[Effect of body build on menstrual cycle]

The relation between 21 absolute body dimensions as well as 20 anthropometric indices and the length as well as the regularity of the menstrual cycle have been investigated in 156 patients of the hormone ambulance of the I. Universitäts-Frauenklinik in Vienna. It turned out, that the length as well as the regularity of the menstrual cycle significantly negatively with the amount of the subcutaneous fat tissue. With an increasing amount of adipose tissue, the cycle became shorter and more regular. The importance of the subcutaneous fat tissue as a secondary hormonal gland has been discussed as one cause for these significant connections. Regarding the length- and height dimensions and the menstrual cycle patterns, no statistically significantly relationship could be observed between these two trait system. This is also true for the relationship between body built and the bleeding duration.