Study, 2012
Does the menstrual cycle phase affect fainting episodes in women with fainting problems?
No. The cycle phase doesn't change how often fainting happens or how well the test works. However, fainting episodes last longest during the period, and one type of fainting reaction is less common in the week after ovulation.
What they did
183 premenopausal women with unexplained fainting were given a tilt test (standing on a tilted table) during different phases of their menstrual cycle. The cycle was divided into four phases: during period, before ovulation, around ovulation, and after ovulation.
What they found
Positive test results happened equally often across all cycle phases. The longest fainting episodes occurred during the period itself. In the week after ovulation, one type of fainting response (cardioinhibitory) was less common than in other phases. Around ovulation required the most medication to trigger fainting during the test. Whether women fainted or just felt faint didn't change by cycle phase.
What it means for you
Women with fainting problems can have fainting tests done at any time during their cycle. The phase doesn't affect how reliable the test is. This study only included women with unexplained fainting, so results may not apply to other groups.
183
women studied
29.5
average age in years
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the tilt testing results in vasovagal patients
- Authors
- Zyśko D, Gajek J, Terpiłowski L et al.
- Journal
- Archives of gynecology and obstetrics
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 183
- What was tested
- Tilt testing, a diagnostic test performed across different menstrual cycle phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2308-4