The effects of gender and menstrual phase on carbohydrate utilization during acute cold exposure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of gender and menstrual cycle on the percent of carbohydrate (CHO) utilized during cold water immersion (20 degrees C). Previous research has suggested that males and females utilize CHO differently during submaximal exercise. This study examined whether this differential response is replicated during a submaximal elevation in metabolism, as demonstrated during thermogenesis (i.e., shivering during acute cold exposure).

Male and female subjects between the ages of 18 and 30 years were recruited for this study. Female subjects underwent the experimental trial once during the follicular phase and once during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. Subjects were immersed to the first thoracic vertebra until esophageal temperature reached 36.5 degrees C or for a maximum preocclusion period of 40 minutes. Peripheral temperature homeostasis via cuff occlusion (right arm and left leg) took place for 10 minutes, after which the pressure cuffs were released (postocclusion) and the subjects remained in the water for an additional 10 minutes. The following variables were measured: respiratory exchange ratio, percent of CHO utilization, and oxygen consumption (Vo2).

Analysis of variance demonstrated no significant difference between genders or phases of the menstrual cycle in respiratory exchange ratio, percent CHO utilization, or Vo2 during cold water immersion. A significant difference was observed between men and women for absolute Vo2.

These data suggest that although men and women differ with respect to absolute aerobic metabolism, this distinction does not cause a differential response with respect to substrate utilization during acute cold exposure.