Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Clinical

07 Impact of Stress Disorders on Menstrual Cycle Irregularities Across Various Racial and Ethnic Groups

Prisha Thapar; Emma Wiese; Michella Donfack; Dr. Hilary Lois; Ramzi Badra; Leona Jafari Corresponding author: ewiese@vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

The relationship between stress and menstrual cycle characteristics is increasingly recognized as a significant factor influencing psychiatric symptom fluctuations in women. This study investigates the relationship of stress disorders on menstrual cycle irregularities, including dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, and intermenstrual bleeding, and their subsequent impact within various ethnic and racial groups. Specifically, the study focuses on stress and anxiety disorders and eating disorders, hypothesizing that these conditions correlate with

symptom exacerbation and menstrual irregularities. We aim to incorporate an additional layer of data analysis by examining how the relationships change when the data is sorted by reported race and ethnicity. Data was collected from the All of Us online health database, using women diagnosed with stress, anxiety, or eating disorders and those with menstrual disorders. Preliminary analysis suggests a strong association between heightened anxiety, stress, eating disorder behaviors, and menstrual irregularities, indicating that psychiatric symptoms may have an

adverse relationship with menstrual health. These findings highlight critical windows for preventative care in women’s mental health by identifying key menstrual cycle irregularities and their links to stress related behaviors. Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying these associations and evaluate stress management interventions to mitigate menstrual cycle disturbances and improve mental health outcomes.

135 2025 Research Recognition Day