Beverage consumption patterns and primary dysmenorrhea among women of reproductive age: a population-based study in...

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is highly prevalent among women of reproductive age and imposes a substantial burden on daily functioning and quality of life. Beverage consumption has been suggested as a potential lifestyle factor related to menstrual pain; however, evidence remains limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the associations between beverages consumption and PD among women of reproductive age.

This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Multilevel Natural Population and Maternal Cohort Study. A total of 1,247 women of reproductive age were recruited in Beijing between September and November 2021. Sociodemographic data and menstrual health status were collected using a structured questionnaire. Consumption of coffee, brewed leaf tea, floral tea, and milk tea, as well as intake patterns during menstrual and non-menstrual periods were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to examine associations between beverage consumption and PD.

The overall prevalence of PD was 92.9%, with 23.1% of participants reporting moderate-to-severe pain. Associations with dysmenorrhea severity varied by beverage type and level of habitual consumption. Specifically, moderate and high coffee intake were associated with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea (OR = 2.819, 95% CI: 1.419-5.602; OR = 3.100, 95% CI: 1.398-6.811), whereas high milk tea intake was associated with both mild and moderate-to-severe pain (OR = 2.717, 95% CI: 1.448-5.101; OR = 3.049, 95% CI: 1.498-6.207). In contrast, only moderate brewed leaf tea intake, but not higher intake, was associated with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea (OR = 2.481, 95% CI: 1.116-5.519). No significant association was observed for floral tea. Most women reduced intake during menstruation. Compared with unchanged intake, reductions in coffee (OR = 2.197, 95% CI: 1.280-3.771), or brewed leaf tea (OR = 1.943, 95% CI: 1.135-3.323), as well as both increased and decreased milk tea intake (OR = 3.588, 95% CI: 1.559-8.255; OR = 2.362, 95% CI: 1.375-4.057) were associated with higher pain severity.

Both habitual beverage consumption and menstrual phase-related changes in intake were associated with the severity of PD in this urban Chinese population, suggesting potential links between dietary habits and menstrual health that warrant further investigation.