Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
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The association between menstrual symptoms and hypertension among young Australian women

Approved: 2016

Collaborators:

  • Dr Hsin-Fang Chung
  • Prof Gita Mishra
  • Prof Isabel Ferreira

Synopsis

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease including stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Previous studies showed that around 20-40% of young Australian women experience menstrual symptoms including premenstrual syndromes (PMS) and pain, irregularity, and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods. Women with menstrual symptoms are more likely to have elevated levels of inflammatory markers, and chronic inflammation might lead to the development of hypertension. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether menstrual symptoms are associated with hypertension in young Australian women.