Many previous studies have shown that the menstrual cycle is an important aspect of women’s overall health. The menstrual cycle has been linked to several ailments such as cancer, heart diseases, metabolic problems, diabetes, and even mental disorders. As per a new study, the menstrual cycle also impacts life expectancy among women. Scientists from Harvard and Tongji Medical College in China have said that hormonal imbalance due to irregular periods is the main factor, which affects the health and lifespan among women. It increases the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer as well. The study has shown the data of around 80000 women with irregular and long menstrual cycles. It says that such women are at a higher risk of dying before age 70. This study has been published in the British Medical Journal.
Scientists have observed the data from a cohort study involving American nurses in the age group of 25 to 42 years. This study has started in 1989. The new study has gathered the data on volunteers’ lifestyle and health. Experts have enquired about the regularity and duration of their menstrual cycle as well. At the beginning of the study, volunteers have been asked to recall the nature of their periods from 14 to 17 years of age. After regulating other factors, experts have found that the women who have an irregular cycle of 40 or more days have been at a greater risk of dying early as compared to those who have a normal cycle of 26 to 30 days. Women with disrupted cycles are at a higher risk of cardiovascular ailments as well, said the experts. The study has shown that women who smoke and have disrupted and long cycles have been at 66 to 71 percent higher risk.
Experts have revealed that women who have missed their cycles at the adolescent age and in adulthood are twice as likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Study shows that such women are susceptible to high cholesterol, diabetes, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids as well. Studies have come out with a shocking fact that young adolescent girls who miss their periods due to birth control pills are at higher risk of early death as compared to adults. Experts have said that using oral contraception can be dangerous for girls aged 14 to 17 years. However, the usage of birth control after the age of 18 has not been linked to the risk of death.
