The Influence of Female University Students' Life Style, Women's Health Characteristics, and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Menstrual Symptoms

Abstract

Purpose: Menstrual symptoms are psychological and physical symptoms caused by hormonal changes according to the menstrual cycle, and many women complain of discomfort. This study was conducted to determine the factors that influence menstrual symptoms in female university students.Methods: Data collection was performed among 247 female students through convenient sampling at 2 universities in Korea, and the final analysis was conducted in 240 female students. Life style, women’s health characteristics, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and menstrual symptoms were assessed. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis.Results: The results of hierarchical regression analysis of the variables that showed significant results among variables related to menstrual symptoms were as follows: amount of menstruation (β=0.20, p=0.001), use of scented candles (β=0.19, p=0.002), women's health-related disease (β=0.15, p=0.015), irregular exercise (β=0.14, p=0.021), the use of a styrofoam container for food packaging (β=0.14, p=0.035), and change in menstrual bleeding amount (β=0.13, p=0.037) had a significant positive effect on menstrual symptoms.Conclusion: In order to reduce the discomfort caused by menstrual symptoms, it is necessary to maintain a life style or women's health, and avoid the use of EDCs that have an impact on female reproductive hormones.