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Estrogen influences auditory brainstem responses during the normal menstrual cycle.
K E Elkind-Hirsch1, W R Stoner, B A Stach
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Hearing Research
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The menstrual cycle affects auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency in women. High estrogen levels during mid-cycle correlate with increased ABR wave latencies, indicating hormonal sensitivity in auditory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Auditory Physiology
Background:
- The menstrual cycle involves significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
- Hormonal changes are known to influence various physiological processes, including neural function.
- Previous research has explored hormonal impacts on sensory systems, but specific effects on the auditory brainstem remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the natural menstrual cycle on auditory brainstem response (ABR) latency.
- To determine if hormonal fluctuations, specifically estrogen and progesterone, correlate with changes in auditory pathway function.
- To compare these effects in normally cycling women versus those using oral contraceptives.
Main Methods:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing was performed on nine normally cycling women during four distinct menstrual phases: early follicular, mid-cycle, mid-luteal, and premenstrual.
- Hormonal levels (estrogen, progesterone) and basal body temperature were monitored to verify cycle phases.
- A control group of nine women on oral contraceptives underwent similar ABR testing throughout their pill cycle.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in the latency of auditory brainstem response wave III and wave V, as well as the I-V interpeak interval, was observed during the mid-cycle (high estrogen) phase.
- No significant variations in ABR latency were detected in the control group using oral contraceptives.
- These findings suggest a direct correlation between elevated estrogen levels and altered auditory pathway transmission times.
Conclusions:
- Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the natural menstrual cycle impact the latency of auditory brainstem responses.
- The auditory brainstem pathways exhibit sensitivity to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen.
- Oral contraceptives may mitigate or alter these hormone-dependent effects on auditory processing.