Changes in pulmonary transfer factor with menstrual cycle phase

Abstract

To determine whether lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (T(L(CO))) alters during menstrual phase and if steroid hormone levels relate to these changes, T(L(CO)) and T(L(CO)) adjusted for both alveolar volume (T(L)/V(A)) and haemoglobin concentration, were measured at five predefined and hormonally confirmed menstrual phases in 13 women. No difference between phases was observed in T(L(CO)) or adjusted values. Moreover, there was no association between the maximal change in oestradiol, progesterone, or oestradiol:progesterone ratio and the change in T(L(CO)) measured at the same time. When the first five chronological measurements, regardless of the menstrual phase at which they were measured, were analysed, T(L(CO)) changed significantly (p<0.05) with a maximal change between the first and fourth test (-2.69+/-2.53, 95% confidence interval). Although these results indicate that the first in a series of T(L(CO)) measurements may be higher, we found neither menstrual cycle phase nor ovarian hormone-related changes in T(L(CO)), and conclude that its adjustment for menstrual phase may not be necessary.