Influence of menstrual cycle and salivary ß-estradiol on volatile sulfur compound

ß -estradiol is a steroid sex hormone that plays important role in oral physiology. The aim of this study was to determin the association of the menstrual cycle and salivary ß-estradiol with the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). In this cross-sectional study, twenty female dental students in good oral and general health were recruited for evaluation of VSC, salivary flow, ß-estradiol concentration, oral dryness feeling and dysmenorrhea. Data were analyzed by marginal homogeneity test and xtgee model. The only covariates that significantly related to VSC were being at the follicular phase (B = -0.21, P = 0.02), being at the pre-menstrual phase (B = -0.25, P = 0.01), stressfulness (B = 0.02, P = 0.01) and oral dryness feeling (B = 0.34, P = 0.02). Salivary ß-estradiol was at the level of 59.7 ± 31.2 in those having halitosis (VSC ≥ 75) while in the others (VSC < 75) it was about 40.8 ± 18.0 (P < 0.009). This difference was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. The menstrual cycle, stress and oral dryness were the most important determinants of halitosis. The salivary ß-estradiol level could not explain such relationship as its effect was eliminated considering the other factors.