Characteristics of the menstrual cycle in obese adolescent girls

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.107

Serikbayeva A.T., Kakhiani E.I., Khamidullina Z.G., Akhmedyanova G.U.
1) Astana Medical University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan; 2) I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia

Background: In recent decades, there has been a steady increase in the body mass index (BMI) among children and adolescents worldwide that reflects the growing prevalence of obesity at a young age. Excess body weight during this sensitive period of development has a significant impact on the reproductive system of adolescent girls. In this regard, early diagnosis and prevention of overweight-related disorders are of particular importance, as they help minimize potential risks and contribute to a healthy reproductive future.
Objective: To analyze the data of the foreign studies on the role of obesity in the development of menstrual cycle disorders in adolescents.
Materials and methods: This literature review analyzes studies published over the past 10 years including reviews, cohort studies and meta-analyses, on the risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention of ovarian dysfunction in obese girls. A total of 42 publications were included in the review out of 89 articles found on the issue. The search for scientific publications was conducted in databases of Elsevier, PubMed, and Web of Science using keywords related to obesity and menstrual disorders in adolescents.
Results: The analysis of literature and data of epidemiological studies has shown that high values of BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference significantly correlate with the duration, volume, and regularity of menstruation, as well as the severity of pain syndrome. Obese adolescents are more likely to suffer from oligomenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual disorders. These findings highlight the need for early screening of body weight and metabolic status in girls for timely prevention and correction of reproductive disorders.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of obesity in adolescents requires a comprehensive approach including the analysis of the patient’s medical history, the assessment of the diet and lifestyle, and screening for obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia.

Authors’ contributions: All authors contributed equally to the writing of this article. Serikbayeva A.T., Kakhiani E.I., Khamidullina Z.G., Akhmedyanova G.U. – collecting and processing the material, writing the text, editing the article.
Conflicts of interest: Authors declare lack of the possible conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Serikbayeva A.T., Kakhiani E.I., Khamidullina Z.G., Akhmedyanova G.U.
Characteristics of the menstrual cycle in obese adolescent girls.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2025; (8): 48-56 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2025.107

obesity

menstrual disorder

puberty

sexual development

adolescents

adolescent girls

metabolic syndrome

ovarian dysfunction

Full text (in Russian)

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Received 21.04.2025

Accepted 09.07.2025

Ainash T. Serikbayeva, 2nd year PhD student, Assistant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1, Astana Medical University, 010000, Kazakhstan, Astana, Beibitshilik str., 49а, seraintol5@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5092-4408
Ekaterina I. Kakhiani, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology named after S.N. Davydov, I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, 191015, Russia, St. Petersburg, Kirochnaya str., 41, dr.ekaterina@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0410-817X
Zaituna G. Khamidullina, PhD, Professor, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1, Astana Medical University, 010000, Kazakhstan, Astana,
Beibitshilik str., 49а, zaituna59@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0902-5269
Gainyl U. Akhmedyanova, PhD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No.1, Astana Medical University, 010000, Kazakhstan, Astana, Beibitshilik str., 49а, akhmedyanova.gaynyl@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000‑0002‑5410‑7781
Corresponding author: Ainash T. Serikbayeva, seraintol5@gmail.com

Characteristics of the menstrual cycle in obese adolescent girls

Serikbayeva A.T., Kakhiani E.I., Khamidullina Z.G., Akhmedyanova G.U.

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