Influence of menstrual factors and dietary habits on menstrual pain in adolescence age

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2000-08, Vol.91 (2), p.143-148
• Main Authors: Balbi, Carlo, Musone, Rosalia, Menditto, Agostino, Di Prisco, Luigi, Cassese, Eufemia, D’Ajello, Maurizio, Ambrosio, Domenico, Cardone, Antonio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aging; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Diet; Dietary factors; Dysmenorrhea - diagnostic imaging; Dysmenorrhea - etiology; Dysmenorrhoea; Eggs; Feeding Behavior; Female; Female genital diseases; Fishes; Fruit; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Menarche; Menstrual factors; Menstruation; Non tumoral diseases; Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil); Time Factors; Ultrasonography; Wine
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/S0301-2115(99)00277-8

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the primary dysmenorrhea in adolescence age and investigate correlation between menstrual factors, dietary habits and this pathology. Study design: The sample was constituted from 356 students that were subjected to questionnaire, abdominal ultrasound, and in some cases, hormonal dosing. Results: The frequency of the primary dysmenorrhea was 85%. Early menarche was related to an increase of its prevalence and its severity. A long and heavy menstrual flow was related to an increase of its severity. As far as dietary habits, it was noted that a higher consumption of fish, eggs, fruit and a lower consumption of wine is correlated with a lower frequency. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is very common in young women. The risk factors for this pathology are early menarche, long and heavy menstrual flow, and lower consumption of fish, eggs, and fruit.