What is the major problem being addressed in this research program?

Our research is aimed at understanding how the regulation of blood pressure differs between men and women, and how the hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use impacts cardiovascular function. In particular, we are trying to identify the mechanisms that underlie the increased risk of fainting in young women compared to men.

What specific questions are being asked and how will they be answered?

We are exploring the general hypothesis that an elevated estrogen level during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle is associated with decreased sympathetic nerve activity and regulation of blood vessels. In addition, we will examine whether changes in hemodynamic regulation during the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use translate into functional changes in orthostatic tolerance, particularly in warm environmental conditions.

What is the long-term biomedical significance of this work, particularly as it pertains to the cardiovascular area? What major therapeutic advances might it lead to?

It is our goal to understand more completely the independent and combined effects of estrogen and progesterone on blood pressure regulation. This may lead to a better understanding as to why women tend to faint more often than men, and why women tend to have decreased rates of cardiovascular disease than men.

What are some of the methods and techniques being used to address these questions?

Our volunteer research subjects undergo a variety of tests during these studies including head-up tilt table testing and heating-stress testing performed with the use of water-perfused suits. 

                                                   This project is supported by a grant from: