EFFECT OF OCCUPATION ON MENSTRUAL-CYCLE LENGTH - CAUSAL MODEL

The effect of occupational stress on menstrual cycle length was studie d prospectively. The hypothesis that occupational stress has a direct or indirect effect on cycle length was tested using path analysis. Twi ce the number of women involved in active farm, craft, or household wo rk had significantly longer cycle lengths than sedentary beedi workers and clerks. We conclude that occupational stress has a direct effect on menstrual cycle length and that that effect is similar to the effec t of exercise on cycle length. The impact of longer cycles on fertilit y, fertility regulation, and natural family planning methods are also discussed.