Sympathetic function tests during pre and #8209; and post and #8209;menstrual phases in young women

Abstract

Background: Women undergo many types of behavioral and hormonal changes, especially during reproductive life. Besides reproductive changes, there occur cyclical fluctuations in various functions of body systems. Autonomic nervous system provides physiological adaptive background for these changes. In these cyclical changes, pre-menstrual phase stress can be assessed by sympathetic function tests to avoid further cardiovascular complications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to carry out sympathetic function tests during pre-menstrual phase and post-menstrual phase of healthy young women. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 50 healthy females of age between 18 and 25 years. They undergo the sympathetic function tests such as pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), orthostatic variation on BP, and cold pressor test. Statistical analysis was done by student paired t-test. Result: Response to various sympathetic tests were altered in pre-menstrual phase as compared to that of post-menstrual phase reflecting highly significant increase in the sympathetic activity. Conclusion: Neurohormonal changes and pre-menstrual stress during the pre-menstrual phase are interrelated to each other and increases the sympathetic activity.