Variations in Pulmonary Function in Relation with the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Adult Female

Objective: To compare the respiratory parameters during different menstrual versus luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult female. Methodology: This comparative study was conducted in research lab physiology department of Liaquat University of medical and health sciences Jamshoro, from January 2018 July 2018.  Adult healthy non-pregnant females aged between 18 and 24 years were Included. Each participant was advised to visit the Physiology Lab on a particular date for pulmonary function test during menstrual (1-5th day) and luteal (19-22th day) phases, based on their menstrual history. Using the Power lab AD tools 15:HT Computerized Spirometer and parameters recorded on Labtutor software, the participants were made to undertake pulmonary function testing in distinct menstrual cycle stages. All the data was collected via study proforma. Results: Mean age of the cases was 20.03+6.30 years and mean duration of menstrual cycle was 28.62±1.35 days. Mean FVC value was significantly higher in luteal phase (2.57) as compared to menstrual phase (2.50) (p-0.016).  Average FEV1 value was significantly higher in luteal phase (2.61) compared to menstrual phase (2.53) (p-0.009). Average values of PEF and FEV1/FVC were also significantly higher in luteal phase as compared to menstrual phase (p-<0.05). Conclusion: Pulmonary functions as well as respiratory efficiency were significantly improved in luteal phase compared to menstrual phase of menstrual cycle, which were enumerated in this study thus suggesting a possible beneficial role of progesterone in improvement of respiratory parameters. The reason could be the bronchodilator effect of progesterone, its level remains higher during this phase.