Correlating Menstrual Cycles and Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms in the Era of Highly Effective Modulators: Findings of the MENSTRUAL Study
Authors' conclusion
CF symptom severity varied across the menstrual cycle, even after accounting for CFTRm. While menstruation was associated with the highest symptom burden, other cycle phases showed significantly reduced symptom severity, which varies by symptom. Clinicians should encourage females with CF to track symptoms to support phasic CF management strategies.
Study context
- Population
- Menstruating cisgender women with cystic fibrosis (CF) aged 18–4564 contributed 3 cycles
- Outcome
- Periodicity of 40 CF and menstrual symptoms over a 28-day cycle
Methodological detailsdaily symptom tracking via customized app, cumulative link mixed-effects model, constructivist grounded theory interviews
- Daily symptom tracking via customized app
- Cumulative link mixed-effects model
- Constructivist grounded theory interviews
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
CF symptoms across menstrual cycle phase
- Menstrual cycle phase significantly affected CF symptoms, incl. gastrointestinal (bloating, gas, stomachache, bowel movement pain) and pulmonary/sinus symptoms (coughing up mucus, migraine, runny, stuffy nose)
- Phase effect on CF symptoms remains after adjusting for CFTRm use
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
CFTRm use
- Participants using CFTRm
- 87%
- Most reported mild symptoms
Qualitative interviews
- Participants interviewed
- 20
- Interviewees reported improvements in coughing, coughing mucus and joint pain with CFTRm; some had intensified gastrointestinal symptoms
Original publication
Correlating Menstrual Cycles and Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms in the Era of Highly Effective Modulators: Findings of the MENSTRUAL Study. Endocr Pract. Published 12 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →