Purpose: Since, during the menstrual cycle, changes in neuronal activity and in auditory, olfactory, and taste thresholds were found, visual evoked potentials were investigated.
Materials & methods: In 50 healthy women the latency and the amplitude of P100 wave of pattern reversal visual evoked potentials were measured during the different menstrual phases (follicular, periovular, and luteal), as determined by sonography and serum progesterone level.
Results: Compared with the follicular phase, during the luteal phase significant reduction in latency (101.29+/-4.42 vs. 104.76+/-5.02 ms, P<0.01) and increase in amplitude (10.44+/-3.15 vs. 8.62+/-3.09 microV, P<0.05) were recorded.
Conclusions: Fluctuations in ovarian steroid hormones affect the excitability of the visual system.