Variation in the Pulmonary Functions with the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Adolescent Females

Background: The dynamic changes in the level of various hormones during different phases of the menstrual cycle are known to affect various functions of the body, apart from the reproductive system. This study was intended to demonstrate the variation in the pulmonary functions during different (menstrual, luteal and follicular) phases of the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study which was performed at a referral centre in India. Regularly menstruating adolescent girls who presented to the outpatients department for minor, non-respiratory ailments were included in the study. Their lung volumes were measured serially during various phases of the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual phases, various parameters were compared. Results: Over the study period, 200 girls were enrolled in the study; the complete details for the final assessment were available from 43 girls (age range-12 - 18 years, mean height-154.1 cm and mean weight -54.5 kg). The forced vital capacity, the forced expiratory volume, the FEV1/FVC ratio and the forced expiratory flow 25% to 50% were noticed to be significantly higher during the luteal phase and the lowest during the menstrual phase. Conclusions: The pulmonary functions which were quantified as lung volumes and peak flow rates were better during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, thus suggesting a possible beneficial role of progesterone in the management of respiratory illnesses.