| Abstract: | The effects of menstrual cycle (days 1, 14, 21) on sex steroids and psychophysiological measures were studied in 5 normally cycling women not receiving oral contraceptives. Testing consisted of three 1/2-hour sessions. Time of day and order effects were controlled. Nonspecific skin conductance responses, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and mean pressure were recorded in 5-minute blocks. After each test, 10 cc of venous blood was drawn and the serum was analyzed in duplicate via RIA procedures for levels of estrone, estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. Significant differences were found over days for estone, estradiol, and progesterone but not for testosterone. Systolic BP also showed significant variation with day of cycle. Significantly more nonspecific SCRs occurred furing the luteal phase than during the other 2 phases. Results indicate that there are significant differences in systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate, and skin conductance responses which are associated with varying levels of estrogen and progesterone which occur during the menstrual cycle. Since actual measurement of hormones was made, these results can be clearly linked to different hormonal concentrations, raher than being merely inferred as was done in previous studies. |
