Mapping changes in women's visual functions during the menstrual cycle: narrative review

BACKGROUNDThis article systematically updates the literature on changes in visual functions during the phases of the normal menstrual cycle in women. OBJECTIVESTo update Guttridge's 1994 review of visual structures and functions associated with the menstrual cycle and broaden the search through...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:São Paulo medical journal 2021-01, Vol.139 (6), p.662-674
Main Authors: Figueiredo, Bruna Gabrielli Damascena de, Rezende, Maria Thalita Cardoso, Santos, Natanael Antonio dos, Andrade, Michael Jackson Oliveira de
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Basic visual functions
Estrogen
Healthy women
MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL
Menstrual cycle
Narrative review [publication type]
Progesterone
Vision disorders
Visual contrast
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Summary:BACKGROUNDThis article systematically updates the literature on changes in visual functions during the phases of the normal menstrual cycle in women. OBJECTIVESTo 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 SETTINGNarrative review conducted in a neurosciences and behavior laboratory in Brazil. METHODSThe 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. RESULTSThe 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. CONCLUSIONSThese 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.
ISSN:1516-3180
1806-9460
1806-9460
DOI:10.1590/1516-3180.2020.0474.r2.03052021