Survey study, 2003
Does blood pressure change during the menstrual cycle?
Yes, blood pressure does change during the menstrual cycle. Systolic blood pressure is lower in the first half of the cycle, and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate are lower during menstruation and the first half of the cycle.
What they did
Researchers measured blood pressure and heart rate every 30 to 60 minutes over 24 hours on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of the menstrual cycle in 12 women aged 28 to 50. Women also reported their posture, physical effort, and mood at each measurement.
What they found
Systolic blood pressure was lower on day 8. Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were lower on days 1 and 8. Posture and tenseness affected blood pressure, but physical effort only affected heart rate. Menstrual cycle phase improved prediction of systolic blood pressure for 5 of the 12 women studied.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle does affect blood pressure, particularly in the first half of the cycle. Posture and mood can also affect blood pressure. The main limitation is that this was a very small study of only 12 women, measured on only 4 days across the cycle.
day 8
when systolic blood pressure was lowest
5 out of 12
women where menstrual phase improved blood pressure prediction
30-60 min
measurement interval over 24 hours
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of daily activities on ambulatory blood pressure during menstrual cycle in normotensive women
- Authors
- Tsai PS, Yucha CB, Sheffield D et al.
- Journal
- Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 12
- What was tested
- None - observational study measuring blood pressure across the menstrual cycle.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1023/a:1022364832488
Topics
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