Menstrual Irregularities and Lifestyle Factors in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Maria  Javaid; Naheed  Mumtaz; Saba  Irshad; Fouzia  Rasool; Zahid Azam  Chaudry; Fatima Anjum  Khan; Tanzeel  Shafique ul Rehman

doi:10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-4/077

Authors

Maria Javaid Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Naheed Mumtaz University of Poonch Rawalakot Azad Jammu Kashmir
Saba Irshad Lady Atchison Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Fouzia Rasool Bilawal Medical College, LUMHS
Zahid Azam Chaudry Nazwaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat.
Fatima Anjum Khan Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore
Tanzeel Shafique ul Rehman Tübingen University, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-4/077

Keywords:

Menstruation Disturbances, Stress, Psychological, Exercise, Sleep Deprivation, Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

Background: Menstrual irregularities are common among young women and are affected by modifiable lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, stress, and sleep quality. These disorders can indicate underlying endocrine dysregulation and affect reproductive and overall health. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of menstrual irregularities and their association with important lifestyle factors in young women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study (January and June 2022) stratified random sampling was used to recruit 400 female students. Menstrual irregularity was a cycle length of <21 days, >35 days, or >7 days change in the preceding six months. Sociodemographic, menstrual history, eating patterns, physical activity, sleep, and perceived stress data were recorded through a validated structured questionnaire. Independent t-test, chi-square, and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Menstrual irregularities were observed at the rate of 146 (36.5%). Disrupted cycles had a significant relation with increased stress (68 (46.6%) vs. 62 (24.4%), p < 0.001; AOR = 2.16, CI: 1.46-3.19), lack of physical activity (85 (58.2%) vs. 98 (38.6%), p < 0.001; AOR = 1.73, CI: 1.16-2.58), and inadequate sleep (72 (49.3%) vs. 89 (35.0%), p = 0.006; AOR = 1.61, CI:1.07-2.43). There was no significant association of breakfast skipping, fast-food intake, BMI, and chronic illness. Conclusion: Menstrual irregularities are common in young women and are linked to stress, physical inactivity, and sleep disturbances. Addressing these factors may improve menstrual and reproductive outcomes.

Author Biographies

Maria Javaid, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Naheed Mumtaz, University of Poonch Rawalakot Azad Jammu Kashmir

Department of Medical and Health Sciences
Saba Irshad , Lady Atchison Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Fouzia Rasool, Bilawal Medical College, LUMHS

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Zahid Azam Chaudry, Nazwaz Sharif Medical College, Gujrat.

Department of Community Medicine
Fatima Anjum Khan, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore

Department of Pathology

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