Response of the pulmonary system to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in obese and non obese women

Background: The role of estrogen on pulmonary function test (PFT) was well known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%), whereas no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) & leutinizing hormone [LH] was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in obese and non obese women. Materials and Methods: Healthy young adult females between 19-25 years in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle leading a sedentary life style were considered in the study group.10 subjects in each group were studied based on the body mass index (BMI), were made to undergo treadmill exercise testing and computerized spirometry to assess dynamic lung functions.Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters maximum mid expiratory flow [MMEF], peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), mid expiratory flow (MEF) 25% to 75% in either of the groups.Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in proliferative phase which is further accentuated by exercise and obesity, at least borderline does not have much influence on respiratory system adaptability.Key words: Adaptability, Estrogen in exercise, Proliferative phase, PF