Menstrual history in altitude chamber trainees

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Physiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Previous research indicates women experience higher rates of altitude-induced decompression sickness (DCS) than men.
• Women may face increased DCS risk during their menstrual cycle.
• No prior studies have analyzed menstrual history in women who successfully completed altitude training without DCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the menstrual cycle distribution of women who underwent altitude chamber training without developing DCS.
• To determine if birth control pill (BCP) use influences DCS susceptibility in this population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted over one year across thirteen U.S. Air Force Aerospace Physiology Units.
• Data collected included age, day of menstrual cycle (DMC), BCP use, and mean cycle/menses durations.
• Responses from 508 women who completed altitude chamber flights were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Analysis revealed no significant differences in mean menstrual cycle or menses duration between BCP users and non-users.
• Both BCP user and non-user groups were equally distributed across the menstrual cycle.
• Women completing altitude training without DCS were found to be evenly distributed throughout their menstrual cycle.

Conclusions:

• Women who do not develop DCS during altitude chamber training are uniformly distributed across their menstrual cycle.
• The use of birth control pills does not appear to alter susceptibility to altitude-induced DCS in this cohort.
• Findings suggest menstrual cycle phase and BCP use are not primary risk factors for DCS in women completing altitude training.