Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Research Shows Around 20% of Women Have Irregular Cycles. According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, women with irregular menstrual cycles—either longer or shorter than usual—may be at a higher risk of certain heart problems.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles, The study found that women whose menstrual cycles fall outside the typical range of 22 to 34 days are more likely to face cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and atrial fibrillation over time, compared to those whose cycles fall within this normal range.
Having a regular menstrual cycle (the time between the first day of one period to the first day of the next) indicates proper functioning of the hormonal systems connected to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which is a key marker of overall health. Research shows that about 20% of women have irregular menstrual cycles.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles, Previous studies have confirmed the connection between irregular periods and risk factors for heart disease, such as insulin resistance, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other studies have also shown that hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s menstrual cycle may put her at higher risk of various arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.
Dr. Huijie Zhang, the lead author of this research and a chief physician and professor at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, notes that it is still not fully understood why certain characteristics of the menstrual cycle (such as cycle length) are linked to cardiovascular issues. However, given the increasing prevalence of heart disease among 45% of women in Western countries, and the associated mortality rates, investigating these risk factors is crucial.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles Risk
Irregular Menstrual Cycles, For this new study, researchers analyzed data from 58,056 women collected in the UK Biobank from 2006 to 2019. They sought to determine whether there was any relationship between menstrual cycle length and specific cardiovascular diseases or events. The average age of these women was 46, and none had cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.
Over an average follow-up period of 11.8 years, researchers found that women with irregular menstrual cycles had a 19% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular cycles. In terms of cycle length, women with shorter menstrual cycles faced a 29% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while those with longer cycles experienced an 11% increase in risk.
Zhang stated, “The analysis suggests that women with menstrual cycle disorders are more likely to face adverse cardiovascular health outcomes.”
Irregular Menstrual Cycles, However, since the UK Biobank data pertains to women aged 40 to 69, the impact of menopause on their menstrual cycles could have influenced the study’s findings. This means that the results may not necessarily apply to younger women who have not yet reached menopause.
Another limitation of the study is that the majority of participants were white. This indicates that the findings may not be applicable to women of other racial and ethnic backgrounds, such as Black, Asian, or other groups.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles, Nonetheless, Zhang emphasizes that these findings highlight the importance of monitoring menstrual cycle characteristics throughout a woman’s reproductive years.
Also Read:
Understanding The Menstrual Cycle: Health Impacts, Challenges, And Effective Management For Women
Women Perform Better During Menstruation And Make Fewer Mistakes
The Impact Of Menopause On Oral Health: Understanding The Connection
Early Puberty 2024: Early Puberty May Be Linked To Common Chemical In Personal Care Products
