Menstrual Cycle Irregularities and Associated Physiological Factors Among Female Undergraduates in Ekiti State University, South West Nigeria

Background: Menstrual irregularities, including oligomenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, and amenorrhoea, are common in young Nigerian women and may reflect underlying physiological disturbances such as hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, or chronic stress. Limited local data exist from the South West zone beyond Lagos and Ibadan. Objectives: This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of menstrual irregularities among female undergraduates at Ekiti State University and to identify associated physiological and lifestyle variables including body mass index, stress scores, and dietary adequacy. Methods: Two hundred female students aged 16 to 28 years will be recruited by stratified sampling. Menstrual history will be documented using a validated menstrual function questionnaire. Body mass index will be computed from measured height and weight. Nutritional adequacy will be assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Statistical analysis will include chi-square tests and logistic regression using SPSS. Expected Outcomes: Oligomenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea are anticipated to be the most prevalent irregularities, significantly associated with low body mass index and high perceived stress scores. Conclusion: Findings will contribute to gynaecological health programming for female university students in Ekiti State. Keywords: menstrual irregularity, female undergraduates, body mass index, stress, Ekiti State.