PMC8280840_01
PMC8280840_02
PMC8280840_03
PMC8280840_04
Mental health indicators.
10.1177_17455065211031079-fig1.jpg
PMC8280840_04_10.1177_17455065211031079-fig1.jpg
fig1-17455065211031079
Figure 1 displays the changes in each continuous measure across study time-points.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and C-reactive protein.
10.1177_17455065211031079-fig2.jpg
PMC8280840_04_10.1177_17455065211031079-fig2.jpg
fig2-17455065211031079
ACTH in the anterior pituitary gland,   characteristic of the HPA axis response. ACTH, reported in Figure 2, remains consistent across all visits except at M0. Alteration of immune functioning from HPA axis dysregulation may be evidenced in inflammation biomarkers.   Figure 2 displays CRP across visits, demonstrating low levels and variability.
Salivary cortisol, cortisol awakening response (CAR).
10.1177_17455065211031079-fig3.jpg
PMC8280840_04_10.1177_17455065211031079-fig3.jpg
fig3-17455065211031079
Impairment of the process that regulates cortisol production is considered to be dysregulation of the HPA axis.   Figure 3 displays the average CAR after each visit, demonstrating a distinctive response only at M0.
PMC8280840_05
Female genital tract inflammatory biomarkers.
10.1177_17455065211031079-fig4.jpg
PMC8280840_05_10.1177_17455065211031079-fig4.jpg
fig4-17455065211031079
M1 which continued through M2 and M3, followed by a trend in recovery at M4 and M5 (Figure 4). M6 typically showed values less than M0 and may indicate return to baseline.