Comparison of anthropometrical parameters and dietary habits of young women with and without menstrual disorders

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and dietary habits of young women, in order to explore their relationship with the menstrual cycle and to determine the proportion of women with menstrual cycle irregularities.

Methods: A total of 348 young women aged 15-25 years (19.7 ± 3.7 years) participated in the study and were assigned to a younger group (15-18 years; YG) or an older group (19-25 years; OG). Two subgroups were also distinguished: women with menstrual disorders (MD) and women with regular cycles (RC). Body mass, waist circumference, fat mass (FM), energy and nutrient intakes, and eating behaviour of the subjects were evaluated.

Results: In both age groups, women with menstrual cycle disorders were more likely to have higher body weight, higher body mass index, larger waist circumference and higher body FM. The daily diets of these women contained larger quantities of animal protein and fat, including saturated fat (in OG), but were poorer in vitamins B₁ and B₆ (in YG) and in iron. Disinhibition was significantly more common in the MD group.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that nutritional habits and status can interfere with the course of the menstrual cycle in young women.

Keywords: menstrual disorders; nutritional habits; nutritional status.