patients with bone and visceral metastasis had much lower PSQI scores (P = 0.006). Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scores of 3 or more had also significantly lower PSQI scores (P = 0.02). In conclusion, PSQI questionnaire may be used to evaluate the sleep disorders in cancer patients. Consistent use of multi-item measures such as PSQI with established reliability and validity would improve our understanding of difficulties experienced by cancer patients with chronic insomnia