Clinical profiles of young women seeking care for menstrual and reproductive health issues in a hospital setting in Bihar

Background: Menstrual health is a critical aspect of women’s well-being across the reproductive lifespan. Menstrual disorders not only affect reproductive outcomes but also have long-term implications for physical and mental health. Variations in the timing of menarche are influenced by multiple factors, including lifestyle, environmental exposures, nutritional status, chronic illness, hormonal imbalances, and physical stress. Objective: This study aimed to examine the associated factors of menstrual and reproductive health problems among women in Bihar attending outpatient clinics, and to determine the mean age of menarche in this population. Methods: Data were collected from women presenting with menstrual health concerns at OPD clinics and hospitals. Clinical profiles were summarized using descriptive statistics, expressed as mean ± SD. Associations between age at menarche and blood pressure were assessed using group comparison tests. Results: The mean age at menarche among women in Bihar was found to be 12.6 years. A significant association was observed between age at menarche and blood pressure, with unmarried girls showing relatively lower levels, possibly linked to nutritional deficiencies. The study included 101 women aged 10–36 years. Menstrual disorders were the most commonly reported health issues (25.7%), including oligomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular cycles, and menorrhagia. Primary amenorrhea and sexual developmental concerns were more frequent among unmarried participants, while infertility-related problems were largely observed among married women (8.6%). Additionally, recurrent abortion and fetal loss were reported in 22% of married women. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for strengthened nutritional interventions for adolescent girls in Bihar to support physical and psychological development. Menstrual health issues, the primary reason for health center visits, vary by marital status: married women report abortion, fetal loss, and infertility; unmarried girls face menstrual disorders, primary amenorrhea, and poor sexual development. Regular school and college health education is crucial to raise awareness and address these challenges. Targeted policies will improve reproductive outcomes and women's health across Bihar.