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Influences of the normal menstrual cycle on physiologic functioning during behavioral stress
C M Stoney1, J F Owens, K A Matthews
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15213.
Psychophysiology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Hormonal fluctuations during the normal menstrual cycle do not impact cardiovascular or neuroendocrine stress responses in healthy women. This study found no significant differences in stress responses across menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- The menstrual cycle involves significant hormonal fluctuations.
- Previous research has suggested potential links between menstrual cycle phases and physiological stress responses.
- However, findings in the literature are often inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the normal menstrual cycle on lipoprotein, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine stress responses.
- To determine if hormonal changes during different menstrual cycle phases affect physiological stress reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen healthy, normally-cycling women underwent behavioral tasks during menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases.
- Physiological variables including heart rate, blood pressure, and lipid profiles were monitored.
- Strict criteria ensured participants had regular cycles and confirmed ovulation.
Main Results:
- Significant elevations in heart rate, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and total cholesterol were observed during tasks.
- No significant differences in the magnitude of these stress responses were found across the three menstrual cycle phases.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal fluctuations in healthy, normally-cycling women do not influence the investigated lipoprotein, cardiovascular, or neuroendocrine stress responses.
- Inconsistencies in prior literature may stem from including women with irregular cycles or inadequate phase verification.