Host factors that influence the duration of menstrual bleeding

Epidemiology. 1994 May;5(3):352-5. doi: 10.1097/00001648-199405000-00017.

Abstract

We assessed the association between weight, exercise, and stress and the duration of menstrual bleeding in a 1-year prospective menstrual diary study of 166 college first-year women, age 17-19 years. Low weight-for-height increased expected bleed duration by 0.39 day. Dieting to lose weight reduced bleed length by 0.43 day. Women who did no moderate or hard exercise bled about a quarter of a day longer than women at the median level of physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Weight / physiology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Menstruation / physiology*
  • Menstruation Disturbances / physiopathology
  • Precipitating Factors
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*