The relationship between short stature and menstrual pattern in a large cohort of Iranian girls

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stature and menstrual pattern. Nine hundred and seventy six girls were selected from regions within two cities in north-eastern Iran in 2015. They were assessed with respect to: their stature and menstrual pattern, age of menstruation, severity of dysmenorrhoea, duration of their menstrual cycle and flow. 841 girls had experienced menarche. 10.5% had a short stature. There were significant differences in age, height, weight and body mass index between those who had experienced their first menstrual cycle and others (p < .001). There were weak and negative correlation between age of menarche and height percentiles (r  =  –0.12, p < .001). Premenstrual syndrome, duration of menstruation cycle and bleeding period did not differ between these two groups (p > .05). We found that dysmenorrhoea was significantly influenced by height. Although the mean age at menarche was statistically significant among different statures, the range was narrow (12.2–12.7). Further studies considering environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and nutrition concurrently, are also required.

Impact statement

• What is already known on this subject? Various menstrual characteristics, including age of menarche, severity of dysmenorrhoea and duration of menstrual period may be associated with height. But, there have been few studies on the relationship between short stature and its impact on health status and menstrual patterns in adolescents.

• What do the results of this study add? There were significant differences in age, height, weight and body mass index between adolescent girls who had experienced their first menstrual cycle, and others. There were weak, negative, significant correlations between age of menarche and height percentiles. Dysmenorrhoea was significantly influenced by height.

• What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Life style modification and nutritional interventions that optimise the height of girls may resolve their menstrual problems and dysmenorrhoea.

Keywords:

• Short stature
• menstrual pattern
• dysmenorrhoea
• menarche

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all the school personnel, students and their parents for their cooperation. We also thank Clinical Research Development Unit of Ghaem hospital for participation in data analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and the Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences.