No abstract

No abstract

As high‐resolution transvaginal ultrasound becomes more widely available, asymptomatic cysts are diagnosed with increasing frequency. Womens' anxieties centre on the risk of cancer and possible loss of fertility due to the cyst and treatment complications. Investigations include measurement of serum tumour markers, basic assessment of ovarian function, transvaginal ultrasonography and possibly cyst fluid cytology. While a proportion of simple cysts will resolve spontaneously, others require surgical management. Laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice in young women at low risk of malignancy.

This case study explores the objective and psychologically perceived effects of the menstrual cycle and the use of a combined oral contraceptive pill on the singing performance of a western classical female singer. Objective measures of vocal parameters and hormonal concentrations were assessed during her natural menstrual cycle and during the use of an oral contraceptive pill. A diary was kept throughout the six months duration of the study and one lengthy semi-structured interview was also carried out with the singer, focussing on perceptions of her singing quality over the entire study. Aural analyses of the singing recordings were also undertaken by two independently qualified judges to see whether or not vocal changes were perceptible to listeners. The results suggest that: (i) hormonal variations during the natural menstrual cycle affected physiological and psychological aspects of the singer's performance; (ii) the pattern of vibration of the vocal folds seems to be more regular, and vocal control seems to be improved during oral contraceptive pill use; (iii) the singer reported better voice control during oral contraceptive pill use; (iv) listeners perceive intonation problems and wider vibrato during the natural menstrual cycle. This study suggests that further research on the effects of female sexual hormones on the singer's voice is necessary, and that female singers should be educated regarding these matters, in order to protect their voices and careers. 85

Cytokines are proteins important in cell‐cell signalling. They are involved in many physiological processes such as ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy. Equally, they play an important role in conditions such as preterm labour, pre‐eclampsia, endometriosis and adhesion formation and reformation. Research into cytokines in normal reproductive processes as well as diseases is of paramount importance as the potential health and therapeutic benefits are large.