Abstract

Menstruation is a uniquely female phenomenon and the most important part of the female reproductive cycle. But painful menstrual pain is a common gynecological complain among women. Many factors play a role and affect the menstrual cycle, which includes hormonal changes, psychological factors, genetic factors and body mass index (BMI). Aim: The current study aimed to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the severity of menstrual pain and to spotlight on the dietary habits of students and its association with the menstrual profile. Methods: Cross-sectional correctional study design was utilized. 177 agreed to participate in the study selected by stratified cluster sampling technique. A semi-structured self- administered questionnaire was used in data collection. Results: The findings revealed that less than one quarter 14.1 % & 17.5% of the study sample were in the extreme range either underweight or overweight, respectively. 79.1% of the study participants had reported pain during menses and 33.5 % of them describe this pain as severe pain. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found between BMI and menstrual profile. Conclusion: It can be concluded that BMI had an effect on the menstrual profile. Therefore, special attention should be given to adolescent's nutrition which leads to maintain the normal BMI and regulate the menstrual cycle. Recommendation: Lifestyle modification and nutritional counseling for female students could alleviate menstrual problems, promoting healthy eating habitats and maintaining an optimal BMI can improve menstrual health. Further research in the nutritional pattern in adolescents can be done especially during the menstrual cycle should be implemented.

Highlights

  • Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods in human development

  • Regarding the pain during menses, 79.1% of the study participants reported suffering from pain during menses and 33.5 % of them describe this pain as severe pain

  • The current study revealed that less than four-fifths (79.1%) of the study participants had suffered from pain or dysmenorrhea and 33.5% of them describe this pain as severe pain

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Summary

Introduction

Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods in human development. The uniform growth of childhood is suddenly altered by a rapid increase in the growth rate and the occurrence of menarche. Menstruation occurs once a month as a regular rhythmic period and remains as a normal physiological phenomenon from menarche to menopause. It is regulated by cyclical changes in female sex hormones and regularity of menstrual cycles reflects changes in the level of these hormones. Menarche is the first menstrual period; it is generally occurring normally with the following profile: The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days with a normal range of 21 to 35 days. The normal duration of bleeding is 5 to 7 days with a normal range of 3 to 7 days. The average blood loss during menses is 35 ml with a normal range of 20 to 80 ml [1]

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