Approved Research

Menstrual symptoms: prevalence, genetic determinants, and bidirectional associations with socioeconomic disadvantage.

Lay summary

Problematic menstrual cycle features, such as pain, heavy bleeding, and irregular cycles, impact a high proportion of women and people who menstruate and are associated with multiple adverse physical and mental health outcomes, as well as reduced attendance and productivity at school/work. Despite this, little research has sought to identify the causes and risk factors associated with such problematic menstrual cycle features. Socioeconomic disadvantage is one factor that has been associated with worse menstrual cycle features; however, the current evidence is mixed and unable to understand causality. It is possible that socioeconomic position (SEP) causally impacts problematic menstrual cycle features due to early life stressors and associated lifestyle factors adversely impacting the development of the brain, the nervous system, and hormone production systems. Additionally, problematic menstrual cycle features could negatively impact SEP through their impacts on school and work thus restricting the ability of women suffering with such symptoms to reach their fully academic and career potential. Therefore, this three-year project aims to understand the causal, bidirectional relationship between SEP and problematic menstrual cycle features by combining observational and genetic methods in multiple cohorts. Robust evidence that SEP and problematic menstrual cycle features are causally related may support the need for additional support or treatment for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or provide rationale for improving school and work environments to enable women to better manage problematic menstrual cycles.