The menstrual period is associated to the rupture of blood vessels which irrigate the superficial layer of the endometrium. Platelets constitute the first hemostatic component that mobilizes in order to interrupt the bleeding as vascular injury occurs. An exacerbated platelet activation may result in a platelet consumption transcending the capacity of reposition by bone marrow. This leads to a transient decrease of the peripheral platelets number . The aim of the present study was to assess whether there is a decrease of the peripheral blood platelet number during the menstrual period. Blood samples from 15 women at the first day (Group I) and at the medium day of the same menstrual cycle (Group II) were collected and assessed. Averages and standard deviations of the platelet counts for the groups I and II were 209.9 ± 35,4 and 223.7 ± 47,9, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results by Student's test revealed a significant decrease in the platelet number at the first day compared to the medium day of the menstrual period (p < 0.05). Based on the results, it is suggested that clinical laboratories should investigate the menstrual cycle phase for each woman, especially those ones who need monitoring the platelet number. The exact information on the menstrual phase should also be provided to allow the correct interpretation of the results or, if possible, this count should be avoided during the first day of the menstrual period.
Platelets; Menstrual period
