Menstrual Cycle Symptoms and Female Health

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Premenstrual Syndrome, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), Ovulation Disorder, Perceived Health Status

In brief

The complexity inherent to the hormonal fluctuations associated with the female menstrual cycle (MC) has contributed, from a methodological perspective in research, to the neglect of women's physiological characteristics and to the silencing and normalization of symptoms linked to different life stages and hormonal environments. The scarce and outdated available data suggest high percentages of women experiencing perimenstrual symptoms, such as premenstrual syndrome or menstrual pain, as well as intermenstrual discomfort. These symptoms not only significantly impair daily activities but, due to their normalization, often lead to the underdiagnosis of other gynecological conditions. Subclinical ovulatory disturbances-characterized by the suppression of ovarian hormones as an adaptive defense mechanism against various environmental stressors-are also frequently underdiagnosed. These disturbances typically do not affect MC length, making them difficult to detect, and although the process is reversible, it may initiate irreversible consequences for certain tissues, such as bone mass loss. However, neither women nor their educational, occupational, or healthcare environments appear to have the resources and/or knowledge required to adequately address these issues. All of this may compromise women's rights to adequate sexual and reproductive health and to a dignified quality of life, as recognized under the second line of Axis 4, "Effective Rights for All Women," of the Strategic Plan for Effective Equality between Women and Men 2022-2025. Therefore, the aims of this multicenter project-carried out by a multidisciplinary research team from seven Spanish universities and three international institutions-are to describe the prevalence of symptoms and alterations related to the MC in women of reproductive age and to identify their associations with physical and mental health. To accomplish this, an observational study will be conducted in a large sample of women of reproductive age, including multiple symptom and perceived-health questionnaires and ovulation monitoring. In addition, in a subsample of participants, bone mineral density will be assessed, blood levels of sex hormones will be monitored, and an innovative analysis of health biomarkers (glycemic and lipid profile, and inflammation) from menstrual blood will be included. This will be complemented by a qualitative study of experiences related to MC-associated symptoms and alterations, using in-depth interviews and thematic content analysis. The findings of this project are expected to support various dissemination and educational actions, justify the design of more inclusive educational and healthcare policies, and enhance the understanding of women's needs, ultimately contributing to improved symptom management and quality of life.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT07699224
Run by
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
People needed
400
Starts
2026-01-21
Expected to finish
2026-12-01
Last updated by the study team
2026-07-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

You may not qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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