Psychophysiological and neuroendocrine responses to laboratory stressors in women: implications of menstrual cycle phase and stressor type.
Biol Psychol
; 83(2): 84-92, 2010 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19922766
ABSTRACT
This study assessed stressor and menstrual phase effects on psychophysiological and neuroendocrine responses to laboratory stressors in freely cycling women (N=78, ages 18-45). Participants performed counterbalanced stressors [Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) or cold pressor test (CP)] during their follicular and luteal menstrual cycle phases between 100 and 300p.m. to control for cortisol rhythm. Participants rested 30-min, performed the stressor, and then recovered 30-min while electrocardiography continuously monitored heart rate (HR). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), salivary cortisol, and state anxiety were assessed at timed intervals. HR, SBP, and cortisol varied more over the course of luteal than follicular phase testing. A three-way interaction revealed state anxiety reactivity was greater with the PASAT during the follicular phase. DBP showed equal and persistent reactivity with both stressors during both cycle phases. Results extend the stressor-specific HPAA hypothesis and have important methodological implications for women's biopsychology research.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anxiety Disorders
/
Stress, Psychological
/
Hydrocortisone
/
Follicular Phase
/
Laboratories
/
Menstrual Cycle
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Biol Psychol
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States