Nasal and Eustachian Tube Function During Menstrual Cycle

<b>Introduction:</b> Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing various physiological functions in women. <br><br><b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hormonal changes and alterations in the upper respiratory tract during different phases of the menstrual cycle. <br><br><b>Materials and methods:</b> Forty healthy, non-pregnant women participated in the study. Two subgroups were analyzed: Subgroup 1 included 25 women examined in a single phase (follicular phase [FP]: n = 11 or luteal phase [LP]: n = 14), while Subgroup 2 comprised 15 women assessed during both phases. Nasal patency was evaluated with rhinomanometry and Eustachian Tube (ET) function with tympanometry; all patients underwent screening for nasal obstruction and ear blockage. Menstrual cycle phases were confirmed via ultrasound and hormonal assays. <br><br><b>Results:</b> Nasal obstruction and ear blockage, as reported in the screening, rhinomanometry, and tympanometry, were significantly more pronounced in the LP than in the FP. The LP was associated with reduced nasal airflow and middle ear pressure. Hormonal correlations revealed that higher progesterone and estrogen levels in the LP were linked to increased nasal obstruction and ET swelling, validated by both subjective reports and objective measurements. <br><br><b>Conclusions:</b> Elevated progesterone and estrogen levels during the LP significantly impact nasal patency and ET function in women. The findings indicate a marked increase in nasal resistance during the LP, highlighting the hormonal influence on upper respiratory tract dynamics.