Did you know that resting heart rate (RHR) correlates with the phases of the menstrual cycle?
In a 2017 study, the researchers concluded that could "observe a significant increase in median pulse rate during the fertile window (OV − 5 to OV) compared to the menstrual phase, with the median pulse rate sustaining this increase to reach a maximum during the mid-luteal phase. The associations were present in cycles with varying lengths, and under a broad range of daily activities and nutrition profiles. These findings indicate that pulse rate (measured during sleep) is a promising parameter for FABMs." 📚
In my cycle pictured in the photo, the phases lined up with my days of peak fertility according to cervical mucus, and the larger shift in heart rate took place at the same time as my basal body temperature shift. My dip in the RHR chart mid luteal phase was also associated with a brief return of peak mucus, which I think was likely due to an estrogen surge. 📚 .
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I hope RHR is studied more and may become a reliable crosscheck for FABMs one day!
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Pulse Rate Measurement During Sleep Using Wearable Sensors, and its Correlation with the Menstrual Cycle Phases, A Prospective Observational Study. Mohaned Shilaih, Valérie de Clerck, Lisa Falco, Florian Kübler & Brigitte Leeners.
Scientific Reports. Vol 7, Article # 1294 (2017).
