Association Between Obesity and Menstrual Irregularities in Women of Reproductive Age.

Authors

  • Sandip Nirmal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63682/jns.v15i1s.10450

Keywords:

Obesity, Menstrual Irregularities, BMI, Central Adiposity, Hormonal Imbalance, Reproductive Health

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is an important global health problem impacting on reproductive health. Menstrual abnormalities including oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea are related to higher body mass index (BMI) and central adiposity in female of reproductive age. While hormonal changes and metabolic and lifestyle abnormalities play a role in such disturbances, this interaction is yet not fully quantified.

Method: This systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizing data from 16 observational studies with cross-sectional, case-control and prospective cohort designs published between 2000 and 2026. Eligible studies assessed BMI or WC or WHR and menstrual outcomes, and/or hormone profiles. Data extracted included data on sample characteristics, anthropometric measures, cycle irregularities, and effect estimates (OR/aOR). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies and JBI criteria for cross-sectional and case-control studies were used for quality assessment.

Results: BMI and central adiposity were always associated with menstrual irregularities risk. Longitudinal studies have shown that BMI reduction is associated with reduced odds of irregularities (aOR 0.34-0.39), with class III obesity having the greatest risk. Increased estradiol and decreased progesterone levels, decreased SHBG, and insulin resistance were among the hormonal mediators. The underweight women were also found to have irregularities, thus revealing a U-shaped relationship. These effects were modulated by regional/lifestyle differences, with South Asian women showing heightened susceptibility.

Conclusion: Metabolic and hormonal alterations provide a pathway by which obesity can affect menstrual function in a modifiable manner. Once the weight and lifestyle aspects have been targeted, the regularity in the cycle can be revamped. Future studies are required to standardise measurements, to broaden a hormonal profiling and to use digital monitoring for realistic implementation...

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Published

2026-07-13

How to Cite

1.
Nirmal S. Association Between Obesity and Menstrual Irregularities in Women of Reproductive Age. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 13 [cited 2026 Jul. 18];15(1s):203-14. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/10450

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1s (2026): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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