BIOCHEMICAL AND HORMONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSMENORRHEA AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY.

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a condition characterized by painful menstrual cramps which can significantly impact academic performance and the general quality of life especially in students. 

Method: This study aimed at assessing the levels of progesterone, calcium, magnesium and lipid profile among female students at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 80 female students were cross sectionally selected, 40 were experiencing dysmenorrhea and 40 were used as the control aged 1830years.Blood samples were collected at three stages of the menstrual cycle (before, during and after menstruation) to analyze biochemical parameters using validated test methods. 

Result: The results showed significant differences in magnesium and progesterone levels before menstruation (P<0.001 and P=0.002 respectively) and in magnesium levels after menstruation (p<0.05) between dysmenorrheic subjects and the controls. Lipid profiles showed phase specific variations with elevated total cholesterol and triglycerides after menstruation in dysmenorrheic subjects which could predispose these students to developing cardiovascular diseases / disorders. Calcium levels were not significantly different across the menstrual phases (p>0.05). 

Conclusion: These findings suggest that magnesium and progesterone may have played a critical role in the dysmenorrheic experiences among the students. It highlights the influence of hormonal fluctuations on lipid metabolism. From this study, it is suggested that targeted interventions such as lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and magnesium supplementation may alleviate symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea, reduce menstrual pains and improve the general wellbeing of affected students.