Preferred frequency of menstruation in Hong Kong Chinese women: characteristics and factors

Although menstrual extended regimens have been available in the market, limited study has been conducted on preferred menstrual characteristics in Asian women. This study aimed to investigate Chinese women's preferences on menstrual characteristics and factors affecting their preferences. Cross-sectional telephone survey of 1024 Hong Kong Chinese women in 2006. A total of 67.8% of women preferred one or more changes in menstrual characteristics and 35.9% preferred no menstruation. Although 57.7% of women knew that hormones can control and/or suppress menstruation, only 14.4% would consider using hormones to attain their ideal menstrual characteristics. Reduction in society activities (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.30, 2.57) and reduction in sleeping quality (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.12, 2.12) were significant predicators of preference for less menstruation. Hong Kong Chinese women are interested in changing their menstrual patterns but only a small portion would like to use hormones to attain their ideal menstrual characteristics.