Menstrual and oral contraceptive pill cycles minimally influence vascular function and associated cellular regulation in premenopausal females
Jennifer S. Williams, Jem L. Cheng, Jenna C. Stone, Michael Kamal, Joshua M. Cherubini, Gianni Parise, Maureen J. MacDonald
Abstract
Comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular system in naturally cycling and second and third generation OCP users indicates no major influence of hormonal phases examined on endothelial function and smooth muscle function in the arteries of the upper and lower limbs, arterial stiffness, or underlying cellular mechanisms. Study findings challenge the historical exclusion of female participants due to potentially confounding hormonal cycles; researchers are encouraged to consider the hormonal environment in future study design.
Topics & Concepts
Brachial arteryInternal medicineEndocrinologyLuteal phaseOral contraceptive pillMenstrual cycleMedicineEnosEstrogenArterial stiffnessEndothelial dysfunctionPulse wave velocityPopulationFollicular phaseHormoneNitric oxideNitric oxide synthaseBlood pressureEnvironmental healthFamily planningResearch methodologyCardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention