Does cortisol change differently across the menstrual cycle in women with and without PMS?

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of the menstrual cycle phases on cortisol levels before and after a maximal incremental exercise test in women with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: Nineteen healthy, active and eumenorrheic women completed five maximal incremental exercise tests; three of those were performed at specific phases of the menstrual cycle (i.e., menses, follicular, and luteal). The participants were allocated into two groups according to the presence of PMS ( n = 11) or absence of PMS (NO-PMS, n = 8). Samples of blood were collected before and after each experimental test. A three-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the differences between menstrual cycle phases (i.e., menses, follicular, and luteal), time (before and after) and groups (PMS and NO-PMS). Results: The results demonstrated an alteration of cortisol across the menstrual cycle, with cortisol levels significantly ( p p > 0.05) in cortisol levels for groups or time. Conclusions: This study observed significant cortisol fluctuations across the menstrual cycle phases in women with and without PMS. Future studies should consider alternative maximal incremental test protocols and incorporate a more comprehensive hormonal profile to provide a deeper physiological understanding of this population.

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