Can women dive while menstruating?

While many women dive when they are menstruating, there is evidence to suggest that women might be at a higher risk to get the bends in that first week of their cycle when they are menstruating.  At this point in time the reason for this isn't known.  It may be related to the slightly lower blood volume, the difference in hormones, or a change in the ability of the blood to clot, but whatever the cause, women seem to be susceptible during that time of the month.  It may not be the only factor in women getting decompression sickness, but it may be the one factor that tips things over the edge.