The Relationship Between Idiopathic Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Periodontitis: A Case-Control Study

Objective: The cause of idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding has not been identified, but increased systemic inflammation may be a factor. Periodontitis has an impact on general health and may cause systemic low-grade inflammation. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding and periodontitis. Material and Methods: A total of 60 women were included in the study. Thirty women with idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding constituted the study group, and 30 healthy age-matched participants with normal menstrual bleeding constituted the control group. Evaluation of menstruation was performed using a pictorial-based assessment chart (PBAC) score. Periodontal status was evaluated with the gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, total teeth number, and decay teeth number. Saliva samples were obtained to analyze the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, arylesterase activity, and oxidative stress index levels. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age and BMI between the study and the control groups. All the periodontal clinical parameters were found to be statistically significantly deteriorated in the idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding group. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were significantly high, and arylesterase activity was low in the study group. Conclusion: Periodontitis causes systemic inflammation and can be associated with increased endometrial inflammatory effects. Local endometrial inflammation may interfere with normal endometrial healing and reduce the ability of endometrial cells to proliferate. Inadequate restoration of normal cytoarchitecture of endometrial tissue may contribute to prolonged menstrual bleeding.