Menstrual Cycle Pattern, Its Related Disorders and Associated Factors in Students of Zanjan, Iran

Menstrual cycle is one of the most important experiences of adolescents during puberty and reproduction, and its disorders can cause many problems at various stages of reproductive life. This study was carried out aimed to determining the menstrual cycle pattern, its associated disorders, and some related factors in female students in Zanjan city. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 876 guidance and high school female students of Zanjan city were selected using multistage cluster sampling. Data collection method was a questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, menstrual cycle status and some of its related factors. Data were analyzed by descriptive and deductive statistical methods at the confidence level of 95%. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.In this study,almost 63% of the research units had a regular menstrual cycle. The prevalence of menstrual cycle length was 37.7%, which was mostly (60.4%)oligomenorrhea. Also, 67% of students with moderate physical activity had regular menstrual cycle (p=0.002). The relationship between underweight, overweight, and obesity and amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea was significant (p=0.01).Concerning the relationship between menstrual disorders and physical activity and weight of the students and its high importance in their physical and reproductive health, it seems necessary to increase awareness of students and families about this issue.