Association of Estrogen Levels with Intermenstrual Bleeding Among Reproductive-Age Women at Siti Khadijah Islamic Hospital, Palembang

Abstract

Background: Intermenstrual bleeding is one form of menstrual disorder that may occur among women of reproductive age and may be associated with alterations in reproductive hormonal function. Estrogen plays an important role in endometrial proliferation and menstrual cycle regulation; therefore, changes in estrogen levels may be related to the occurrence of intermenstrual bleeding. Preliminary findings at Siti Khadijah Islamic Hospital, Palembang, identified women with bleeding outside the menstrual cycle who also had low estrogen levels. Objective:  This study aimed to analyze the association between estrogen hormone levels and intermenstrual bleeding among women of reproductive age at Siti Khadijah Islamic Hospital, Palembang. Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of women with menstrual disorders who attended Siti Khadijah Islamic Hospital, Palembang. A total of 30 respondents were selected using quota sampling. Estrogen levels were obtained through laboratory examination of serum blood samples collected on the third day of menstruation, while data on intermenstrual bleeding were obtained from clinical assessment and service records. Univariate analysis was used to describe respondent characteristics and the distribution of study variables, while bivariate analysis was planned using the Chi-square test or an appropriate alternative test depending on whether the statistical assumptions were met. Results: Of the 30 respondents, 24 (80.0%) were aged 26–35 years, 23 (76.67%) had estrogen levels within the normal category, and 25 (83.33%) experienced intermenstrual bleeding. The association between estrogen levels and intermenstrual bleeding could not yet be reported as a final statistical result because an inconsistency was identified between the total study sample and the frequency distribution presented in the original bivariate table, requiring verification against the original dataset. Conclusion:  Most respondents had estrogen levels within the normal category and experienced intermenstrual bleeding. The statistical association between estrogen levels and intermenstrual bleeding should be determined after verification and reanalysis using a consistent original dataset.