Assessment of Pulmonary Functions during Various Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Young Girls

Swapnil Bhirange, Mahesh Jajulwar

Abstract: Assessment of pulmonary functions during various phases of menstrual cycle in healthy young girls. Introduction: Rhythm of menstrual cycle is controlled by Hypothalamus – pituitary – ovarian axis. It is well known that the asthma incidence is greater in boys during childhood and in girls during adolescence. This study was undertaken to confirm the probable effects of these hormones on the bronchial musculature that may explain exacerbation of symptoms during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Aim and Objective: Aim of the study is to carry out pulmonary function tests during menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle in young girls. Methodology: This study was conducted in a tertiary teaching college and hospital in Mumbai. The study involved the collection of data from 50 female volunteers after taking an informed consent. The volunteers were in the age group between 18 and 26 years and BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m2. Results: Mean values of FVC were 2.64 ± 0.33, 3.12 ± 0.35 and 3.19 ± 0.46 liters in menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases respectively. Mean values of FEV1 in menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases were 2.32 ± 0.89, 2.58 ±0.48 and 2.83 ± 0.53 liters respectively. Mean values of FEV1 /FVC ( %) were 92.37 ± 8.20, 91.29 ± 6.36 and 90.67 ± 4.21 in menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases respectively. Mean values of PEFR in menstrual, proliferative, secretory phases were 5.79 ± 1.35, 6.19 ± 0.68 and 6.44 ± 0.56 (liters/sec). Conclusion: The difference in FVC, FEV1, PEFR and MVV values were significant in menstrual and proliferative phases, in menstrual and secretory phase and also in proliferative and secretory phase.

Keywords: pulmonary functions, asthma, menstrual cycle, secretory phase