Does increase in body mass index effect primary dysmenorrhea?

Abstract

Purpose: In the present study, the aim was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and dysmenorrhea and the effects of sociodemographic features on it. Materials and Methods: A total of 303 women were included in the study. Grading of severity of dysmenorrhea was made based on Verbal Multidimensional Scoring System (VMSS). Results: When correlations between severity of dysmenorrheic symptoms and patients were assessed, there was a statistically significant difference between the rates of chronic disease in the dysmenorrhea groups and the rates of dysmenorrhea history in the family (p = 0.037 and p = 0.008, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean body mass index (BMI) in the dysmenorrhea grades (p < 0.001). The mean BMI for those without dysmenorrhea was higher than those with mild or moderate dysmenorrhea. Those with severe dysmenorrhoea had a significantly higher mean BMI than those with mild dysmenorrhea (p <0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.009, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in dysmenorrheal grades and BMI groups (p = 0.002). The severity of dysmenorrhoea in those with a BMI of 30 and above was greater than those of mild and moderate ones. Conclusion: The main underlying cause of dysmenorrhea may not be obesity, but it may be one of the correctible predisposing factors. Balanced diet and trying to decrease one's BMI within normal limits may lower the incidence of dysmenorrhea.