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Work stress and menstrual patterns among American and Italian nurses
M C Hatch1, I Figa-Talamanca, S Salerno
1Division of Epidemiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA. maureen.hatch@mount_sinai.org
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|June 9, 1999
Summary
Job stress in nurses is linked to altered menstrual patterns, including longer and monophasic cycles, and luteal phase inadequacy. These findings suggest stressful work conditions can impact reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Occupational health psychology
Background:
- Job stress is a significant factor in healthcare settings.
- Menstrual cycle irregularities can impact women's health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between job stress and menstrual patterns in nurses.
- To compare these effects in nurses from different hospital settings (New York and Rome).
Main Methods:
- Nurses recorded basal body temperature (BBT) and menstrual bleeding daily for 3 months.
- BBT curves classified cycles (biphasic/monophasic, luteal phase adequacy).
- Job stress assessed via objective (work characteristics) and subjective (perceived stress) measures.
Main Results:
- Nurses in high-stress units showed increased risk for long, monophasic cycles and luteal phase inadequacy.
- High perceived stress or strenuous work activity also correlated with longer cycles.
- Rotating shiftwork may be associated with shorter cycles and inadequate luteal phases.
Conclusions:
- Stressful occupational conditions can negatively affect menstrual function in nurses.
- Workplace interventions addressing stress may be beneficial for reproductive health.