A Study of Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Cardiac Autonomic Function

Objective: To study the effect of different phases of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic functions.

Method: The study was conducted in department of Physiology SSIMS&RC on 30 apparently healthy regularly menstruating female subjects in the age group of 18- 25 years based on predetermined inclusion -exclusion criteria. Effect of different phases of menstrual cycle (menstrual, proliferative and secretory) on autonomic functions was assessed using autonomic function tests like heart rate variability (HRV), isometric hand grip test, cold pressor test (CPT), heart rate (HR) response to Valsalva maneuver, blood pressure (BP) response to change in posture.

Result: There is variation in autonomic function tests in different phases of menstrual cycle with predominant sympathetic activity in luteal phase than the follicular phase.

Conclusion: Alteration in autonomic functions in different phases of menstrual cycle could be under the influence of fluctuating levels of female sex hormones that lead to salt and water retention.