Abstract
Problematic menstrual cycle features, including irregular periods, severe pain, heavy bleeding, absence of periods, frequent or infrequent cycles, and premenstrual symptoms, are experienced by high proportions of females and can have substantial impacts on their health and well-being. However, research aimed at identifying causes and risk factors associated with such menstrual cycle features is sparse and limited. This data note describes prospective, longitudinal data collected in a UK birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), on menstrual cycle features, which can be utilised to address the research gaps in this area. Data were collected in both mothers (G0) and index daughters (G1) across 21 and 20 timepoints respectively between 1991 and 2020. This data note details all available variables, proposes methods to derive comparable variables across data collection timepoints, and discusses important limitations specific to each menstrual cycle feature. Also, the data note identifies broader issues for researchers to consider when utilising the menstrual cycle feature data, such as hormonal contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, as well as missing data and misclassification.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 386 |
Journal | Wellcome Open Research |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 386 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 18 Oct 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by the UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome [217065, <a href=https://doi.org/10.35802/217065>https://doi.org/10.35802/217065</a>] and the University of Bristol who provide core support for ALSPAC. A comprehensive list of grants funding is available on the ALSPAC website (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/external/documents/grant-acknowledgements.pdf). This publication is the work of the authors and they will serve as guarantors for the contents of this paper. Gemma Sawyer is supported by a Wellcome Trust PhD studentship in Molecular, Genetic and Lifecourse Epidemiology [218495, <a href=https://doi.org/10.35802/218495>https://doi.org/10.35802/218495</a>].
Publisher Copyright:
Copyright: © 2023 Sawyer G et al.