Nerve Conduction Velocity across the phases of menstrual cycle

During reproductive life of women, menstrual cycle is a physiological phenomenon. Alteration in the concentration of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone influences its phases. Across normal menstrual cycle, fluctuating levels of sex steroids affect sensory-motor association of an individual.

To study the nerve conduction velocity across the phases of menstrual cycle.

In 50 female's medical students with regular menstrual cycle belonging 19–25 years of age, a cross sectional study was conducted. Nerve conduction velocity was calculated by recording evoked electromyogram (EMG) by stimulating median nerve at elbow and at wrist.

There is no statistically significant change in nerve conduction velocity (measured in m/s) across the different phases of menstrual cycle, though slight decrease in secretory phase (57.96±2.99) comparing proliferative phase (57.99±3.83) and menstrual phase (58.37±2.92).

NCV slightly decreases during secretory phase, may be due to the hormones estrogen and progesterone causing retention of salt and water, may be considered as physiological.