Autonomic Nervous System, Cognition, and Emotional Valence During Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle-A Narrative Review
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The menstrual cycle impacts autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, cognition, and emotions in women. ANS measures may help assess these cyclical effects.
Area Of Science
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background
- The menstrual cycle involves hormonal fluctuations impacting women's physiology.
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, cognition, and emotional valence are known to be affected by these hormonal changes.
- Existing research presents contradictory findings regarding the menstrual cycle's influence on the ANS.
Purpose Of The Study
- To comprehensively review the effects of the menstrual cycle on the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- To understand the complex relationship between hormonal fluctuations, ANS function, cognition, and emotional valence across menstrual cycle phases.
- To explore reasons for inconsistent findings in previous studies.
Main Methods
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Examination of key ANS parameters: heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and pupillary light reflex (PLR).
- Analysis of how hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle influence these ANS measures and subsequent psychological outcomes.
Main Results
- Evidence suggests the menstrual cycle directly and indirectly affects ANS function, cognition, and emotional valence.
- Hormonal fluctuations across menstruation, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases dynamically influence ANS parameters.
- Inconsistencies in results may stem from menstrual cycle irregularities and inter-individual hormonal variations.
Conclusions
- The menstrual cycle significantly influences autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, cognition, and emotional regulation in biological women.
- ANS measures like HRV and BRS show potential as objective indicators for assessing menstrual cycle-related physiological and psychological shifts.
- Further research is needed to reconcile contradictory findings and establish clearer links between hormonal phases and ANS responses.
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