Abstract

Background: The menstrual cycle is an important event in a woman’s life. The cyclical hormonal changes affect not only her reproductive system, but also the other systems in her body.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to see if there were any differences in pulmonary function parameters between the pre- and post-ovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle.

Materials and Methods: The healthy subjects in their reproductive years were chosen. Pulmonary function tests done by computerized spirometer in both pre- and post-ovulatory phases of the subjects and compared. The data were collected, statistically analyzed, and conclusions were drawn.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the value of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1st s peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow (25–75%) in post-ovulatory phase as compared to pre-ovulatory phase.

Conclusions: The results obtained could be due to progesterone’s action as a bronchodilator. It improves individual’s ventilatory capacity by relaxing the smooth muscle lining the bronchial walls. Furthermore, the current study may have practical relevance in advising clinicians to supplement progesterone hormones to females suffering from lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Key words: Menstrual Cycle; Pulmonary Function; Pre-ovulatory Phase; Postovulatory Phase