Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Relative Factors Among Vietnamese Female Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aims: To research menstrual cycle characteristics and related factors among Vietnamese female medical students. Background: Female medical students, juggling demanding academic schedules, face the additional challenge of managing the impact of their monthly cycles on daily routines, academic achievements, and professional obligations. Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the menstrual cycle during this particularly stressful period by surveying these students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was from 3rd year of female medical students studying full-time. Results: Individuals in the severe stress group experienced irregular periods in 100% of cases. Dysmenorrhea was the next most prevalent abnormal symptom, affecting 39.7% of students. Furthermore, abdominal pain and lower back pain were the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The percentage of menorrhagia in the overweight-obesity group was almost 5 times higher than that of the other groups. Besides, central obesity increased the incidence of menorrhagia by a factor of 19. Average to high levels of physical activity can increase the risk of having dysmenorrhea. Remarkably, students who were affected by COVID-19 in terms of quality of life were also more likely to experience dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Although most medical students had normal menstrual cycles, abdominal pain and lower back pain were the leading PMS. Moreover, overweight-obesity, central obesity, physical activity, stress, and the COVID-19 pandemic may be relative factors of the menstrual cycle.