Assessment of the menstrual cycle, eating disorders and self-esteem of Polish adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders are an important factor in menstrual cycle disorders in girls. Moreover, low self-esteem among adolescent girls may be a risk factor for eating disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the menstrual cycle, eating habits and self-esteem of Polish adolescents.

Methods: The study was conducted from January 2014 to March 2015 and included 623 girls, aged 15–19, from randomly selected junior high schools in Silesia, Poland, in which their menstrual cycle, risk of eating disorders and self-esteem were evaluated. A five-part questionnaire was used to assess basic demographic data, lifestyle and physical activity, gynecological history, as well as Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26).

Results: Irregular menstrual cycles were observed in 236 (37.88%) girls; 5.20% presented secondary amenorrhea. Based on the EAT-26 test, 101 (16.21%) girls were indicated being at risk for an eating disorder. Low self-esteem was observed in 340 (54.57%) study girls on the base of SES.

Discussion: Girls with irregular menses had higher scores on the EAT-26 test in subscales: EAT-overall score, EAT-diet and EAT–bulimia, while lower scores on the SES. In our study, we did not observe a significant relationship between exercise intensity, body mass, BMI and menstrual cycle regularity. Low self-esteem among adolescent girls may be a risk factor for eating disorders which could interrupt the menstrual cycle.

Keywords:

• Adolescent
• eating disorders
• self-esteem
• irregular menstrual cycle

Disclosure statement

No competing financial interests exist. The authors report no financial, personal, political, intellectual or religious conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Current knowledge on the subjects:

• Irregular menses occurs in one-third of the girls at the risk for eating disorders.

• Girls, with low self-esteem are at risk of developing eating disorders four-fold higher than in those with higher self-esteem.

• Low self-esteem and distorted image of one’s own body conditions unhealthy behaviors, such as restrictive food intake or compensatory behaviors. Depression is directly connected with both restrictive food intake and binge eating.

What this study adds:

• Eating disorders are an important factor in menstrual cycle disorders in girls.

• Risk for eating disorders are frequently observed among Polish teenage girls.

• Low self-esteem among adolescent girls may be a risk factor for eating disorders.