Effects Of Menstrual Cycle On Sweating During Exercise Performed In Hot And Dry Environment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the local and global sweat rates between the follicular and luteal phases of ovulatory cycles during a progressive exercise until exhaustion, held in a warm and dry environment. Eight women found to be healthy after undergoing a physical examination and with regular, ovulatory menstrual cycles participated in this study. The exercise was performed on a cycle ergometer according to the American College of Sports Medicine protocol. The test began with a power of 50watts in increments of 25watts every 2 minutes until exhaustion, while maintaining a speed of 50rpm. The local sweating rate was measured using filter paper and the global sweating rate was estimated using body weight. Ovulation was detected both by serial transvaginal ultrasonography and serum progesterone measurement. Rectal temperature was higher in the luteal phase (37.54 i?½ 0.03i?½C) when compared with the follicular phase (37.28 i?½ 0.05i?½C, p 0.05). In conclusion, under the environmental conditions tested in this study, the local and global sweat rates elicited by progressive exercise to exhaustion were not influenced by the phases of the menstrual cycle.