Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Tejinder Kaur Brar1, K D Singh2, Avnish Kumar3
1Resident, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College , Patiala, Punjab, India .
Background:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies.
Aims And Objectives:
The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student's pair t-test.
Results:
The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases.
Conclusion:
From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal 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...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
01:18Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
01:19Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...