Publication:

Study of iron status indicators in different phases of menstrual cycle in first year medical college females

Background Iron requirements are increased in adolescent girls with growth and the onset of menarche and remain high in women until menopause.

Methods We conducted a study on first year medical college female students (age group 18-25 years) belonging to socioeconomic classes 1 and 2 as per the Modified Kuppuswamy’s Scale to study the effect of the phases of menstrual cycle on the iron status indicators (ISI) (Hb, Serum Iron, TIBC, MCV and TS%). Menstrual phases were defined and blood samples were drawn from all the girls in all the 3 phases (menstrual, follicular and luteal) and Hb, Serum iron and Total iron binding capacity were assessed on a semi-auto-analyzer and MCV was estimated using a fully automated CBC machine. Transferrin Saturation was derived as Serum Iron / TIBC × 100.

Results We found significant (p<0.01) difference in iron status indicators (ISI) that varied significantly in accordance to the menstrual cycle, with values highest during the luteal phase and lowest during the menstrual phase.

Conclusions The effect of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle plays a part in the variation of iron status measures, which has to be considered while measuring them in a female during her reproductive years.