EFFECT OF PRE AND POST MENSTRUAL PHASES OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE ON SYMPATHETIC FUNCTION TESTS IN HEALTHY ADULT FEMALES

Abstract

Abstracts: Background: The menstrual cycle is characterized by fluctuations in several hormones, most notably the gonadal steroids, estrogen and progesterone.¹ Sympathetic function tests are the one of the autonomic function tests and it is easy, non invasive test to be carried out. They give us idea about role of gonadal hormone in sympathetic control of cardiovascular system during different phases of menstrual cycle. Aim: Aim of this study is to determine whether fluctuation of reproductive hormone during premenstrual and post menstrual phases affecting sympathetic function tests or not. Objectives: To do and compare sympathetic function tests in pre and post menstrual phase. Methods: Study was carried out in 50 adult healthy female having age group of 26-40 years. Sympathetic function tests were carried out by instrument Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Analyzer (CANS) 504 in Department of Physiology, Government Medical Collage, Bhavnagar. Sympathetic function tests were done using standard protocol and statically analyzed. Results: Statically significant difference was seen between premenstrual phase and postmenstrual phase in all sympathetic function test parameters which includes supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure response to standing and systolic blood pressure response after sustained hand grip test. Interpretation & conclusion: According to this study sympathetic dominance is seen in premenstrual phase of menstrual cycle that may be due to increased level of progesterone and oestrogen in premenstrual phase.