de Figueiredo BGD, Rezende MTC, dos Santos NA, de Andrade MJO. Mapping changes in women's visual functions during the menstrual cycle: narrative review.
SAO PAULO MED J 2021;
139:662-674. [PMID:
34787299 PMCID:
PMC9634831 DOI:
10.1590/1516-3180.2020.0474.r2.03052021]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This article systematically updates the literature on changes in visual functions during the phases of the normal menstrual cycle in women.
OBJECTIVES
To update Guttridge's 1994 review of visual structures and functions associated with the menstrual cycle and broaden the search through psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurobehavioral measurements covering 1994-2020.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Narrative review conducted in a neurosciences and behavior laboratory in Brazil.
METHODS
The PubMed, Cochrane Clinical Answers and Google Scholar databases were searched. After screening and applying the eligibility criteria, 32 articles were examined. Through this analysis, the following information was extracted: (1) geographical distribution of the study; (2) sample size (according to age and phase of the menstrual cycle); (3) type of measurements according to psychophysical, neuroimaging and neurobehavioral instruments; (4) vision testing model; (5) visual subcategory evaluated; (6) categories of processed visual stimuli; and (7) main findings.
RESULTS
The menstrual phases give rise to significant changes in visual functions, including in relation to orientation and spatial attention, visual campimetry and visual sensitivity. These relate specifically to the follicular and luteal phases.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings theoretically expand the effects of menstrual cycles on visual functions found by Guttridge (1994). Despite some inconsistencies in the studies analyzed, it was found that visual processing during the follicular and luteal phases of the normal menstrual cycle of healthy women can explain physiological, cognitive, behavioral and social modulations.
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