Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause

Area of Science:

• Reproductive health
• Epidemiology
• Public health

Background:

• A regular menstrual cycle is a key indicator of reproductive health.
• Obesity, stress, and smoking are known risk factors for menstrual irregularities and early menopause.
• The combined impact of these modifiable factors on reproductive health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate modifiable risk factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and premature menopause in Korean adult women.
• To analyze the individual and combined effects of lifestyle factors on menstrual health.
• To provide evidence for promoting women's reproductive health through lifestyle modifications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2014).
• Analyzed data from adult women aged 19 and above, including premenopausal and postmenopausal groups.
• Employed logistic regression and linear models to assess the impact of smoking, drinking, obesity, and stress, controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Main Results:

• Smoking, obesity, and perceived stress were significantly linked to irregular menstruation in premenopausal women.
• Women with three or more risk factors had a 1.7 times higher risk of irregular menstruation.
• Early smoking initiation and higher pack-years correlated with premature menopause in postmenopausal women.

Conclusions:

• Modifiable lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity, and stress are significantly associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and early menopause.
• Cessation of smoking, weight management, and stress reduction are crucial for enhancing women's reproductive health.
• Promoting healthier lifestyle choices can lead to improved menstrual regularity and long-term reproductive well-being.