Body Image Concerns in Relation to Menstrual Patterns: Cross-Sectional Study

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KAYMAZ N., KASAP T., ERTEKİN H., SİRİN H.

Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, cilt.36, sa.1, ss.21-32, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 36 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5336/jcog.2026-118567
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.21-32
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Body image disturbance, body image flexibility, menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome, body mass index
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study investigated the associations of menstrual history, cycle characteristics, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with body image disturbance and body image flexibility in female university students. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, undergraduate students completed an online survey including questions on menstrual history and cycle characteristics, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ), and the Body Image–Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ). Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and regression models were performed. Results: A total of 518 female students participated (mean age 21.34 ± 2.19 years). Age at menarche was positively correlated with BI-AAQ scores (r=0.121, p=0.006), suggesting greater body image flexibility with later menarche, but was not associated with BIDQ scores. PMS was present in 317 participants (61%) and was associated with earlier menarche (p<0.001) and longer menstrual bleeding duration (p=0.045). Participants with PMS had significantly higher BIDQ scores (p<0.001, d=0.549) and lower BI-AAQ scores (p<0.001, d=0.718). However, correlations between PMS subscales and body image measures were weak, and regression analyses did not identify significant predictors. Supplementary analyses showed higher BIDQ scores in overweight and obese participants and higher BI-AAQ scores in underweight participants. Conclusion: Later menarche was associated with greater body image flexibility, whereas PMS was associated with greater disturbance and lower flexibility. Overall, these associations were modest and likely multifactorial.