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Lab study, 2004

Can a portable device accurately measure blood oxygen levels across the menstrual cycle?

A portable device called Astrim can reliably measure blood oxygen levels using near-infrared light. Body temperature and hormone levels measured in urine increased in the premenstrual phase.

Early or limited evidence 25 young healthy women, average age 20.4 years

What they did

Twenty-five young women not on medications participated. A portable device measured blood oxygen using near-infrared light during the follicular and late luteal phases across three cycles. Measurements were taken after overnight fasting. Women recorded daily physical and emotional symptoms.

What they found

Oral temperature and hormone levels measured in urine significantly increased during the late luteal phase (before menstruation). The device measurements of blood oxygen levels were reliable and repeatable.

What it means for you

The study showed this portable device can reliably measure blood oxygen levels across the menstrual cycle using near-infrared light. This was a small study in young healthy women not on medications, so the findings may not apply to older women or those with health conditions.

25

women in study

3

menstrual cycles studied

20.4

average age in years

About the study

Original title
Applicability of a Portable Non-Invasive Device Evaluating Hemoglobin and Peripheral Circulative Function in Eumenorrheic Young Women with Premenstrual Discomfort
Authors
Tamaki Matsumoto, Noriyuki Tatsumi
Journal
Blood
Year
2004
Study design
Lab study
What was tested
Measurement using a portable infrared device

Topics