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Menstrual Cycle Irregularity and Metabolic Disorders: A Population-Based Prospective Study
Marzieh Rostami Dovom1, Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani1, Shirin Djalalinia2
1Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Plos One
|December 20, 2016
Summary
Women with irregular menstrual cycles face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes. Irregular cycles may serve as an early marker for metabolic disorders, highlighting the need for proactive health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Menstrual cycle regularity is a key indicator of women's reproductive health.
- Previous cross-sectional studies suggest links between irregular cycles, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.
- Prospective data is limited, necessitating further investigation into these associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the risk of metabolic disorders in women with a history of irregular menstrual cycles.
- To analyze the association between menstrual cycle regularity and the incidence of diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
- To establish irregular menstruation as a potential marker for metabolic health risks.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study utilizing data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) initiated in 1999.
- Inclusion of 2128 women aged 18-49, followed for 15 years.
- Comparison of hazard ratios for metabolic disorders between women with regular (n=1749) and irregular (n=379) menstrual cycles using COX regression, adjusting for confounders like BMI and family history.
Main Results:
- Women with irregular menstrual cycles showed a significantly increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (age-adjusted HR: 2.01; adjusted HR: 1.73).
- A significant increased risk for pre-diabetes was also observed in women with irregular cycles after adjusting for confounders (HR: 1.33).
- No significant differences in the risk for hypertension or dyslipidemia were found between groups, suggesting a specific link to diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Menstrual cycle irregularities are associated with a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes.
- Irregular menstrual cycles can be considered a potential marker for metabolic disorders.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring metabolic health in women experiencing menstrual irregularities.
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