Menstrual irregularity and its associated factors among adolescents with obesity: Clinical research

Relevance: Menstrual irregularities are common among adolescents with obesity and can have notable implications for reproductive and metabolic health. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and menstrual cycle disorders in adolescent girls, with a focus on the metabolic factors involved. Material and Methods: The study included 106 girls aged 12-18 years. The participants were divided into three groups: the main group (50 girls with obesity and menstrual irregularities), the comparison group (55 girls with increased BMI and regular menstrual cycles), and the control group (51 girls with a normal BMI and regular cycles). Fasting glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index were measured to assess the metabolic profile of the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with menstrual irregularities. Results: The results showed that adolescent girls with obesity were significantly more likely to experience menstrual irregularities, including secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea, compared to those in the comparison group. Elevated fasting glucose levels, abnormal OGTT results, and higher HOMA-IR scores were observed in the main group. These metabolic disturbances were strongly associated with menstrual cycle disorders. Conclusion: Obesity is a significant risk factor for menstrual irregularities in adolescent girls. Metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance, as indicated by elevated fasting glucose levels and HOMA-IR, play an important role in developing these menstrual disturbances. Early intervention to address obesity and improve metabolic health may help mitigate the risk of menstrual cycle disorders in adolescents.