Publication:

Assessing impact of BMI on menstrual patterns in adolescent girls in an urban area of Amravati district, Maharashtra, India

Background Adolescence marks a critical transitional phase characterized by significant physical, mental, emotional, and hormonal changes, including the onset of the menstrual cycle. The nature of the menstrual cycle established during this time can profoundly influence reproductive health later in life. Regular menstruation is a sign of good health and normal development of an adolescent. A paradigm shift is noted in the pattern of lifestyle, habits, diet, sleep and physical activity since childhood and is known to affect menstrual health in young girls. Body mass index (BMI) has got a great impact on menstrual functions. However, this part of women’s health is mostly neglected or not talked about.

Methods An observational, prospective study was conducted for a period of six months in four schools in an urban area in Maharashtra. This study enrolled 276 school girls in the age group of 12-16 years. Using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, their BMI and menstrual patterns were assessed and statistically analysed.

Results Adolescent girls who had higher BMI experienced earlier onset of menstruation, irregular cycles and heavy menstrual bleeding as compared to the normal BMI participants and the difference was statistically highly significant. However, the duration of menstrual flow or the severity of dysmenorrhoea had no significant association with BMI in our study population.

Conclusions Maintaining a normal BMI through healthy lifestyle practices since early adolescence is crucial for promoting reproductive well-being among young girls. It also plays a vital role in preventing complications such as infertility and endocrine and gynaecological disorders in future.