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01-02-2009 | Original Article

Modulation of heart rate variability by estrogen in young women undergoing induction of ovulation

Authors: Amir Weissman, Lior Lowenstein, Joseph Tal, Gonen Ohel, Ilan Calderon, Abraham Lightman

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 3/2009

Abstract

Estrogens are involved in the modulation of the cardiovascular system, yet their effects in young women remains largely unknown. Women who undergo ovulation induction treatments attain extremely high estrogen concentrations during a very short time period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an acute increase in estrogens on the autonomic nervous system modulation of heart rate variability (HRV). A total of 27 women undergoing ovulation induction and 14 normally menstruating women were prospectively studied. HRV was assessed during nadir and peak estrogen using time domain and power spectral density analyses. A significant increase in high-frequency spectral power (243 ± 77 vs. 188 ± 73 ms²/Hz, P < 0.01) with a significant decrease in the ratio of low to high-frequency power was observed during estrogen peak in women undergoing induction of ovulation. The acute increase in estrogen in women undergoing ovulation induction was associated with vagal activation and altered sympathovagal balance.

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Title: Modulation of heart rate variability by estrogen in young women undergoing induction of ovulation
Authors: Amir Weissman
Lior Lowenstein
Joseph Tal
Gonen Ohel
Ilan Calderon
Abraham Lightman
Publication date: 01-02-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-008-0914-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Modulation of heart rate variability by estrogen in young women undergoing induction of ovulation

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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