HighCycle Study: Effect of High Altitude on Acute Mountain Sickness in Women Related to Their Menstrual Cycle Phase

HighCycle Study: Effect of High Altitude on Acute Mountain Sickness in Women Related to Their Menstrual Cycle Phase: A Prospective Cohort Study at 3600 m

Prospective cohort study investigating the menstrual cycle phase (MCP)-dependent incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in women travelling to 3600 m.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, non-smoking women, age 18-44 years, without any disease and need of regular medication (including oral contraceptives).
• BMI >18 kg/m2 and <30 kg/m2
• Born, raised and currently living at altitudes <1000 m
• Written informed consent
• Premenopausal, eumenorrheic cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other types of contraceptives (hormonal intrauterine device, vaginal ring, subcutaneous injections or implants, among others)
• Pregnancy or nursing
• Anaemic (haemoglobin concentration <10g/dl)
• Any altitude trip <4 weks before the study
• Allergy to acetazolamide and other sulfonamides