Table 3.
Factor loadings after Varimax rotation of mean levels of pollutants measured during menstrual cycles (overall menstrual cycle, follicular, and luteal phase).
| Pollutant | PC1 Traffic-Related | PC2 Fossil Fuel-Related |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cycle | ||
| PM10 mean | −0.11 | 0.76 |
| SO2 mean | 0.05 | 0.79 |
| CO mean | 0.99 | −0.02 |
| NOx mean | 0.99 | −0.03 |
| Eigenvalue | 1.99 | 1.21 |
| Variance explained | 50% | 30% |
| Follicular phase | ||
| PM10 mean | 0.16 | 0.94 |
| SO2 mean | 0.14 | 0.94 |
| CO mean | 0.98 | 0.16 |
| NOx mean | 0.99 | 0.12 |
| Eigenvalue | 1.99 | 1.81 |
| Variance explained | 50% | 45% |
| Luteal phase | ||
| PM10 mean | 0.19 | 0.88 |
| SO2 mean | 0.25 | 0.86 |
| CO mean | 0.96 | 0.23 |
| NOx mean | 0.98 | 0.16 |
| Eigenvalue | 1.99 | 1.60 |
| Variance explained | 50% | 40% |
Two PCs have eigenvalues of >1 and account for 80% of variance, 95% and 90%, depending on menstrual cycle phases (overall cycle, follicular and luteal phase, respectively); PM10: particulate matter; SO2: sulfur dioxide; CO: carbon monoxide; NOx: nitrogen oxides.