Abstract
Background: Infertility is a global public health issue, affecting one in six individuals at some point in their lives. Menstrual cycle patterns serve as indicators of reproductive health, and tracking these patterns is a simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective method that all women should consider. This study aimed to analyze menstrual chart patterns, associated clinical profiles, interventions and fertility changes among women with hormone-related infertility at Bugando Medical Centre. Methods: Results: Conclusion:
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study that involved 230 women with hormonal infertility aged 18-44 years, was carried out at Bugando Medical Centre from March 2023 to March 2024. A pretested data collection tool was used. Mothers were instructed to chart their menstrual cycle biomarkers. Basic hormonal profiles were investigated. Data analysis was done according to the objectives using STATA version 15 and Pearson’s Chi2 test or Fisher’s Exact test was used to measure the association between menstrual patterns and clinical profiles. The significance level was determined at p-value <0.05.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.2 ± 5.7 years. The years of infertility ranged from 1 to 20 with a median age of 4 [IQR=2–7] years. Participants with normal HbA1c conceived more than those with abnormal HbA1c; 34.7 % (41/118) versus 22.3 % (25/112), (p-value 0.037), while those with normal thyroid function 31.1% (61/196) conceived more compared to those with thyroid dysfunction 14.7% (5/34) (p-value 0.035). At the end of three months, most of them were ovulating. Among those who ovulated 28.7% conceived within three months.
Conclusion: Answers to infertility are hidden within the menstrual cycle patterns. Menstrual cycle charting and lifestyle changes should be incorporated as tools in managing women with infertility.
