The risk of developing cardiovascular disease may be higher in women who have an irregular menstrual cycle, say Dutch scientists in the journal Fertility and Sterility.
Among 23 thousand. of women whose health has been followed for ten years, ladies with a history of irregular periods were 28 percent. more likely to develop heart disease.
By contrast, no increase in risk was seen in women whose menstrual cycle was regular, whether the cycle was less than 26 days or more than 30 days. At the time of study initiation, the average age of women was 50.
Previous analyzes have shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes increases in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. This disease is characterized by chronic anovulation and is based on hormonal disorders associated with increased production of androgens.
According to the author of the study, Dr. Gerrie-Cor M. Gast from the University of Utrecht Medical Center, it turned out that the risk of heart disease may also be increased in the case of irregular menstruation, which is not associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
However, it is difficult to explain the reason for this relationship, because the results of the study were not influenced by hormonal disorders (especially decreased levels of estrogen, which protects against heart disease), or factors such as weight, blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The researcher also notes that despite a clearly higher risk, most women who had irregular periods did not develop cardiovascular disease during the ten years of follow-up (PAP).