What is the desired menstrual frequency of women without menstruation-related symptoms?

Contraception. 2006 May;73(5):537-41. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2006.01.004. Epub 2006 Mar 13.

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the desired menstrual frequency of subjects without menstruation-related symptoms.

Materials and methods: The study included 270 women of reproductive age. Women with menstrual headache, dysmenorrhea, hypermenorrhea and/or premenstrual syndrome were excluded. The study subjects completed a standardized questionnaire.

Results: Of the women, 75.6% declared that menstrual periods interfere with their sexual life, 28.8% preferred not having their menstrual period when at work and 48.4% reported that menstrual periods interfere with practicing sports. Given the choice, 28.5% of the women would desire amenorrhea and 27.8% would prefer a reduction in the frequency of menstrual periods. Of the 152 women desiring to reduce menstrual frequency, 73.0% declared that they would accept to use a drug to reduce menstrual frequency.

Conclusions: Over 50% of women without menstruation-related symptoms would like to lessen the frequency of menstrual periods and about 50% of them would desire amenorrhea.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities / psychology
  • Menstruation / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Work / psychology