Cohort study, 2019

How do exercise, diet and weight affect menstrual problems?

Lack of exercise and poor diet are linked to more menstrual symptoms, and higher weight is linked to both PMS and period pain. The evidence is moderate but cannot prove these cause the symptoms.

Moderate study design 255 female medical students in India with no known medical problems

What they did

Cross-sectional survey of 255 female medical students at one college in India during the academic year 2018-2019, assessing their body weight, diet, physical activity and menstrual symptoms.

What they found

192 of 255 students (75%) reported PMS, 146 (57%) reported dysmenorrhoea (period pain), and 97 (38%) reported irregular cycles. Lack of physical activity significantly increased risk of both PMS and dysmenorrhoea (p<0.0001). Poor dietary patterns significantly increased risk of dysmenorrhoea (p<0.0001). Higher BMI was significantly associated with both PMS and dysmenorrhoea (p<0.05).

What it means for you

Regular exercise and healthy diet patterns may help prevent menstrual symptoms. However, this cross-sectional study cannot prove that exercise and diet cause better menstrual health, only that they are associated. Results may not apply outside this specific group of medical students.

255

medical students surveyed

75%

had premenstrual syndrome

57%

had period pain

About the study

Original title: Impact of dietary and lifestyle choices on menstrual patterns in medical students
Authors: U. Sreelakshmi, V. Tushara Bindu, T. Subhashini et al.
Journal: International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology
Year: 2019
Study design: Cohort study
Participants: 255
What was tested: None. Observational study of natural lifestyle variation.
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20190980

Topics

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)Dysmenorrhea and period pain Irritability and anger Stress Exercise and yoga Diet and nutrition Students and academic performance Adolescents and young people

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