2025
NOVEMBER
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
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ISSUE 11
128
THE IMPACT OF IMPROPER NUTRITION ON THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN
ADOLESCENT GIRLS
Hasanova Kamola
Tashkent State Medical University, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology,
2nd-year Master's Student.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17589494
Annotation.
This study investigates the impact of improper nutrition on the menstrual
cycle in adolescent girls. The menstrual cycle is a key physiological process regulated by
hormonal mechanisms, and its normal functioning depends on the adequate intake of macro- and
micronutrients. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, zinc, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin
D, along with restrictive diets, frequent fast food consumption, and skipped meals, can lead to
menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. The research
emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition and proper dietary habits in maintaining
reproductive health and hormonal balance in adolescent girls. Preventive measures, including
dietary education and ensuring sufficient nutrient intake, are critical for promoting regular
menstrual cycles and overall well-being.
Keywords:
Menstrual cycle, Adolescent girls, Improper nutrition, Micronutrients,
Hormonal balance, Reproductive health.
Introduction
Human health is closely linked to various factors, particularly nutrition. Proper and
balanced nutrition ensures the normal functioning of all div systems, including hormonal
regulation and reproductive health. During adolescence, the formation and stabilization of the
menstrual cycle in girls are highly dependent on the adequate intake of essential nutrients. In
recent years, unhealthy eating habits such as dieting, frequent consumption of fast food, and
reduced nutritional quality of food have become widespread among young people. These
behaviors can lead to menstrual disorders, including irregular cycles, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea,
and hormonal imbalances. Therefore, investigating the impact of improper nutrition on the
menstrual cycle in adolescent girls is a relevant and timely scientific issue.
Relevance
In recent years, improper nutrition among adolescent girls has become a significant health
concern, directly affecting hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Nutrient deficiencies,
especially in iron, zinc, and vitamins B and D, can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to
irregularities such as amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. Considering the increasing prevalence of
unhealthy eating habits and their impact on reproductive health, studying the influence of poor
nutrition on the menstrual cycle of girls is of great scientific and practical importance.
The menstrual cycle is a crucial physiological process in adolescent girls, primarily
regulated by hormonal mechanisms. The cycle consists of two main phases: the follicular phase
(pre-ovulation) and the luteal phase (post-ovulation). During the follicular phase, the
hypothalamus and pituitary gland secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH), which stimulate follicular development in the ovaries. Ovulation occurs when a
mature egg is released from the ovary, and during the luteal phase, progesterone prepares the
2025
NOVEMBER
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
VOLUME 2
|
ISSUE 11
129
endometrial lining, which is essential for potential pregnancy. The balance of hormones ensures
the normal progression of the menstrual cycle. Any deficiency in essential nutrients or improper
nutrition can directly disrupt this process. For instance, insufficient intake of iron and B vitamins
can slow follicular development and delay ovulation. Additionally, excessive physical activity or
prolonged dieting may shorten the luteal phase or extend the menstrual cycle. Proper energy
balance and adequate intake of macro- and micronutrients are essential for the reproductive
system's normal functioning. Therefore, monitoring and understanding menstrual cycle physiology
is of significant medical importance.
The stable functioning of the reproductive system and the menstrual cycle depends on
sufficient intake of macro- and micronutrients, as well as vitamins. Iron is a vital micronutrient; its
deficiency can lead to anemia and delayed menstruation. Iron is necessary for blood production
and hormone synthesis and plays a key role in maintaining overall energy balance. Zinc and
magnesium support ovarian function and participate in the ovulation process. Their deficiency can
disrupt follicular development and hormonal balance. Vitamins, particularly the B complex, are
crucial for hormone synthesis and nervous system activity, while vitamin D plays an important
role in endometrial development and maintaining cycle regularity. Macronutrients such as
proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are necessary for hormone synthesis and energy supply. For
example, inadequate consumption of iron- and B-vitamin-rich foods can lead to extended, delayed,
or painful menstruation. Nutrient deficiencies can disrupt ovulation, shorten the luteal phase, or
reduce progesterone levels. Therefore, assessing dietary quality and ensuring sufficient nutrient
intake are critical for reproductive health.
Improper nutrition is widespread among adolescent girls and is primarily observed in the
following forms: restrictive diets, fast food and sugary products, and skipped meals. Restrictive
diets and calorie restriction often aim at rapid weight loss and can cause hormonal imbalances.
Fast food and sugary products provide low nutritional value, high sugar, and fat content,
and insufficient essential nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and calcium. Skipping meals,
especially breakfast and lunch, disrupts hormone production and energy balance. For example,
adolescent girls who regularly consume fast food and sugary beverages may experience menstrual
irregularities due to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Improper nutrition, combined with
stress, sleep deprivation, and high physical activity, can also lead to cycle prolongation or delays.
Therefore, adherence to balanced nutrition and sufficient intake of essential nutrients is
vital for maintaining reproductive health.
Improper nutrition can result in a range of menstrual disorders in adolescent girls.
Amenorrhea refers to the complete absence of menstruation, often associated with calorie
deficiency and excessive physical activity. Oligomenorrhea is characterized by a prolonged
menstrual cycle (more than 35 days), commonly caused by diets or imbalanced nutrition.
Dysmenorrhea refers to severe menstrual pain, which can worsen if iron and zinc intake is
insufficient. Additionally, hormonal imbalance, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels,
often results from prolonged dieting and vitamin deficiencies. For instance, long-term restrictive
diets in adolescent girls may lengthen or delay the menstrual cycle, putting reproductive system
functioning at risk. Therefore, the quality of nutrition and the adequacy of essential nutrients are
critical factors for adolescent girls’ health and the normal progression of the menstrual cycle.
2025
NOVEMBER
NEW RENAISSANCE
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE
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ISSUE 11
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Conclusion
Improper nutrition significantly affects the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls. Deficiencies
in iron, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin D can cause delayed, irregular, or painful menstruation and
hormonal imbalance. Restrictive diets, frequent fast food consumption, and skipped meals are
major contributors to these disorders. Maintaining a balanced diet with sufficient macro- and
micronutrients is essential for normal reproductive function and regular menstrual cycles.
Promoting healthy eating habits among adolescent girls is crucial for supporting
reproductive health and overall well-being.
References
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Shaw, R., & Mitchell, J. (2017). Nutrition and reproductive health in adolescent girls.
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Barr, S., & Larson, R. (2015). Dietary patterns, fast food consumption, and menstrual
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