Correlation Between Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Adolescents and Young Females with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) involves painful lower abdominal cramps during menstruation without pelvic pathology. Oxidative stress may contribute to PD pathogenesis. This study examined the correlation between oxidative stress markers in adolescents and young females with PD.

METHODOLOGY: This case-control study was conducted at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India, among 73 participants (40 PD as cases and 33 age-matched healthy controls). Menstrual pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were quantified using assay kits.

RESULTS

Early menarche (≤12 years) significantly increased the risk of PD (OR: 14.76, 95% CI: 4.54-47.94, p<0.001). Most PD subjects (75%) had a normal BMI, while controls had higher rates of overweight/obesity (OR: 9.0, 95% CI: 2.72-29.75, p=0.0003). The PD group reported higher consumption of spicy food and tea/coffee, and lower consumption of fruits/vegetables (p<0.05). They also had lower physical activity (7.5% Vs 75.8%, OR:125, p<0.01) and a higher frequency of family history (60% vs 40%), OR: 5.57, 95% CI: 1.9-15.87, p<0.001). Hormonal profiles (LH, FSH, TSH, and PRL) were similar between groups. The PD group exhibited elevated MDA (5.40±1.03 vs 4.46±0.73 μMol/ml) and reduced SOD (10.23±2.37 vs 14.41±1.31 U/ml) and GSH (15.77±2.41 vs 21.83±1.44 μMol/ml). MDA was negatively correlated with GSH (r=0.447; p=0.032), while SOD was positively correlated with GSH (r=0.496; p=0.031). In the PD group, BMI showed a negative correlation with MDA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of PD, evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defenses. These findings highlight oxidative damage as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.