A Comparative Study on Autonomic Function Tests in Pre Menstrual Syndrome and Healthy Control Females

Diya P. D., Dr. J. K. Mukkadan

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to compare the autonomic function tests between PMS and control group. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by the cyclic occurrence of psychological, physiological and behavioral symptoms. Autonomic functions are altered in people with these symptoms. Autonomic activity both sympathetic and parasympathetic higher in PMS. A total 30 females with premenstrual syndrome and 30 age matched non PMS females was recruited in the study. The sympathetic activity was assessed by blood pressure response to cold pressor test. And parasympathetic activity assessed by blood pressure response to supine to standing position test. The study shows that there is significant increase in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the autonomic function test within the group but between the group the blood pressure changes were not significant.

Keywords: Premenstrual syndrome PMS, Autonomic nervous system ANS, Systolic blood pressure SBP, Diastolic blood pressure DBP, Body mass index BMI, Autonomic function tests