Changes in pulmonary transfer factor with menstrual cycle phase

To determine whether lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO) alters during menstrual phase and if steroid hormone levels relate to these changes, TLCO and TLCO adjusted for both alveolar volume (TL/VA) and haemoglobin concentration, were measured at five predefined and hormonally confirmed menstrual phases in 13 women. No difference between phases was observed in TLCO or adjusted values. Moreover, there was no association between the maximal change in oestradiol, progesterone, or oestradiol:progesterone ratio and the change in TLCO measured at the same time. When the first five chronological measurements, regardless of the menstrual phase at which they were measured, were analysed, TLCO 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 TLCO measurements may be higher, we found neither menstrual cycle phase nor ovarian hormone-related changes in TLCO, and conclude that its adjustment for menstrual phase may not be necessary.