1Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Govt Theni Medical College, Andipatti
2Professor, Department of Physiology, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur
*Corresponding author: Vijayalakshmi M, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Govt Theni Medical College, Andipatti, Theni, 625512, Tamilnadu. Mobile: 08300002840, Email ID: m.vijikanna@gmail.com
Online published on 19 January, 2018.
Menopause is a normal aging phenomenon, which is characterized by the depletion of functional ovarian follicles that are responsible for estradiol production. Hormonal deficiency affects many metabolic and physiological functions within the women's body including cardiovascular system. Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing cardiovascular complication associated with alterations in autonomic nerve functions. Thus, this study was aimed to compare any significant deviations in autonomic functions in postmenopausal women with perimenopausal women.
Healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with the age group of 45-55yrs were selected for the study. Parameters like Orthostasis, Mean Arithmetic Mean, Corrected QT Interval for sympathetic functions and valsalva ratio, expiration inspiration ratio, 30: 15 ratio for parasympathetic functions are recorded. Serum estrogen was done for both the groups.
By using student's t test, it was found that there was a significant increase in the sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic activity in postmenopausal women when compared to perimenopausal women. Sr.estrogen levels were also reduced in postmenopausal women. Parameters reflecting parasympathetic activity like valsalva ratio, 30: 15 ratio, E: I ratio showed positive correlation with Sr.estrogen level in postmenopausal women.
There was a significant increase in the sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic activity in postmenopausal women due to decreased level of estrogen.
Postmenopausal women, Autonomic functions, Estrogen
