Survey study, 2025
How common are menstrual problems in medical students and what causes them?
Most medical students have menstrual problems. The most common are severe period cramps (76%), PMS (69%), and irregular periods (29%). Stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise are major causes.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 200 female medical students in the Delhi area of India. They asked about menstrual problems, eating habits, exercise, stress levels, and how often they missed classes because of their period.
What they found
About 76% had severe period cramps, 69% had PMS, and 29% had irregular periods. About 86.5% ate junk food regularly, and 29.5% were overweight. Only 28% exercised regularly. Students who ate junk food, didn't exercise, or were stressed were much more likely to have period problems. About 70% of girls with menstrual problems had difficulty with daily activities, and 31% had to miss classes during their period.
What it means for you
Menstrual problems are very common in young women. Diet, exercise, and stress management matter for period health. Period pain and other problems significantly affect school attendance and daily life. This study only looked at medical students in one area of India, so results may not apply to all young women.
76%
with severe period cramps
69%
with PMS symptoms
31%
who missed classes during menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Prevalence Of Menstrual Disorders In Medical Students And Its Correlation With Various Variables
- Authors
- Dr Mansi Chaudhary
- Journal
- South Eastern European Journal of Public Health
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 200
- What was tested
- Lifestyle and menstrual health survey
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.70135/seejph.vi.5970
Topics
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