Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Changes in exhaled nitric oxide related to estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle
Piush J Mandhane1, Steven E Hanna2, Mark D Inman1
1Department of Medicine, School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Background:
Significant changes in asthma and atopy occur throughout the menstrual cycle. We hypothesized that the characteristics of asthma (eg, symptoms, exhaled nitric oxide [eNO] levels as a marker of airway inflammation, pulmonary function, and atopy) vary throughout the menstrual cycle in relation to changes in the levels of estrogen or progesterone and that this variation is attenuated in women using oral contraception (OC).
Methods:
Seventeen women with asthma were studied over the course of their menstrual cycle through daily measurements of symptoms, eNO, spirometry, 17beta-estradiol, and progesterone levels, and through the performance of alternate-day allergy skin-prick tests (SPTs).
Results:
Of 534 potential daily visits, 526 (98.5%) were completed. Women not using OC (n = 8) had higher mean eNO levels (48.2 parts per billion [ppb]; 95% CI, 43.1 ppb to 53.3 ppb) than women using OC (27.0 ppb; 95% CI, 24.2 ppb to 29.7 ppb; p
Conclusion:
During natural menstrual cycles, increases in estrogen levels were associated with decreased eNO levels, whereas increases in progesterone levels were associated with increased eNO levels and SPT wheal size. These effects were not observed among women using OC.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Menopause