The Open Medical Informatics Journal

2007, 1 : 8-11
Published online 2007 October 25. DOI: 10.2174/1874431100701010008
Publisher ID: TOMINFOJ-1-8

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Young Japanese College Students with Dysmenorrhea Have High Frequency of Irregular Menstruation and Premenstrual Symptoms

Tomoko Fujiwara, *,1 and Rieko Nakata2
1 Faculty of Home Economics, Ashiya College, Ashiya
2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Nara, Japan

* Address correspondence to this author at the Faculty of Home Economics, Ashiya College, 14-10 Rokurokuso-cho, Ashiya, Japan 659-8511; Tel: 81-797-23-0663; Fax: 81-797-38-6705; E-mail: tomokof@bd5.so-net.ne.jp

ABSTRACT

In this study, to estimate the current status of young women with menstrual disorders, the relation among dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and premenstrual symptoms was investigated by a questionnaire. Subjects ranging from 18 to 20 years old were recruited from 522 female students at Ashiya College in Japan. The intensity of dysmenorrhea was classified into 3 grades (score 1, not requiring analgesic; score 2, painful, requiring analgesic; score 3, painful, not relieved by analgesic). All participants were further divided into subsequent groups as having premenstrual symptoms or not and those having regular or irregular menstruation. Dysmenorrhea scores in the students with premenstrual symptoms or irregular menstruation were significantly higher than those without these symptoms (1.66±0.66 vs 1.41±0.59; 1.62±0.68 vs 1.49±0.61, respectively). There was no significant relation in the incidence between premenstrual symptoms and irregular menstruation. These findings suggest that considerable numbers of young women with dysmenorrhea are associated with premenstrual symptoms.

Keywords:

Dysmenorrhea, irregular menses, premenstrual symptom, young women.