ABSTRACT
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) affects adolescent girls within 2 years of menarche and roughly 16–91% suffer from it, heavily incapacitating their educational and social life. Elevated prostaglandins (PG’s), especially PGF2? is alleged to be the culprit behind PD but the prevalence continues to remain variable across various geographical domains. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of PD and to determine the association between PD and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study 250 randomly selected adolescent girls was conducted across different government and private schools of Hyderabad. The participants were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire which included sociodemographic details, anthropometric measurements, and complete menstrual history including the prevalence and severity of PD. Participants were segregated into four groups according to the Revised IAP BMI charts and the intensity of pain was scored by Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Results: The prevalence of PD was estimated to be 70% with 34.7% complaining of severe PD. About 42.4% participants reported to suffer from PD, a day before menstrual flow and the most commonly associated symptoms were nausea and fatigue. About 52.68% participants suffered from PD every month. While assessing the impact of BMI on PD, the prevalence and severity of PD were found higher in overweight and obese participants and the difference was statistically significant. Lower age of menarche, longer cycles, and heavier flow were associated with increased risk of PD. Conclusion: PD is physically and emotionally challenging and as rising adolescent obesity is a correctible predisposing factor, there is an urgent need to acknowledge the issue.