Abstract:
The aim is to evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive intake and menstrual cycle on the electrical
activity and pressure pain threshold from anterior temporal and masseter muscles. Twenty-eight
women on reproductive age were selected, 13 OC users and 15 nonusers. They were
weekly submitted to electromyography and algometry of the anterior temporal and masseter
muscles during three consecutive menstrual cycles. Electrical activities at rest position and PPTs
of temporal and masseter muscles were not affected by menstrual cycle or by OCs uses. Comparison
between groups demonstrated that working side electrical activity was increased in OC users
in both muscles, except during lutheal phase for the anterior temporal. However, comparison
within weeks did not demonstrate statistical difference. It was suggested that, in healthy women,
oral contraceptive use may influence electrical activity, but different phases of the cycle may not.
