Comparison the Frequency of Menstrual Disorders (Amenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Syndrome) between Athletes and Non-Athletes Female Students of Tabriz Universities, Tabriz, Iran

Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea are including menstrual disorders that are more common in athlete and professional athletes. Primary dysmenorrhea is shown in more than 90% of adult women. Premenstrual Syndrome has ability to interfere with the normal aspects of life. Since exercise and sport are effective factors on these disorders. So the aim of this study was to compare the frequency of menstrual disorders (amenorrhea، oligomenorrhea، dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome) between athletes and non-athletes female students. This Ex-post facto study was conducted on 360 female university student aged 18-28 years who educated in medical and non medical fields of Tabriz universities، Tabriz، Iran، 2010. Sampling was selectively and purposefully. Samples completed demographic sports and Dickerson questionnaires and Visual Analogue scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16، descriptive and inferential (chi-square) statistics tests. P value less than 0. 05 was considered significant. Both athletes and non-athletes groups had no significant differences in terms of frequency of amenorrhea (10. 55% VS. 8. 88%) (p=0. 59)، oligomenorrhea (18. 33% VS. 15. 55%) (p=0. 26) and premenstrual syndrome (55. 88% in athletes and 66. 11% in non athletes) (p=0. 15). Also we couldn''t find any significant difference in dysmenorrhea between athletes (39. 44%) and non athletes (43. 88%) (p=0. 39). Physical education can improve premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Also it is necessary to be more concerned about nutrition that is one of the most important factors in amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea.