AUTHOR=Turner Casey G. , Stanhewicz Anna E. , Wong Brett J. 

TITLE=Female Sex Hormone Effects on the Vasculature: Considering the Validity of Restricting Study Inclusion to Low-Hormone Phases

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.596507

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2020.596507

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=<p>Many studies of vascular function limit the testing of premenopausal female participants to periods when female sex hormones, either endogenous or exogenous, are at their lowest concentration. This practice, when not part of the specific research question, may limit data surrounding the predominant physiological state of premenopausal females and pose a threat to external validity. In this <italic>Perspective</italic>, we briefly review the literature on the effect of female sex hormones on vascular function and discuss when limiting experimental testing to a certain phase of the menstrual cycle (MC) or oral contraceptive (OC) use may be appropriate. The goal of this <italic>Perspective</italic> is to open a dialog that may enhance data validity and the overall understanding of vascular function in premenopausal females.</p>