Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Menstrual Regularity in Young Women

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Menstrual consistency is a significant sign of reproductive health and is affected by nutrition, exercise, and body weight. Unhealthy lifestyle habits correlate with a higher likelihood of menstrual irregularities. Nonetheless, information regarding their overall effect on young women in Bangladesh is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how diet and exercise influence menstrual regularity in young women in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional analytical study involved 180 women between the ages of 18 and 30. Information regarding eating patterns, exercise, body mass index, stress levels, and menstrual cycle regularity was gathered through a standardized questionnaire. Associations were evaluated using the chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression, with p<0.05 regarded as statistically significant. Results: Out of 180 participants (average age 22.4 ± 2.7 years), 116 (64.4%) exhibited regular menstrual cycles, whereas 64 (35.6%) faced menstrual irregularity. Consistent menstruation showed a strong link to daily breakfast eating, reduced fast-food consumption, sufficient fruit and vegetable intake, moderate-to-high physical activity levels, and a normal BMI (p<0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that skipping breakfast (AOR=2.34), frequent fast-food consumption (AOR=2.51), low physical activity levels (AOR=3.12), being overweight or obese (AOR=1.91), insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption (AOR=1.84), and elevated perceived stress (AOR=2.69) are independent predictors of menstrual irregularity (all p<0.05). Conclusion: Healthy eating patterns and consistent exercise were strongly linked to better menstrual regularity, emphasizing the crucial impact of lifestyle changes on enhancing menstrual and reproductive health in young women.