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Autonomic functions during different phases of menstrual cycle
1Department of Physiology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This study found higher systolic blood pressure (BP) and lower galvanic skin response (GSR) during the pre-menstrual phase in women. Autonomic nervous system activity showed no significant changes across menstrual phases.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Women's Health
Background:
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions.
- Menstrual cycle phases are associated with hormonal fluctuations.
- Understanding ANS variations during the menstrual cycle is crucial for women's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in autonomic functions during different phases of the menstrual cycle.
- To compare blood pressure (BP) and galvanic skin response (GSR) across pre-menstrual, menstrual, and post-menstrual phases.
- To assess parasympathetic activity variations throughout the menstrual cycle.
Main Methods:
- Study included healthy female human subjects.
- Autonomic functions were monitored during pre-menstrual, menstrual, and post-menstrual phases.
- Systolic blood pressure (BP) and galvanic skin response (GSR) were measured.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) was observed in the pre-menstrual phase.
- Galvanic skin response (GSR) was significantly lower during the pre-menstrual phase compared to other phases.
- No significant differences in parasympathetic activity were detected across the studied menstrual phases.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic functions, specifically BP and GSR, exhibit distinct patterns during the pre-menstrual phase.
- The pre-menstrual phase is characterized by heightened sympathetic-related responses (higher BP, lower GSR).
- Parasympathetic activity appears to remain stable irrespective of the menstrual cycle phase.