THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SERUM LEVEL OF ESTRADIOL AND MENSTRUAL CHARACTERISTICS IN FEMALE STUDENTS AT COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES (CHS), NNEWI

ABSTRACT Estradiol is a steroid hormone associated with the female reproductive organ, which is crucial in regulating the menstrual cycle. This study investigates the relationship between the serum level of estradiol and menstrual characteristics amongst female students. In this cross sectional study, 340 female students were recruited by random selection at college of health sciences, Nnewi between October and December,2023. A digital questionnaire was utilized to assess socio demographic data and menstrual characteristics of study participants, while blood samples were taken from 100 participants at the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle to determine the serum level of estradiol using the Estradiol Elisa kit. There was no significant difference between serum estradiol levels and cycle length. Menarcheal age was grouped into into Early, mid and late menarche and most participants fell between the early and mid menarche, 48% and 45% respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between the serum estradiol level for the three groups (p=0.785). Dysmenorrhea was reported by majority of the participants with different pain levels, though there was no significant difference in the serum estradiol level between those with higher pain or less pain. Females present no significant relationship between serum estradiol level and the menstrual characteristics which were analysed..