Psychological correlates of normal and abnormal menstrual cycle length

Abstract

Little psychological research has been conducted on menstrual cycle length, irregular cyclicity (oligomenorrhea), and the absence of menses (amenorrhea) (Sommer, 1980). In fact, empirical studies of abnormal men- strual cycle length and duration have been conducted almost exclusively by medical researchers. The relative paucity of psychological research on amenorrhea and irregular cycling is curious for two reasons. First, anec- dotal data suggest an intimate association between periods of psychic stress and amenorrhea (see Ihalainen, 1975; Wentz, 1978). Psychogenic factors are most commonly cited as an etiological basis of secondary amenorrhea (see Mazzaferri, 1980), particularly among college students (Osofsky & Fisher, 1967; Siegel, Johnson, & Saranson, 1979). Second, experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles or premenopausal cessation of menses is likely to have psychological impact on a woman's self-concept, her attitudes about her body, her assessment of her femininity, and may itself result in psychological stress. However, it was not until the recognition of so-called "war amenorrhea" that scientists became interested in the role of emotional factors in men- strual disorders (Ihalainen, 1975). For example, as a cause of war amenorrhea, fear and anxiety rather than malnutrition are now thought to be the major factors in ovarian suppression in concentration camp prisoners (Bass cited in Drew, 1961; Greenhill, 1956; Ihalainen, 1975; Loeser, 1943; Mitani, 1956; Wentz, 1978; Whitacre & Barrera, 1944). According to psychiatric reports, psychogenic conflicts, periods of stress, depression, and fear may be associated with both primary and secondary amenorrhea (Coldsmith, 1979; Drew, 1972; Goldfarb, 1972; Sandler, 1958, 1961; Wentz, 1978). Psychological disturbance ranging from acute psychic trauma (rape or death of a loved one) to chronic emotional stress (internment, attending medical school) can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Events that might otherwise seem inconsequential (travel, examina- tions, a change of schools) can alter the timing of ovulation and menstrual