The relationship between the duration of menstrual bleeding and obesity‑related anthropometric indices in students

Many women of childbearing age suffer from problems such as dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.

The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between the duration of menstrual bleeding and obesity‑related anthropometric indices in students.

This cross‑sectional study was carried out on 250 students in 2016. Data were collected by a questionnaire composed of: 1) demographic information, 2) information concerning menstrual cycle and 3) obesity‑related anthropometric parameters. Anthropometric parameters include height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and arm circumference. Independent t‑test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions with backward strategy were used.

The average age of students was 21/295 (±1/585) years. For most participants, the duration of menstrual bleeding was 3–7 days (87/2%, 218 people). None of the participants had menstrual bleeding <3 days, and the duration of bleeding was >7 days for 32 participants (12/800%). A significant relationship was observed between the intervals of menstruation and the waist‑to‑hip ratio (r = 0/136, P < 0/041). Based on multiple linear regression, hip circumference and waist‑to‑weight, hip‑to‑waist, arm‑to‑weight, hip‑to‑thigh, and arm‑to‑height ratios are predictors for menstrual duration.

In this study, a significant association was found between the anthropometric indices and menstrual characteristics. These findings suggest the need for modifying anthropometric indicators to control menstrual cycle problems.