Research Article

Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study

Volume: 10 Number: 1 April 29, 2026
TR EN

Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: Excessive accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may contribute to adverse health conditions via oxidative stress and inflammation. Menstrual symptoms are influenced by physiological, biological, and psychological factors. This study aimed to determine the effect of AGE levels on menstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: This correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2024 at a founda-tion university with women of reproductive age who voluntarily participated and met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements, a Participant Information Form, the Menstrual Symptom Scale (MSS), and a skin AGE meas-urement device. Ethical approval and institutional permission were obtained, and written informed consent was secured. Descrip-tive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 22.73 ± 6.11 years, and the mean age at menarche was 13.18 ± 1.35 years. The mean total MSS score was 66.17 ± 19.22. A significant negative correlation was found between age and the “negative effects/somatic complaints,” “menstrual pain symptoms,” and “coping methods” subscales, as well as the total score (p<0.05). A significant posi-tive correlation was found between body weight and body mass index (BMI) and the “negative effects/somatic complaints” sub-scale and total score (p<0.05). Conclusion: Evidence on the relationship between AGE levels and menstrual symptoms remains limited. Further studies are need-ed to clarify this association. Considering dietary AGE intake and potential risks, raising awareness among women of reproductive age is important.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Istanbul Esenyurt University Ethics Committee (Decision No: E-12483425-604.01-44081).

Thanks

The authors thank the reproductive women who volunteered to participate in this study. This study was presented as an oral abstract at the 3rd International and 4th National Women's Health Nursing Congress (KASHEK 2025).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nutritional Epidemiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 29, 2026

Submission Date

August 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 6, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Öz, T., Kaya, E., & Çeçen, A. G. (2026). Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ahi Evran Medical Journal, 10(1), 158-167. https://doi.org/10.46332/aemj.1756592
AMA
1.Öz T, Kaya E, Çeçen AG. Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ahi Evran Med J. 2026;10(1):158-167. doi:10.46332/aemj.1756592
Chicago
Öz, Tuğba, Eda Kaya, and Ayşe Gül Çeçen. 2026. “Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ahi Evran Medical Journal 10 (1): 158-67. https://doi.org/10.46332/aemj.1756592.
EndNote
Öz T, Kaya E, Çeçen AG (April 1, 2026) Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ahi Evran Medical Journal 10 1 158–167.
IEEE
[1]T. Öz, E. Kaya, and A. G. Çeçen, “Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study”, Ahi Evran Med J, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 158–167, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.46332/aemj.1756592.
ISNAD
Öz, Tuğba - Kaya, Eda - Çeçen, Ayşe Gül. “Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ahi Evran Medical Journal 10/1 (April 1, 2026): 158-167. https://doi.org/10.46332/aemj.1756592.
JAMA
1.Öz T, Kaya E, Çeçen AG. Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ahi Evran Med J. 2026;10:158–167.
MLA
Öz, Tuğba, et al. “Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ahi Evran Medical Journal, vol. 10, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 158-67, doi:10.46332/aemj.1756592.
Vancouver
1.Tuğba Öz, Eda Kaya, Ayşe Gül Çeçen. Effect of Advanced Glycation End Product Levels on Menstrual Symptoms in Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ahi Evran Med J. 2026 Apr. 1;10(1):158-67. doi:10.46332/aemj.1756592

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