Acute altitude sickness in females.

An evaluation of symptomatic responses of eight college females to high altitude exposure was conducted at Pikes Peak, Colorado (altitude 14,110 feet). Significant illness occurred during the first four days at altitude, with the predominant complaints being headache, drowsiness, fatigue and insomnia. Only minimal gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory symptoms were noted. A reduction in blood pressure and elevation of resting pulse and respiratory rate was observed. The electrical activity and x-ray appearance of the heart remained within normal limits during the ten-week stay. Menstrual changes at altitude consisted of decreased flow in five girls. The response of several medications given for the symptoms of altitude sickness was evaluated.