The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Dysmenorrhea in the General Female Population

BACKGROUND: There may be an etiological association between obesity and dysmenorrheal traits. This study aimed to observe the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dysmenorrhea in a general female population. METHODS: Premenopausal adult females (n = 2,805) undergoing health checkups were assessed for data such as the BMI and self-reported severity of dysmenorrhea. The BMI levels were compared according to the severity of dysmenorrhea with adjustment for age, smoking habit, exercise habit, serum lipids, and plasma glucose. RESULTS: The mean BMI level in females with severe dysmenorrhea (n = 278; 23.3 ± 4.5 (standard deviation) kg/m(2)) was high relative to those with mild (n = 1,451; 22.3 ± 3.9 kg/m(2)) and moderate (n = 1,076; 22.6 ± 4.4 kg/m(2)) dysmenorrhea. Even after adjustment for covariables, the difference in BMI remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: The high-normal BMI level may be seen in severe dysmenorrhea in the general female population. Further research is needed to confirm the findings.