Menstrual Problems and Quality of Life among Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

Background: Menstrual problems are common among adolescent girls and may adversely affect their Quality of Life (QoL). This study assessed the relationship between menstrual problems and QoL among adolescent school girls in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 adolescent girls aged 14–17 years at Dhaka, from January to December 2019. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0). Physical activity, anthropometric measurements and menstrual characteristics were also recorded. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.4±1.0 years, and the mean age at menarche was 12.2±1.2 years. Dysmenorrhoea (71.3%) was the most common menstrual problem, followed by menorrhagia (14.2%). Anger (65.0%) and extreme fatigue (62.6%) were the most frequent premenstrual symptoms. The mean total PedsQL score was 69.3±11.5. Irregular menstruation was significantly associated with age (p=0.009) and educational level (p=0.023), while menorrhagia was associated with parental occupation (p<0.05). Dysmenorrhoea was associated with lower psychosocial functioning (p=0.045) and total PedsQL score (p=0.041). Menorrhagia was associated with significantly lower physical, school, psychosocial and overall QOL (All p><0.05). Several premenstrual symptoms, particularly tension, depression, anger, difficulty sleeping, anorexia, headache, generalized body ache and extreme fatigue, were significantly associated with poorer QOL across multiple PedsQL domains. Conclusion: Menstrual problems, particularly dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, and premenstrual symptoms, were significantly associated with poorer quality of life among adolescent girls.><0.5) Dysmenorrhoea was associated with lower psychosocial functioning (p=0.045) and total PedsQL score (p=0.041). Menorrhagia was associated with significantly lower physical, school, psychosocial and overall QOL (All p<0.05). Several premenstrual symptoms, particularly tension, depression, anger, difficulty sleeping, anorexia, headache, generalized body ache and extreme fatigue, were significantly associated with poorer QOL across multiple PedsQL domains. Conclusion: Menstrual problems, particularly dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, and premenstrual symptoms, were significantly associated with poorer quality of life among adolescent girls.><0.5) Several premenstrual symptoms, particularly tension, depression, anger, difficulty sleeping, anorexia, headache, generalized body ache and extreme fatigue, were significantly associated with poorer QOL across multiple PedsQL domains. Conclusion: Menstrual problems, particularly dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, and premenstrual symptoms, were significantly associated with poorer quality of life among adolescent girls. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.25 (2); July 2026; Page 87-95