Aparajita Chakraborty1, Shrabani Barman2, Jyotismita Deka3
BACKGROUND
The menstrual cycle is not only a monthly cycle involving endometrial and cervical changes, but also is associated with many physical, psychological and behavioural changes.
AIMS
The study we have undertaken here was conducted to assess the blood pressure changes in response to isometric hand grip exercise test, cold pressor test and postural challenge test during the three different phases of the menstrual cycle in normal healthy females.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
The present study was a cross-sectional study involving a study group of thirty healthy females. The tests were done in Department of Physiology, Silchar Medical College & Hospital.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
We randomly selected thirty healthy young girls in the age group of 18-25 years for our study. The resting blood pressure was recorded and the cardiovascular sympathetic function tests performed were Isometric handgrip exercise test, cold pressor test and postural challenge test.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
Statistical analysis was obtained by using ANOVA and paired-t test techniques. SPSS 18.0 and MS Excel software were used to perform the analysis.
RESULTS
Secretory (luteal) phase presented with a significant increase in the resting systolic blood pressure (119.1±4.41) and diastolic blood pressure (74.43±4.26), as compared to menstrual phase (SBP 116.11±4.23 & DBP 72.13±3.44) and proliferative (Follicular) phase (SBP 110.23±4.46 & DBP 69.13±3.13). This shows a sympathetic hyperactivity in luteal phase (p<0.05). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure also showed significant increase (p<0.05) in response to three tests. 1. Isometric handgrip exercise, 2. Cold pressor tests and 3. Postural challenge test, during their luteal phase as compared to the other two phases of menstrual cycle.
CONCLUSION
Our study shows that sympathetic activity is highest during luteal phase and lowest in the follicular phase as compared to the menstrual phase.
