Association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularity in Korean female population

The liver plays an important role in gonadal steroid hormone metabolism, which can affect reproductive health, including the menstrual cycle. However, evidence from large population-based studies is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularities in premenopausal Korean women using nationwide data.

This study analyzed Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011. We investigated 3,045 premenopausal women aged 19-59 years. Liver function markers including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, and fatty liver index were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularity while adjusting for confounding factors. Values were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis was also performed.

Baseline characteristic analysis showed that approximately 14.4% of the study population experienced menstrual cycle irregularity. The mean age was 34.5±0.7 years. The highest quartile of serum ALT and AST levels showed significantly higher ORs for menstrual cycle irregularity (adjusted OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.26-2.64 and adjusted OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.17-2.39, respectively). A similar result was observed in the subgroup analysis.

Liver function markers were positively associated with menstrual cycle irregularities. In clinical settings, women of reproductive age with relatively decreased liver function should be considered for regular followup of their reproductive health status.