Impact of Chronic Workplace Stress on Menstrual Irregularities and Early Onset Menopause in Young Female Workers
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Abstract
Background: Workplace stress is a growing concern for female healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, whose demanding roles often expose them to physical and mental strain. Chronic stress can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities and even early onset of menopause. However, limited data are available on this subject in South Asian healthcare settings, especially in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between chronic workplace stress and the prevalence of menstrual irregularities and early menopause among young female doctors and nurses in Khulna, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025 among 300 female healthcare workers (150 doctors and 150 nurses) aged 38–42 years. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, working hours, physical and mental workload, menstrual history, and chronic health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and BMI. Stress was assessed using a standardized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Menstrual irregularities were reported by 188 participants (62.7%) and early menopause by 44 (14.7%). High physical workload was reported by 154 (51.3%) participants, and high mental workload by 190 (63.3%). Menstrual irregularities and early menopause were significantly more prevalent among those reporting high physical (80.5% and 22.1%, respectively) and mental workload (73.7% and 17.9%, respectively). Additionally, chronic conditions such as hypertension and elevated BMI were more common among participants with menstrual disruptions. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant association between chronic workplace stress and adverse reproductive health outcomes in female healthcare workers. These findings underscore the need for stress management, occupational health reforms, and menstrual health awareness in professional healthcare environments.
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