ASSOCIATION OF BODY MASS INDEX AND MENSTRUAL CYCLE PATTERNS IN LATE ADOLESCENT GIRLS (16-19 YEARS) – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Authors: B E PORKODI, Namratha Kommerahalli Narayanaprasad, Girish Byadarahally Lakkegowda, Reddy Priyanka, Riyaj Ahmad Kalaburgi

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijogr.10453.1564993710

Keywords: Body Mass Index (BMI), Hypothalamo-Pituitary -Ovarian Axis (HPO- Axis), Menstrual Patterns, Adolescent girls

Abstract: Introduction: Puberty is a period during which secondary sexual characteristics develop and reproductive capacity is attained. Though genetics is a major determinant of age of menarche, other external important factors like Nutrition play a very significant role in initiation of menarche, maturation of HPO Axis and thereby normal reproductive functions. It is notable that nutritional status abnormalities like underweight and overweight/obesity are highly prevalent in adolescent age group thereby affecting reproductive functions which clinically presents as abnormal menstrual patterns. BMI is widely regarded as an easily measurable surrogate marker for nutritional status. The aim of the study was to correlate association of BMI and menstrual patterns. Materials and methods: A Cross-Sectional study done among 299 participants of students of nursing college, dental college and medical college of SSAHE university, Tumkur, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were informed about the research study in detail and questionnaire about menstrual characteristics were explained in detail, maintaining confidentiality. The BMI was calculated using standard method. Results: Among 299 participants, Majority were in normal BMI Category 51.5% (154 participants) followed by Underweight Category 34.4% (103 participants); among the different menstrual patterns, Across BMI, more frequent cycles, prolonged duration, irregular cycles, scanty bleeding were seen in higher incidence at 40.5%,28.0%,34,3% and 54.5% respectively; P< 0.001. Among overweight, prolonged duration, irregularity, heavy menstrual flow and intermenstrual bleeding was higher at 36.5%,29.8%, 51.7% and 54.05% respectively. P < 0.001. Conclusion: Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining normal functioning of different systems of the body. Extreme deviations in nutritional status affect normal reproductive functions and fertility of female adolescent girls. It becomes more challenging to maintain adequate nutrition status during adolescence due to rapid physical changes and increased metabolism. Behavioural changes with lifestyle modifications and balanced diet can optimise reproductive functions.