Influence of menstrual factors and dietary habits on menstrual pain in adolescence age

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the primary dysmenorrhea in adolescence age and investigate correlation between menstrual factors, dietary habits and this pathology. Study design: The sample was constituted from 356 students that were subjected to questionnaire, abdominal ultrasound, and in some cases, hormonal dosing. Results: The frequency of the primary dysmenorrhea was 85%. Early menarche was related to an increase of its prevalence and its severity. A long and heavy menstrual flow was related to an increase of its severity. As far as dietary habits, it was noted that a higher consumption of fish, eggs, fruit and a lower consumption of wine is correlated with a lower frequency. Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is very common in young women. The risk factors for this pathology are early menarche, long and heavy menstrual flow, and lower consumption of fish, eggs, and fruit. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.