The Effects Of Previous Amenorrhea On Vascular Function

Purpose: Young premenopausal women are susceptible to amenorrhea, which contributes to negative vascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction. It is unknown whether these vascular changes are permanent or reversable with the restoration of estrogen levels and the regaining of a consistent menstrual cycle. Methods: This study examined subclinical cardiovascular disease risk factors and the vascular function of 10 eumenorrheic women, and 6 previously amenorrhoeic women. Anthropometric measurements, radial pulse wave analysis, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness, beta stiffness, bone mineral density, brachial flow mediated dilation, and handgrip exercise blood flow measurements were taken and analyzed. Results: Previously amenorrhoeic women had significantly (p<0.05) lower systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, aortic systolic blood pressure, aortic diastolic blood pressure, and aortic mean arterial pressure, and a higher amount of physical activity during the week than eumenorrheic women. There were no differences between groups in average flow velocity, forearm blood flow, brachial diameter, and forearm vascular conductance for flow mediated dilation and dynamic handgrip exercise. Conclusion: There were no significant vascular structure remodeling differences between groups, and the amenorrhoeic group displayed lower peripheral and central blood pressure, thus suggesting that there are no long term detrimental cardiovascular effects of previous amenorrhea.