Comparative Study of Hematological and Biochemical Parameters during Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Young Healthy Women Aged 18-22 Years

Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to females and nearly universal experience in women's lives and is poorly understood. It is characterized by co-ordinated sequence of hormonal changes but the changes that occur in the distribution of hematological parameters and biochemical parameters have not been clearly established. The present study was undertaken with the following aim: i) To compare hematological parameters in different phases of menstrual cycle. ii) To compare biochemical parameters in different phases of menstrual cycle. Materials & Methods: The present study was carried out on healthy female medical students in the age group of 18 to 22 years with normal menstrual cycle of 30±3 days. Various hematological and biochemical parameters were studied during different phases of menstrual cycle. Result: RBC count and Hb were decreased in menstrual phase compared to other phases. Total leucocyte count was significantly (p<0.001) increased in follicular phase and significantly decreased in luteal phase. Total platelet count was significantly (p<0.001) increased during follicular phase compared to menstrual phase and Luteal phase. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly (p<0.001) increased in menstrual phase compared to follicular phase. Differential leucocyte count revealed that all types of leucocytes showed hardly any variation during the different phases of menstrual cycle, except in case of eosinophil, which showed a significant (p<0.01) decrease in follicular phase. Serum calcium levels were significantly higher in follicular phase than menstrual phase and luteal phase. Serum magnesium levels were significantly highest during luteal phase and lowest during the follicular phase. Serum sodium levels were significantly decreased in luteal phase compared to follicular phase and menstrual phase. Serum potassium levels did not show any significant changes in different phases of menstrual cycle. Interpretation and Conclusion: This study was a moderate attempt to determine regular variation in the different hematological and biochemical parameters during the different phases of menstrual cycle in normal healthy females and evaluate conflicting reports on the subjects. The cyclical changes in the electrolytes supports the claim of many women that they suffer changes in fluid and electrolyte balance in the premenstrual days.