Menstrual irregularity and premenstrual syndrome in women with diabetes in the reproductive age group: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to determine the frequency of menstrual irregularity in women with diabetes in the reproductive period and to reveal the relationship between menstrual irregularity and premenstrual syndrome by comparing women with diabetes to women without diabetes. Methods: In this cross-sectional and comparative study included 98 women with diabetes and 98 women without diabetes, aged 15–49 years. The study was carried out in a university hospital in Turkey between 01 June-30 September 2021. The data were obtained by using the woman identification form, the menstrual irregularity evaluation form, and the premenstrual syndrome scale. Student t-test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. Results: It was determined that women with diabetes had a higher rate of menstrual irregularity than women without diabetes (54.1% vs. 39.8%). Oligomenorrhea and menorrhagia were found to be more common in women with diabetes than in women without diabetes ( P < 0.05). It was determined that women with diabetes had a moderate premenstrual syndrome experience level, and nearly half (55.1%) of them experienced premenstrual syndrome. It was determined that there was no difference in terms of premenstrual syndrome symptoms between women with diabetes and women without diabetes ( P > 0.05). Conclusions: One out of every two women with diabetes in the reproductive period experienced menstrual irregularity, and oligomenorrhea and menorrhagia were more common in these women than in women without diabetes. In order to improve women's health and improve the quality of life in women with diabetes, it is recommended to examine the menstrual irregularity status in addition to diabetes management.