Effects of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on asthma

Introduction: The effect of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations on asthma is little known compared to the effect of allergens, irritants, respiratory infections and many other factors.Study Objectives: To identify anamnestic, clinical, hormonal, and functional elements related to the menstrual cycle that may influence asthma control.Materials and methods: descriptive prospective study on 95 non-menopausal asthmatic patients, aged 16 to 50 years. They provided spirometries and assays of progesterone and estradiol during the phases: follicular between the 3rd and 5th day of the cycle, luteal between the 19th and 21st day and premenstruation between the 26th and 28th day of the cycle.Results: The worsening of asthma in premenstruation is found in 42.1% of cases and is associated with a premenstrual syndrome in 92.5% of cases.The comparison of the different stages of asthma severity found a higher frequency of severe asthma around the age of 40. Non-control of asthma is associated with worsening of asthma during premenstruation in 85.2% of cases and with taking an oral contraceptive. Spirometry analysis found a significant decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio during the last two phases of the cycle. Patients aged under 45 also have a significant decrease in FVC and FEV during the premenstrual phase. Furthermore, no difference in mean hormone levels was observed between the different stages of asthma severity. On the other hand, the non-control of asthma is significantly as...
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Airway pharmacology and treatment Source Type: research