Women's attitudes about menstruation and associated health and behavioral characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics.

METHODS

The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception.

RESULTS

Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.