Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Menstrual Cycle Is Modified by BMI, Fitness, and Physical Activity in NHANES

Abstract

Context: There is evidence demonstrating variation in insulin sensitivity across the menstrual cycle. However, to date, research has yielded inconsistent results.

Objective: This study investigated variation in insulin sensitivity across the menstrual cycle and associations with body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

Methods: Data from 1906 premenopausal women in NHANES cycles 1999 to 2006 were analyzed. Menstrual cycle day was assessed using questionnaire responses recording days since last period. Rhythmic variation of plasma glucose, triglycerides, and insulin, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and adipose tissue insulin resistance index (ADIPO-IR) across the menstrual cycle were analyzed using cosinor rhythmometry. Participants were assigned low or high categories of BMI, physical activity, and CRF, and category membership included in cosinor models as covariates.

Results: Rhythmicity was demonstrated by a significant cosine fit for glucose (P = .014) but not triglycerides (P = .369), insulin (P = .470), HOMA-IR (P = .461), and ADIPO-IR (P = .335). When covariates were included, rhythmicity was observed when adjusting for: 1) BMI: glucose (P < .001), triglycerides (P < .001), insulin (P < .001), HOMA-IR (P < .001), and ADIPO-IR (P < .001); 2) physical activity: glucose (P < .001), triglycerides (P = .006), and ADIPO-IR (P = .038); and 3) CRF: triglycerides (P = .041), insulin (P = .002), HOMA-IR (P = .004), and ADIPO-IR (P = .004). Triglyceride amplitude, but not acrophase, was greater in the high physical activity category compared to low (P = .018).

Conclusion: Rhythmicity in insulin sensitivity and associated metabolites across the menstrual cycle are modified by BMI, physical activity, and CRF.

Keywords: NHANES; glucose; insulin; insulin sensitivity; menstrual cycle; triglyceride.