Live births, cesarean sections and the development of menstrual abnormalities

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between number of livebirths and cesarean sections on the development of menstrual abnormalities.MethodsThe effect of number of livebirths and cesarean sections on menstrual abnormalities in the late reproductive period was evaluated using data from the Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles.ResultsThere were 298 women with no livebirths and 606 women with livebirths of which 184 had a history of cesarean section. Among all women, increasing number of livebirths was associated with an increasing trend in reported heavy menses, prolonged flow > 6 days, and a decreasing trend in reported dysmenorrhea. This effect was amplified among women with a history of cesarean section.ConclusionsIncreasing number of livebirths is associated with heavy and prolonged menstrual flow during the late reproductive period. This association is particularly stronger in women with a history of cesarean section.