An Observational Study of Variation in the Pulmonary Functions with the Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Females of Different Age Groups

Abstract

Background and Aim: Many evidences are available showing influence of estrogen and progesterone on respiratory function. Still, there is no clear picture of this. Therefore, we aimed this study to evaluate the pulmonary functions in various phases of menstrual cycle in females of different age groups. Methods: Sixty healthy females with normal menstrual cycle participated in study. They were divided into 3 groups of 20 females each. The age ranged between 15-25, 26-35 and 36-45 years in group I, II and III respectively. Their pulmonary functions were measured in menstrual, follicular and secretary phase of a single cycle after taking detailed history and preliminary examination. Results: There was no significant difference in pulmonary functions in all the three phases of menstrual cycle between the groups. In menstrual phase, ratio of forced expiratory volume in first sec and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) FEV1/FVC ratio while in follicular phase, forced expiratory volume in first sec (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio and and forced expiratory flow during 25% to 75% of expiration (FEF 25-75% ) were significantly higher in group I than other groups. No significant difference was found in parameters in secretary phase between three groups. Conclusion: Pulmonary functions didn't change with the phases of menstrual cycle contradicting the results of previous studies. Pulmonary functions in terms of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF 25-75% were significantly better in menstrual phase and follicular phase in age groups of 15-25 years than older age groups.

Variations in Pulmonary Function in Relation with the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Adult Female

“…[14][15][16] Progesterone receptor is found in the respiratory epithelium, and progesterone reduces the frequency with which cilia beat, potentially affecting mucociliary clearance during in the menstruation in female. 17,18 Since few research have been performed in Sindh Pakistan in seeing variation in lung functions during various menstrual cycles among healthy young women. Thus, this research was performed to figure out variability in pulmonary function test in various menstrual cycle stages, which will assist physicians to identify disease course such as bronchial asthma in the course of various menstrual cycle stages.…”