title: Venous distensibility during the menstrual cycle.
abstract: Changes in the distensibility of dorsal hand veins during the menstrual cycle were measured in 19 healthy young women using a new optical method relying upon a pressure-diameter principle. Significantly greater venous distensibility was found during the first half compared with the second half of the menstrual cycle. The possible causes for this finding, particularly the role of oestrogen, are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004548:Elasticity; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D013997:Time Factors; D014680:Veins / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens