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Influence of body mass index and slimming habits on menstrual pain and cycle irregularity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

P. Montero
Affiliation:
Unidad de Antropologia, Departemento de Biologia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
C. Bernis
Affiliation:
Unidad de Antropologia, Departemento de Biologia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
V. Fernandez
Affiliation:
Unidad de Antropologia, Departemento de Biologia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
S. Castro
Affiliation:
Unidad de Antropologia, Departemento de Biologia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain

Summary

Using a cross-sectional sample of 1147 urban adolescents, aged between 14 and 20 years, the variability of some menstrual cycle indicators was related to weight loss. Nearly 40% of the adolescents tried to lose weight and the results showed that attempting to lose weight is significantly associated with increased prevalence of menstrual irregularity and menstrual pain. This finding is independent of body mass index.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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