Changes in blood pressure during the normal menstrual cycle

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Blood pressure variations throughout the normal menstrual cycle are poorly understood, with existing research yielding inconsistent findings.
• Understanding these cyclical blood pressure changes is crucial for accurate hypertension diagnosis and management in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and document blood pressure fluctuations during the normal menstrual cycle in both normotensive and mildly hypertensive women.
• To correlate observed blood pressure patterns with hormonal changes (17 beta-estradiol and progesterone) during the menstrual cycle.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 normotensive and 10 mildly hypertensive women with regular menstrual cycles self-monitored blood pressure daily for 6 weeks.
• Standardized conditions and a UA-751 semi-automatic sphygmomanometer were used for consistent blood pressure measurements.
• Blood samples were analyzed for plasma 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone concentrations.

Main Results:

• Blood pressure was significantly higher at the onset of menstruation compared to other cycle phases (systolic P<0.05; diastolic P<0.001).
• Adjusted diastolic blood pressure was elevated in the follicular phase versus the luteal phase (mean difference 1.23 mmHg, P<0.001).
• Blood pressure was lower during cycle days 17-26 compared to other periods (adjusted diastolic mean difference -1.19 mmHg, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Blood pressure exhibits distinct patterns throughout the menstrual cycle, notably higher at menstruation onset.
• Hormonal fluctuations, specifically 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone, likely influence these cyclical blood pressure variations.
• The observed blood pressure changes were consistent across both normotensive and hypertensive groups, suggesting a common physiological mechanism.