Influence of menstrual cycle phases on serum levels of lipids and lipoprotein ratios in eumenorrheic women

It is believed that the cyclic variations in sex hormones across the menstrual cycle may have effects on the lipid profile and hence on cardiovascular health. Thus, the purpose of study was to find out the serum levels of lipids and lipoprotein ratios in different phases of menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women. One hundred and twenty young healthy female subjects of reproductive age group (17-27 years), having regular menstrual cycle, were examined to find out the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and TG/HDL-C ratio in follicular phase (on 7 day) and in luteal phase (on 21 day). Significant higher (p>0.0001) levels of HDL-C and significant lower (p>0.0001) levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDLC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were observed in luteal phase as compared to follicular phase. These changes may be associated with high levels of sex hormones in the luteal phase. So, these cyclic variations in lipid levels may need to be considered in the design and interpretation of studies in reproductive age women and in the clinical management of their cholesterol.