dysmenorrhea was more in girls who skipped the breakfast meal than in those who had breakfast (P= 0.035). Conclusion: Skipping breakfast is related with irregular menstrual cycle and increase the incidence of dysmenorrhea, oligmenorrhea, premenstrual pain, anorexia and premenstrual cramps. But there was no effect on the other items of premenstrual syndromes.
Keywords: Menstruation, dietary habits, skipping breakfast, premenstrual syndromes, menstrual disorders
Corresponding author: Hayam Fathy A. Eittah , Lecturer of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing – Menoufyia University- Egypt, Tel. 00966509660178 E: maihegazy1317@yahoo.com
Introduction
Eating poorly or well can make a big difference on both the physical and mental aspects of the body. Eating healthfully can also boost the mood and lower the stress levels. Mental health is much more stimulated with body fulfilled and running smoothly. 1-3Dietary habits are fundamental factors that influence human life styles and individual quality of life. Additionally, dietary habits in young women may determine their quality of life in subsequent middle or old age and should be evaluated from the perspective of total benefit throughout the whole life.4-6
Menstruation is defined as the periodic discharge of blood, mucus, and cellular debris from the uterine mucosa. The average length of menstrual cycle is 28 days with a normal range 21 to 35 days.