Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common reason for patients to present at dental offices. The majority of people with TMD are women between the age of 20 and 40 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the types and prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in female patients of reproductive age with menstrual disorders.
Materials and methods: The study involved 65 females of reproductive age (18-40 years, an average of 28.00 ± 6.27 years). The women who qualified for the study were patients of the University Center for Maternal and Newborn's Health hospitalized because of infertility or menstrual cycle disorders. Women with confirmed estrogen metabolism disorders participated in a clinical study with the use of Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD).
Results: In the studied female patients with menstrual disorders, temporomandibular disorders (92.3%) were frequent occurrences. The most common type was intra-articular joint disorders (68%). Other reported complaints included masticatory muscle pain (44.62%), and degenerative joint diseases (12.3%).
Conclusions: 1. In women with menstrual disorders, TMD may exist. 2. In women with TMD symptoms, their medical history should be extended to include the diagnosis of female hormone disorders.
Keywords: estrogen; menstrual disorder; temporomandibular disorder.