ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Pneumologica 2008 March;47(1):11-5

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Does menstrual cycle influence spirometric indices in regularly menstruated young women?

Rubini A. ¹, Parmagnani A. ¹, Redaelli M. ¹, Catena V. ², Del Monte D. ³

¹ Section of Physiology Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology University of Padua, Italy 2 Intensive Care Unit Bassano del Grappa Hospital ULSS 3, Vicenza, Italy 3 Intensive Care Unit Camposampiero Hospital, ULSS 15, Padua, Italy

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Aim. Purpose of the study was to verify the possible influence of menstrual cycle and associated blood hormone level fluctuations on spirometric performance and main spirometric indices in regularly menstruated young women.
Methods. Complete standard spirometric examinations were performed using a bell standard spirometric apparatus on 12 regularly menstruated young women during menstruation, in peri-ovulatory and in luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. All measurements were performed in the morning, to avoid the possible effects of circadian influences.
Results. No significant difference was found in the main spirometric indices during different phases of the menstrual cycle, except for peak expiratory flow (PEF) mean values which resulted higher in peri-ovulatory phase than in luteal phase, and for maximal expiratory flow (MEF)75 mean values which resulted higher in menstrual than in luteal phase. These differences are probably due to the typically effort-dependent indices, which, as known, depend largely on the typical variability of spirometric measurements.
Conclusion. As PEF and MEF75 values are usually effort-dependent indices, menstrual cycle does not significantly affect the main spirometric indices. It is thus suggested that it is reasonable not to take into account the different phases of menstrual cycle in performing standard spirometric laboratory measurements, as usually done.