Doyle-Baker, PatriciaDoroshuk, Marissa Lyn2024-05-012024-05-012024-04-30Doroshuk, M. L. (2024). Menstrual cycle research methods using salivary and urinary hormones: Tools to describe menstrual phases in naturally cycling females (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/118656https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/43498Underrepresentation of female-sexed participants in research has been widely attributed to challenges in tracking the menstrual cycle (MC). Different methodologies have been employed to overcome barriers of high costs and burden but may have resulted in reduced MC research quality. Recently, a combination of evidence-based methods has been shown to detect MC phases in lab settings. A gap, however, remains in field-based settings where a need exists for reliable MC tracking methods. New technologies for MC tracking could help reduce this gap, but many lack incorporation of scientific methods. This warrants development of accessible and evidence-informed MC tracking methods for field-based studies and to describe data provided by MC technologies. The purpose of this thesis was to 1) examine the use of salivary and urinary methods in MC phase detection, 2) assess the performance of a modified, three-step MC tracking method in MC classification, and 3) pilot test this method to describe data employing a MC technology. Naturally cycling female-sexed participants were recruited (n = 44) to complete calendar counting, urine ovulation tests, and salivary hormone tests during their estimated mid-luteal phase while using this technology. It was observed that salivary and urinary methods could be used for MC phase detection and this approach informed the study methodology. The modified, three-step method yielded a sensitivity of 64.7% and specificity of 90.9% in classifying individuals as high and low hormone. Cycle length (p = 0.0007) and salivary progesterone (p < 0.0001) were significantly different between hormone groups. Based on the results, progesterone may be a meaningful MC phase identifier (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24 – 3.17, p < 0.0001). The modified, three-step method was used as a tool to assess agreement with predefined menstrual phases in this technology which showed promise as an assessment tool. These results may contribute to future MC research by reducing burden and accessibility barriers through the development of field-based, evidence-informed practices.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Menstrual CycleHormonesSalivaryUrinaryMethodologyHealth SciencesPhysiologyObstetrics and Gynecologymaster thesis