Olfactory Perception and Different Decongestive Response of the Nasal Mucosa During Menstrual Cycle

Background: Sex hormones are known to have some influence on nasal functions, but their effect on the decongestive response of the nasal mucosa during menstrual cycle is still undetermined.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the nasal physiology, the interconnectedness of olfactory and respiratory nasal function and the decongestive response of the nasal mucosa during menstrual cycle.

Methods: This study included 101 healthy women aged 23.26 ± 4.81 years with a regular menstrual cycle. The nasal respiratory function and the decongestive response of the nasal mucosa were examined by rhinomanometry. Subjective sense of nasal obstruction and the subjective odor intensity were assessed by standardized questionnaires. The odor identification ability was assessed by Sniffin' Sticks test.

Results: Statistically significant higher values of nasal resistance (0.311 ± 0.107 Pa/cm/s) and NOSE score (11.893 ± 13.83) were observed in the ovulatory phase compared to the luteal (0.281 ± 0.084 Pa/cm/s and 9.029 ± 11.12). An odor identification test score was significantly higher in luteal phase (12.476 ± 1.48) compared to the ovulatory phase (11.971 ± 1.51), opposite of odor intensity. The difference of nasal resistance before and after decongestion was significantly higher in ovulatory phase (0.105 ± 0.097 Pa/cm/s) compared to the luteal (0.084 ± 0.079 Pa/cm/s). Correlation between subjective and objective parameters of the examinated nasal functions was not statistically significant in any menstrual phase.

Conclusion: In the population of women studied, total nasal resistance and NOSE score were significantly lower in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Odor identification was significantly higher in the luteal phase but odor intensity significantly higher in the ovulatory phase. The decongestive response of nasal mucosa was better in the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.