Impact of stress on menstrual cycle: A comparison between medical and non medical students

Introduction: In the wake of fast paced life and cut throat competitions, students are under high academic pressure. Neuroendocrine system plays a vital role not only in supporting normal physiological function but also during stress. It influences the endocrine and reproductive system to help in adaptation and maintains homeostasis in response to stressors. Material and Methods: Study was done on 100 female college students (50 medical and 50 non-medicals). Based on the questionnaires each participant was evaluated for level of stress and variations in menstrual patterns like length, duration, dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual tension etc. Result: Significant association was observed between the level of stress and presence of premenstrual symptoms ( P = 0.002). Higher stress was associated with passage of clots ( P = 0.01), painful periods ( P = 0.012) and the presence of premenstrual symptoms ( P = 0.002). Higher number of medicos suffered from premenstrual symptoms compared to non-medical students (60%, 40%, P = 0.046). Conclusion: A strong association was observed between stress and premenstrual symptoms. There is no difference in medical and non-medical students either in the stress level perceived or in any of the menstrual complaints except for premenstrual tension ( P = 0.046) which may be as 62% of medical students perceived above average or higher level of stress compared to 50% non-medicos.