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Variations in plasma volume affect total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations during the menstrual
E M Cullinane1, S M Yurgalevitch, A L Saritelli
1Division of Preventive Cardiology, Miriam Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Serum lipid levels, including total and LDL cholesterol, fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. These changes are largely driven by alterations in plasma volume, which decreases during this period.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Women's Health
Background:
- Serum lipid levels are known to exhibit variations throughout the menstrual cycle.
- The specific mechanisms driving these lipid fluctuations require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contribution of plasma volume changes to menstrual cycle-related variations in serum lipids and lipoproteins.
- To quantify the relationship between plasma volume shifts and alterations in cholesterol levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured in 18 premenopausal women at regular intervals during their menstrual cycle.
- Plasma volume changes were estimated using hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
- A comparison group of 11 men was included.
Main Results:
- Total and LDL cholesterol increased significantly within 10 days post-menstruation, with HDL cholesterol also showing a rise.
- A decrease in plasma volume was observed around day 10, coinciding with peak lipid elevations.
- After adjusting for plasma volume changes, most significant lipid alterations were no longer apparent.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in plasma volume significantly contribute to the observed changes in total and LDL cholesterol during the menstrual cycle.
- Plasma volume fluctuations account for approximately half of the increase in total and LDL cholesterol observed during this period.
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