Evaluation of Relative Blood Viscosity During Menstruation in Reproductive Females

Abstract

The changes in blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, haematocrit and erythrocyte sedimentation rate before and during menstruation were evaluated. Forty (40) apparently healthy reproductive female subjects (between 15 and 28 years) and resident in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria were used for the study. The parameters were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures and the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (paired t-Test; correlation and regression). Blood samples were collected during two phases of the menstrual cycle – the premenstrual and the mid menstrual phase. Results show variations in the studied parameters before and during menstruation. Relative blood viscosity, relative plasma viscosity and hematocrit were significantly reduced (P<0.001) during menstruation compared to the values before menstruation. The mean values of relative blood viscosity, relative plasma viscosity and hematocrit were 2.52±0.07, 1.15±0.01 and 0.37±0.004L/L respectively for menstrual phase and 3.86±0.07, 1.49±0.02, 0.43±0.005L/L respectively for premenstrual phase. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly higher (6.78±0.18mm/hr) during the menstrual phase than during the premenstrual phase (4.61±0.10mm/hr) at P<0.001. Blood viscosity thus decreases during menstruation and this may be reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in premenopausal women.