Stress and dysmenorrhoea: a population based prospective study

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological disorder in women of reproductive age. Despite the association between stress and pregnancy outcomes, few studies have examined the possible link between stress and dysmenorrhoea. Aims and Methods: Using a population based cohort of Chinese women, the independent effect of women's perceived stress in the preceding menstrual cycle on the incidence of dysmenorrhoea in the subsequent cycle was investigated prospectively. The analysis included 1160 prospectively observed menstrual cycles from 388 healthy, nulliparous, newly married women who intended to conceive. The perception of stress and the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea in each menstrual cycle were determined from daily diaries recorded by the women. Results: After adjustment for important covariates, the risk of dysmenorrhoea was more than twice as great among women with high stress compared to those with low stress in the preceding cycle (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.4 to 4.3). The risk of dysmenorrhoea was greatest among women with both high stress and a history of dysmenorrhoea compared to women with low stress and no history of dysmenorrhoea (OR = 10.4, 95% CI 4.9 to 22.3). Stress in the follicular phase of the preceding cycles had a stronger association with dysmenorrhoea than stress in the luteal phase of the preceding cycles. Conclusion: This study shows a significant association between stress and the incidence of dysmenorrhoea, which is even stronger among women with a history of dysmenorrhoea.

Incidence of dysmenorrhoea associated with high stress scores among the undergraduate Nepalese medical students

“…It causes prolonged resting hours and inability to study. 11 Results of the present study indicated clear positive relation between stress score and dysmenorrhoea. This result corroborates the result of previous studies worked out.…”

Epidemiology of Dysmenorrhea among University Students in Egypt

“…Pain was divided into mild, moderate and severe pain in this 3 point scale. In our study (28%) of students reported severe pain (8)(9)(10). Forty nine percent reported moderate score of pain (4-7) and the rest of (23%) students had mild pain.…”

“…Worldwide, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea varied widely according to the age of the study group, the length of recall/follow-up, and definition of pain whether any pain or pain interrupting with daily activities. In Japan, a prevalence of only 15% was detected in a one-month prospective study over 823 women (18-51 years) [24], while in a study on Chinese women (20-34 years), the 12 months follow-up ported severe pain (8)(9)(10). Forty nine percent reported moderate score of pain (4-7) and the rest of (23%) students had mild pain.…”

“…Various risk factors have been suggested to be associated with dysmenorrhea such as hormonal imbalance, failure to cope with stress, greater BMI, younger age of menarche, nutritional deficiencies, smoking or exposure to passive smoking, and lack of physical activity [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Although many international studies have investigated the epidemiology of dysmenorrhea among young women [11][12][13][14], only few national studies did [15][16][17].…”

Characteristics and Determinants of Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Adults

“…It is often reported that psychological status influences the occurrences of debilitating events (Wang et al, 2004;Lori et al, 2000). The readiness for menstrual event reflects the attitudes of women towards themselves and in turn their self esteem.…”