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International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences Research Article

Menstrual irregularities and their psychosocial impact among college women in Vizianagaram: A cross-sectional study

Gopal Anapana, Sowmya Mudunuru, Chandra Sekhara Rao Gurubilli, Durgaprasad Avala, Mangamma Alubilli, Divyasri Namballa, Lakshmu Naidu Chiriki, Rachel Tompala, Kakala Gayatri, Chandra Kala Kothana, Yamini Paradi and Umamahesh Mar

Year : 2025 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 132-145

doi: https://doi.org/10.55126/ijzab.2025.v10.i05.016

Received on: 29/07/2025

Revised on: 11/08/2025

Accepted on: 11/09/2025

Published on: 30/09/2025

  • Gopal Anapana, Sowmya Mudunuru, Chandra Sekhara Rao Gurubilli, Durgaprasad Avala, Mangamma Alubilli, Divyasri Namballa, Lakshmu Naidu Chiriki, Rachel Tompala, Kakala Gayatri, Chandra Kala Kothana, Yamini Paradi and Umamahesh Mar( 2025).

    Menstrual irregularities and their psychosocial impact among college women in Vizianagaram: A cross-sectional study

    . International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences, 10( 5), 132-145.

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Abstract

Irregular menstruation is a prevalent but often underdiscussed health concern among young women, particularly in semiurban regions of India, where it is closely associated with hormonal imbalances, lifestyle stressors, and limited reproductive health literacy. This cross-sectional study surveyed 500 college-going women aged 17–25 years in Vizianagaram using structured questionnaires to assess menstrual patterns, associated symptoms, lifestyle factors, psychosocial impacts, and healthcare-seeking behaviour. More than one-third of the participants reported irregular cycles, often accompanied by heavy bleeding, severe cramps, or missed periods. These irregularities are linked to poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and stress, whereas emotional consequences include heightened anxiety, stress, diminished self-esteem, and reduced academic performance. Despite the significant burden, fewer than half of the respondents sought medical consultation, and many remained unaware of the influence of lifestyle on menstrual health, with cultural stigma and social restrictions further limiting open discussion and timely care. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives, stigma-free awareness programs, and improved access to youth-friendly healthcare services to address menstrual irregularities and their psychosocial consequences, thereby promoting reproductive well-being and empowerment among young women.

Keywords

Irregular menstruation, Psychosocial impact, Lifestyle factors, Menstrual stigma, College women.

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    © The Author(s) 2025. This article is published by International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (creativecommons.org), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.