Evaluation of the relationships between nutrition and anthropometric measurements and primary dysmenorrhea

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and nutritional and anthropometric measurements in patients visiting the family medicine and gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinics at a university hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study at Düzce University Research and Application Hospital. The study included 350 patients who met the inclusion criteria and visited the family medicine and gynecology and obstetrics outpatient clinics between 25.02.2025 and 31.05.2025. The participants' sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric histories, menstrual cycle characteristics, menstrual symptom characteristics, nutrition and exercise behaviors, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. During the data collection process, participants were administered a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken. The questionnaire consisted of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Menstrual Symptom Scale (MSÖ), and Dietary Exercise Behavior Scale (BEDÖ), which enabled the evaluation of individuals in terms of the specified variables. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of primary dysmenorrhea: those with primary dysmenorrhea (PD+) and those without (PD-), and comparisons were made between the two groups. Results: A total of 350 patients participated in the study, and the primary dysmenorrhea rate was found to be 78.86%. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of VAS, BEDÖ, and anthropometric measurements. However, in the group with primary dysmenorrhea, significant negative relationships were found between the negative effects/somatic complaints subscale of the MSÖ and psychological (dependent) eating behavior and unhealthy eating-exercise behaviors. Additionally, a significant negative relationship was observed between menstrual pain symptoms and psychological eating behavior. In the group with primary dysmenorrhea, a negative relationship was found between the waist-to-hip ratio and the negative effects/somatic complaints subscale of the MSÖ, while in the PD(–) group, a negative relationship was found between the body mass index (BMI) and the negative effects/somatic complaints subscale of the MSÖ. Conclusion: Indirect relationships were found between primary dysmenorrhea and certain behavioral and anthropometric characteristics. Psychological eating behaviors may play a role in coping with menstrual symptoms. Based on these findings, it is recommended that lifestyle-based approaches, as well as pharmacological methods, be considered in the management of primary dysmenorrhea. Keywords: Primary Dysmenorrhea, Menstruation, Menstrual Symptoms, Eating Behavior, Anthropometric Measurements, VAS