Effects of biological sex and oral contraceptive pill use on cutaneous microvascular endothelial function and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in humans
Casey G. Turner, Anna E. Stanhewicz, Karen E. Nielsen, Jeffrey S. Otis, Rafaela G. Feresin, Brett J. Wong
Abstract
This study supports differences in microvascular endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation between women in low hormone phases of two hormonal exposures and men. However, when separated into subgroups of hormonal exposure, women during placebo pills of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use have greater NO-dependent vasodilation than naturally cycling women in their menstrual phase and men. These data improve knowledge of sex differences and the effect of OCP use on microvascular endothelial function.
Topics & Concepts
Nitric oxideVasodilationOral contraceptive pillPillMedicineHormoneEndothelial dysfunctionHormonal contraceptionPlaceboPhysiologyInternal medicineEndocrinologyEndotheliumPharmacologyPopulationFamily planningResearch methodologyPathologyAlternative medicineEnvironmental healthThermoregulation and physiological responsesClimate Change and Health ImpactsHeart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control