Case-control study, 2017
Do hormones and inflammation change during the menstrual cycle in women whose asthma worsens during periods?
Yes. During the second half of the cycle, women with asthma that worsens around their period had higher estradiol levels in the blood, a higher estradiol-to-progesterone ratio, and higher inflammation markers in fluid from the lungs.
What they did
Followed 33 women (13 with asthma that worsens around their period, 10 with regular asthma, and 10 healthy) for 12 weeks over 2 menstrual cycles. On day 10 and day 26 of each cycle, researchers measured hormone levels and collected fluid from the lungs to measure inflammation.
What they found
In women with asthma that worsens around their period, the luteal phase (second half of the cycle) showed increased estradiol and an increased estradiol-to-progesterone ratio. Inflammation markers (IL-5 and IL-8) in sputum were also increased. Testosterone levels were lower, and the total number of inflammatory cells in sputum was increased in both phases of the cycle.
What it means for you
In women whose asthma gets worse around their period, hormonal changes in the second half of the cycle appear linked to increased inflammation in the airways. The main limitation is the small number of women studied with the condition.
13
Women with asthma worsening around their period
12 weeks
Study duration
2
Menstrual cycles tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Serum estradiol concentration, estradiol-to-progesterone ratio and sputum IL-5 and IL-8 concentrations are increased in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in perimenstrual asthma patients
- Authors
- Semik-Orzech A, Skoczyński S, Pierzchała W
- Journal
- European annals of allergy and clinical immunology
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 13
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.23822/eurannaci.1764-1489.09
Topics
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