Are Menstrual Patterns Associated with the Body Mass Index of University Students? A Descriptive Study in Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract Background Menstrual cycle irregularities and anovulation have been found to occur with increased frequency in women who deviate considerably from normal weight. Ovulation abnormalities may also be caused by fluctuations in weight, such as being overweight, obese, or underweight, which are hypothesized to disrupt the energy balance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out the association between menstrual patterns and body mass index (BMI) among students of selected health science university. Materials and Methods A descriptive research study was conducted among 222 university students at a selected health science university in Mangalore. The samples were selected by using simple random sampling techniques. A demographic proforma, self-reported menstrual pattern questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements like height and weight were measured. BMI was calculated by using the standardized formula, BMI= (weight [kg]/height [m2]) by the World Health Organization for the Asian population based on the revised consensus guidelines for India. Students who are aged between 17 and 25 years, unmarried female students who are studying under Yenepoya (deemed to be university), attained menarche, and who are willing to participate in the study were included in the study. Results From this study, it can be considered that the mean age of menarche was 12.49 ± 0.51years. Most 68.5% students reported dysmenorrhea. It is the most common menstrual disorder among our study subjects. Of the total subjects, 38.3% cases had oligomenorrhea, which was the next most common menstrual disorder. The majority of the subjects has a normal BMI, with a mean of 21.02 kg/m2. There is a significant association between dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and polymenorrhagia with BMI status of university students at 0.05 level significance. Conclusion Lifestyle modification and nutritional counselling for female students could alleviate menstrual problems. It will not only improve the girls' current health, sense of well-being, and overall quality of life but may also lower her risks for future disease and ill health after proper advice about diet and exercise. Menstrual irregularities are mostly neglected by the society due to unawareness regarding the irregular menstrual pattern and their problems.