NEUROLOGICAL REFLEX RESPONSE VARIABILITY AS PHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATE OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASES
Abstract
Reflex responses provide a reliable window into neuromuscular and autonomic function. This study investigated the variability of selected reflexes across the menstrual cycle in Nigerian undergraduate women. Sixty participants were evaluated during the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases using standard reflex assessments, including the knee jerk, ankle jerk, and pupillary light reflex. Measurements of latency, strength, and consistency were recorded and analyzed for phase-related differences. Findings revealed that reflex activity fluctuated significantly across the cycle, with greater responsiveness and shorter latencies observed during mid-cycle, and reduced responsiveness during the menstrual and luteal phases. These variations highlight the sensitivity of reflex pathways to internal physiological changes associated with the menstrual cycle. The study emphasizes the importance of considering cycle phases when interpreting reflex responses in academic and clinical settings, while providing new data on female reflex physiology within a Nigerian context.
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