Survey study, 2025
How do body size and shape relate to menstrual problems in women with PCOS?
In women with and without PCOS, menstrual problems are linked to where body fat is stored. For the Hindu women studied, waist size was most important. For Muslim women, waist size, cycle length, and weight all played a role.
What they did
Studied 723 Bengali women aged 15-30 (371 Hindu and 352 Muslim) to see how PCOS, menstrual patterns, and body measurements were connected. They measured menstrual patterns, PMS symptoms, and body measurements including waist size, cycle length, and weight.
What they found
Menstrual characteristics differed between Hindu and Muslim women, both with and without PCOS. Among Hindu women, waist circumference was the main body factor linked to PMS symptoms. Among Muslim women, waist circumference, cycle length, and weight were all linked to PMS symptoms. PCOS is associated with excess hair, acne, hair loss, irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
What it means for you
Body shape, especially waist size, is connected to PMS symptoms in women with PCOS. This connection may differ by cultural background. The main limit is that this was a snapshot study in one city and country, so results may not apply elsewhere.
723
Women studied
371 and 352
Hindu and Muslim women
15-30
Age range (years)
About the study
- Original title
- Understanding polycystic ovarian syndrome and its association with menstrual dysfunction and body fat distribution: A comparative study
- Authors
- Titas Ghosh, Baidyanath Pal, Suvendu Maji et al.
- Journal
- Medical Reports
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None. Observational study.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.hmedic.2025.100215
Topics
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