Impact of the menstrual cycle and ethinyl estradiol/etonogestrel contraceptive vaginal ring on granulysin and other mucosal immune mediators.

Immune-related genes in the cervicovaginal tract were highest during CVR use, intermediate in the follicular phase, and lowest in the luteal phase. Granulysin is a potential biomarker of menstrual phase: Frequently detected in follicular samples, but rare in luteal. Lastly, immunological differences between the follicular and luteal phases vary throughout the female genital tract.