Abstract:
Irregular menstrual cycles in female students can be influenced by various psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Stress experienced by female students can trigger the production of the hormone cortisol which will disrupt the hormonal balance that will affect the menstrual cycle. This study aims to analyze the relationship
between stress levels and menstrual cycles in female students of the Faculty of Medicine, Bandung Islamic University (Unisba) in the 2023–2024 academic year. This study used an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach, so that 105 respondents were obtained who met the inclusion criteria. The data collection technique used the DASS 42 questionnaire to measure stress and questionnaires. The results of this study showed that 22 female students (21%) experienced mild stress levels and 21 female students (20.0%) experienced menstrual cycle irregularities. There is a significant relationship between stress levels and menstrual cycles (P <0.05). The significant relationship is due to psychological factors playing an important role in influencing the regularity of the menstrual cycle in female students, which indicates the need for stress management and psychological support in the higher education environment.
