Influence of the menstrual cycle hormones on autonomic nervous system tests

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of estrogen and progesterone on autonomic nervous system by non-invasive electrophysiological autonomic tests such as sympathetic skin response (SSR) test and R-R interval. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one subjects aged between 22-35 years were evaluated in EMG laboratory. SSR and R-R interval tests were performed twice, first in the early follicular (EF) phase and for a second time during the midluteal (ML) phase respectively. RESULTS: SSR latency parameter was significantly shorter in follicular than midluteal phases (p<0.05) without indicating any correlation with the level of the hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone). CONCLUSION: Hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle alter the sympathetic skin response latency but not baroreflex regulation of heart rate.