Studies of glucose tolerance, insulin and growth hormone secretion during the menstrual cycle in healthy women.

Abstract

ORAL glucose tolerance tests were performed at regular intervals during the menstrual cycle in 33 healthy women. When the results were adjusted for the point in cycle at which the tests were done, minor variations in glucose tolerance were observed during the cycle. At no stage was a diabetic glucose tolerance test encountered. A small variation in serum insulin levels was noted also. Growth hormone levels did not vary significantly. The most striking feature of the study was the high incidence of low blood sugar levels found at 90 to 120 minutes after glucose ingestion.