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Nasal congestion during the menstrual cycle
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mölndal Hospital, Sweden.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Nasal congestion during menstruation is not caused by high estrogen levels. Studies show reduced nasal airflow during periods, suggesting other factors contribute to this common symptom.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- Estrogens are often implicated in nasal congestion during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
- However, the direct relationship between estrogen levels and menstrual nasal congestion requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the degree of nasal congestion in healthy women throughout their menstrual cycle.
- To determine if estrogen levels correlate with subjective and objective measures of nasal congestion.
Main Methods:
- Nasal peak expiratory flow (nPEF) was measured in 27 women for 3 months and 14 women for 6 months.
- Subjective nasal stuffiness was scored twice daily.
- Data were analyzed in relation to the menstrual cycle phases.
Main Results:
- Morning nPEF was significantly lower during menstrual days (lowest estrogen levels) compared to other cycle phases (P = 0.0012).
- This reduction was most pronounced on the second day of the cycle (P = 0.00034).
- A high correlation (R = 0.98) was observed between nPEF and subjective stuffiness scores.
Conclusions:
- The nasal obstruction experienced during menstruation is not explained by increased serum estrogen levels.
- Lower nasal airflow during menstruation suggests other physiological mechanisms are involved.
- Objective and subjective measures of nasal congestion are highly correlated.