To Evaluate the Effect of Perceived Stress on Menstrual Function

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Menstrual irregularities affect 2-5% of childbearing women, a number that is considerably higher among females under constant stress during a cycle. AIM: To study the effect of perceived stress on cycle length, regularity and dysmenorrhoea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 female undergraduate students of a medical college. A questionnaire along with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) was provided to the students. The menstrual pattern was then correlated with the PSS using the chi- square test and the Fisher's Exact test for statistical analysis. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: Out of the 100 undergraduate medical students, 30 students had a PSS score >20 while 70 had a score ≤20. An association was established between high stress levels (PSS >20) and menstrual irregularity. No association was found in students with PSS >20 with hypomenorrhoea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, long cycle length and short cycle length. CONCLUSION: High stress levels (PSS >20) was associated with only menstrual irregularities and not with duration, amount of flow or dysmenorrhoea. Hence, other causes should be looked for in young women complaining of menstrual problems before stress is assumed to be the cause.