Frequently Asked Questions about the Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual Cycles

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 119 views

Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual Cycles in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

The Importance of Menstrual Health in Women's Reproductive Health

Menstrual health is a crucial aspect of women's reproductive health, and regular menstrual cycles are a vital indicator of optimal reproductive function. In Indonesia, basic health research data shows that most women (68%) aged 10 to 59 years have regular menstruation, while around 13.7% experience irregular menstrual cycles. Low or high body mass index (BMI) can be a risk factor for menstrual disorders such as irregular menstrual cycles and amenorrhea (not menstruation). BMI can affect the reproductive hormone and cause disruption of the menstrual cycle.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual Cycles: A Study in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

This study aims to examine the relationship between the Body Mass Index (IMT) and the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. The study uses an observational analytic method with the *cross-sectional *approach, and the research sample was chosen by the *consecutive sampling technique *, with a total of 62 female students. The measuring instrument used in this study is a questionnaire.

The Results of the Study

Of the 62 respondents, 11.3% have IMT *underweight *, and all respondents with BMI * underweight * have a regular menstrual cycle. As many as 46.8% of respondents have normal BMI, with 40.3% have regular menstrual cycles and 3.2% experience irregular menstrual cycles. Respondents with IMT * Overweight * were 41.9%, with 37.1% have a regular menstrual cycle and 4.8% experience irregular menstrual cycles. The Spearman correlation test results show the * P-value * value of 0.361, which indicates that there is no significant relationship between the body's mass index (BMI) and the menstrual cycle.

The Conclusion of the Study

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between the Body Mass Index (IMT) and the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. This study shows that the BMI has no significant influence on the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

This study shows that the BMI has no significant influence on the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. This result may be caused by several factors:

*** Number of samples: ** Limited sample size (62 people) may not be enough to show a significant relationship. ** Other factors: ** Menstrual cycle disorders may be influenced by other factors besides IMT, such as genetic factors, stress, diet, and lifestyle. ** Age range: ** Students in the Faculty of Medicine are generally in the young age range and have a menstrual cycle that tends to be more organized.

Recommendation

Further research with a larger number of samples and broader age ranges is needed to confirm the results of this study. It is also important to consider other factors that can affect the menstrual cycle, such as genetic factors, stress, diet, and lifestyle.

The Importance of Maintaining Reproductive Health

Although this study shows that BMI has no significant influence on the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, it is essential for every woman to maintain their overall reproductive health. Maintaining a healthy BMI can help maintain hormone balance and reduce the risk of health problems, including menstrual disorders.

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight

Maintaining a healthy BMI can help maintain hormone balance and reduce the risk of health problems, including menstrual disorders. A healthy BMI is essential for reproductive health, and it can be achieved by maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Eating Healthy Food

Consumption of balanced nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals are important to support reproductive health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain hormone balance and reduce the risk of health problems.

Set Stress

Stress can affect the menstrual cycle. Look for ways to manage stress, such as exercising, meditation, or spending time in nature. Stress management is essential for maintaining reproductive health.

Perform Regular Health Checks

Consult with obstetricians regularly to monitor reproductive health and detect early reproductive health disorders. Regular health checks can help identify potential health problems and prevent them from becoming more serious.

Maintaining reproductive health is an important investment for a better quality of life in the future. By maintaining a healthy BMI, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and performing regular health checks, women can reduce the risk of health problems and maintain optimal reproductive function.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size (62 people)
Consecutive sampling technique may not be representative of the entire population
Other factors, such as genetic factors, stress, diet, and lifestyle, may influence the menstrual cycle

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and to explore other factors that may influence the menstrual cycle. Future studies should include a larger number of samples and broader age ranges to increase the generalizability of the results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study shows that there is no significant relationship between the Body Mass Index (IMT) and the menstrual cycle in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. However, maintaining a healthy BMI, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and performing regular health checks are essential for maintaining reproductive health. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study and to explore other factors that may influence the menstrual cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Relationship between Body Mass Index and Menstrual Cycles

Q: What is the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and menstrual cycles?

A: The relationship between BMI and menstrual cycles is complex and not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that low or high BMI may be associated with irregular menstrual cycles, while others have found no significant relationship.

Q: What is the significance of maintaining a healthy BMI for menstrual health?

A: Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for menstrual health. A healthy BMI can help maintain hormone balance and reduce the risk of health problems, including menstrual disorders.

Q: How can I maintain a healthy BMI for menstrual health?

A: Maintaining a healthy BMI can be achieved by:

Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as exercise or sports
Managing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Getting enough sleep each night
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Q: Can stress affect my menstrual cycle?

A: Yes, stress can affect your menstrual cycle. Stress can disrupt hormone balance and lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Managing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help reduce the risk of menstrual disorders.

Q: How can I manage stress for menstrual health?

A: Managing stress for menstrual health can be achieved by:

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as exercise or sports
Getting enough sleep each night
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

Q: What are the risks of menstrual disorders?

A: Menstrual disorders, such as irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea, can increase the risk of health problems, including:

Ovarian cancer
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Infertility

Q: How can I reduce the risk of menstrual disorders?

A: Reducing the risk of menstrual disorders can be achieved by:

Maintaining a healthy BMI
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as exercise or sports
Managing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Getting enough sleep each night
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Q: What are the symptoms of menstrual disorders?

A: The symptoms of menstrual disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder. Common symptoms include:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
Heavy or light bleeding
Painful menstrual cramps
Mood changes, such as anxiety or depression

Q: How can I get help for menstrual disorders?

A: If you are experiencing symptoms of menstrual disorders, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as:

Hormone replacement therapy
Birth control pills
Surgery
Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise

Q: What are the benefits of maintaining reproductive health?

A: Maintaining reproductive health can provide numerous benefits, including:

Reduced risk of health problems, such as ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease
Improved fertility
Enhanced overall health and well-being
Increased confidence and self-esteem

Q: How can I maintain reproductive health?

A: Maintaining reproductive health can be achieved by:

Maintaining a healthy BMI
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as exercise or sports
Managing stress through techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
Getting enough sleep each night
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Q: What are the risks of neglecting reproductive health?

A: Neglecting reproductive health can increase the risk of health problems, including:

Ovarian cancer
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Infertility

Q: How can I get help for reproductive health concerns?

A: If you are experiencing reproductive health concerns, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as:

Hormone replacement therapy
Birth control pills
Surgery
Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise

Q: What are the benefits of seeking help for reproductive health concerns?

A: Seeking help for reproductive health concerns can provide numerous benefits, including:

Reduced risk of health problems, such as ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease
Improved fertility
Enhanced overall health and well-being
Increased confidence and self-esteem

Q: How can I find a healthcare professional for reproductive health concerns?

A: You can find a healthcare professional for reproductive health concerns by:

Asking for referrals from friends, family, or a primary care physician
Checking with your insurance provider for a list of in-network healthcare professionals
Searching online for healthcare professionals in your area
Contacting your local health department for a list of healthcare professionals who specialize in reproductive health.