Serum Electrolytes During Different Phases Of Menstrual Cycle

Background: Although the coordinated sequence of hormonal changes during the normal menstrual cycle are well characterized, whether similar or parallel changes occur in the distribution of various electrolytes has not been clearly established. Materials and methods: This corollary follow up study on 50 healthy normal menstruating females presents variation in serum calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium during menstrual, follicular and luteal phases of menstrual cycle. Results: The study demonstrated that serum calcium levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in follicular phase than menstrual and luteal phases. Serum magnesium levels were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in follicular phase than menstrual and luteal phases. Serum sodium levels were significantly lower in luteal phase than the menstrual and follicular phases. Serum potassium levels were higher (non-significant) in luteal phase than menstrual and follicular phases. Conclusion: The concurrence of these cyclical changes in these electrolytes supports the claim of many women that they suffer changes in fluid and electrolyte balance in the premenstrual days. Moreover, these changes may have significance in terms of the normal reference interval, hence necessitate small but significant alterations to the normal reference interval.