Autonomic Functions in Postmenopausal Women

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken on 24 human female postmenopausal subjects above the age of 50 years, to test the hypothesis that estrogen exerts regulatory influence on the autonomic nervous system in postmenopausal women. The parameters recorded and the test used were- pulse, blood pressure, orthostasis, cold pressor test, mental arithmetic and QTc interval for assessment of sympathetic activity and valsalva ratio, heart rate response, expiratory-inspiratory ratio (E.I. Ratio), standinglying ratio (S.L. Ratio) and 3015 ratio for assessment of parasympathetic activity. Our findings show that the changes in sex hormone levels, after menopause may affect the autonomic system response, with increase in reactivity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.