The Social Determinants of Menstrual Cycle Characteristics among Japanese Women

• In Event: 115 - Section on Asia and Asian America Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 08. Social Determinants of Health and Well-being

Abstract

Menstrual cycle abnormality has been identified as one of the important factors of infertility and women’s physical well-being. Despite its importance, relatively little research has been conducted outside the United States on how lifestyles affect the length and irregularity of menstrual cycles. In this paper, we use a national survey on Japanese women’s health (n=2,331) to assess the effects of social and lifestyle factors on menstrual cycle characteristics. Our preliminary data analysis indicates that long work hours and lower educational levels increase the risk of cycle irregularity. Underweight and obese women are also more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles. With respect to short menstrual cycles (<25 days), data indicate that smoking and part time work (1-34 hours per week) increase the odds of short menstrual cycles.

Authors

• Emi Tamaki, Gakushuin University

• Shoko Konishi, University of Tokyo