HEART RATE CHANGES DURING DIFFERENT PHASES OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is only one manifestation of the ovarian cycle which is itself associated with many physical, psychological and behavioural changes. Autonomic changes occur during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The aim of the research work was to study heart rate changes during different phases of normal menstrual cycle using group of tests and to establish the validity of such conflicting results. Methods: Heart rate changes were evaluated in 30 female students of J.S.S. Medical and Dental College and Hospital, Mysore, India aged between 18–25 years during different phases of menstrual cycle. Students with normal menstrual cycle were chosen for the study. These tests were conducted on specified days of menstrual cycle in the morning during 3 phases of menstrual- menstrual, follicular and luteal.  Heart rate change tests were performed at Rest, Expiration-Inspiration ratio, 30:15 ratio, S/L ratio and Valsalva ratio. These batteries of tests were shown to be reliable and reproducible with very little physical or mental efforts by the subject. Results: The resting heart rate difference between menstrual and luteal, and between follicular and luteal was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of 30:15 ratio, E-I ratio, S/L ratio, and valsalva ratio between the 3 phases of menstrual cycle. (p>0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded that there was no heart rate changes during different phases of menstrual cycle within our study group. In spite of being non-invasive technique, the present study would be clinically useful.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(2):29–31