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Postural vasoconstriction in women during the normal menstrual cycle
A A Hassan1, G Carter, J E Tooke
1Department of Physiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Men showed no changes in foot blood flow during postural changes. Women
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Menstrual cycle influences cardiovascular and fluid regulation.
- Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may affect vascular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postural vasoconstriction in the foot across different menstrual cycle phases.
- To compare vascular responses between women and men.
Main Methods:
- Laser Doppler flowmetry and strain gauge plethysmography were used to measure skin blood flow and foot swelling.
- Measurements were taken with the foot at heart level and lowered 50 cm below heart level.
- Hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone) were measured in women.
Main Results:
- Men exhibited no significant changes in assessed variables.
- Women in the luteal phase showed reduced arterial pressure and increased heart rate, body temperature, foot skin temperature, and body weight compared to follicular and menstrual phases.
- Follicular phase: high estradiol correlated with reduced dependent flow and swelling, and augmented postural fall in flow.
- Luteal phase: high estradiol and progesterone correlated with increased dependent flow and swelling, and impaired postural fall in flow.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle significantly alter postural vascular responses in the foot in women.
- Estrogen and progesterone play a role in regulating foot blood flow and swelling in response to postural changes.