Reproductive-aged women with common menstrual cycle conditions may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, according to two new studies published Monday by the American Heart Association.
Dysmenorrhea is the most prevalent menstrual disorder and affects between 50% and 90% of women, particularly young women who have never been pregnant. Other symptoms of dysmenorrhea include lower back pain, pain radiation down the legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. The other study published Monday by the AHA found that teenage girls with polycystic ovary syndrome had a 30% higher risk of blood pressure than girls without the condition.
The causes of PCOS are unknown, but many women with the condition have insulin resistance and higher cholesterol. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight are common symptoms.