Researchers hypothesize that hormones may play a part in the disease progression of females with CF; specifically the fluctuation of estrogen. Estrogen, which is most predominant during the first part of the menstrual cycle, can have adverse effects on CF lung disease. Researchers believe that estrogen makes bacteria more virulent, suppresses the body’s immune response, and ultimately can accelerate pulmonary decline. Many women who attend CFReSHC Patient Task Force meetings report lower immunity, fatigue, and worse pulmonary, sinus, arthritis and GI issues during their menstrual cycles.

The goal of this research study is to better understand the connection between the menstrual cycle and CF-related symptoms. MENstrual Symptom Tracking to Understand and Assess (women) Living with CF or MENSTRUAL is an explanatory, sequential mixed methods study. Study findings will be used to inform future studies.

Researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Illinois-Chicago (UW IRB#00009993) plan to  recruit 80 women with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) to participate in a research study tracking changes in CF symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle. ​About 30 participants who complete the study will be interviewed to share more about their symptoms and how they manage them.