Study, 2012
Does breathing pattern change during the menstrual cycle in women with PMS?
Yes. During the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle, before the period), women with PMS had faster breathing and heart rate and lower carbon dioxide levels than during other phases of their cycle.
What they did
Researchers measured breathing rate, heart rate, and carbon dioxide levels in 50 women (average age 26±5 years) with PMS at three cycle phases: the follicular phase (days 6-7), the luteal phase (days 25-26), and day 2 of menstruation.
What they found
Respiratory rate and heart rate were significantly increased in the luteal phase compared to the follicular and menstrual phases. End-tidal carbon dioxide was lower in the luteal phase. Faster breathing and low carbon dioxide in the luteal phase might affect nerve function and could explain some PMS symptoms.
What it means for you
Changes in breathing during the menstrual cycle could be linked to PMS symptoms. Helping women normalize breathing during the luteal phase might help reduce psychological symptoms. The main limitation is there was no comparison group of women without PMS to see if they have the same breathing changes.
50
women with PMS
26±5
average age in years
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of End Tidal Carbondioxide concentration on different phases of menstrual cycle in subjects suffering with Premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Chandra Selvi. E
- Journal
- IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 50
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.9790/0853-0142933
Topics
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