Influence of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on dysmenorrhoea Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explored the influence of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on dysmenorrhea, a condition characterized by painful menstruation. It utilized data from the Taiwan Biobank, examining lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, alongside other demographic and health characteristics, to identify their relationship with the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea. The study aimed to understand how these substances influence menstrual pain, providing insights into potential lifestyle modifications that could mitigate dysmenorrhea symptoms.
Who was studied?
The study included 8,567 participants from the Taiwan Biobank, focusing on premenopausal women with varying patterns of alcohol and tobacco use. The participants were divided into four groups based on their tobacco and alcohol consumption: non-users, tobacco-only users, alcohol-only users, and those who used both tobacco and alcohol. Data were collected from a comprehensive questionnaire that included information on lifestyle, health behaviors, and demographic factors, with participants also categorized based on factors like educational level, body mass index (BMI), exercise habits, and parity.
Most important findings
The study found a significant association between concurrent alcohol and tobacco use and an increased risk of dysmenorrhea. Women who used both tobacco and alcohol had the highest odds of experiencing dysmenorrhea, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 3.19. In contrast, no significant association was observed for tobacco-only or alcohol-only users. Additionally, other factors like early menarche, higher education levels, and uterine problems were linked to a higher risk of dysmenorrhea. Conversely, regular exercise and multiparity were found to have a protective effect, reducing the likelihood of dysmenorrhea.
Key implications
This study highlights the complex interplay between lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and the risk of dysmenorrhea. The findings suggest that individuals who engage in both smoking and drinking are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing painful menstruation. Given the modifiable nature of these lifestyle factors, interventions targeting smoking cessation and reducing alcohol intake could help alleviate the severity of dysmenorrhea. Moreover, encouraging regular exercise and addressing reproductive health issues may further contribute to reducing dysmenorrhea risk, particularly in younger women.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.