Aim and Objectives: To study common menstrual complaints and health seeking behaviour of first and second year medical students in Mumbai and to establish association between menstrual disorders and class absenteeism. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire given to 150 female students from first and second year MBBS. Research tool comprised of questions about demographic characteristics, age at menarche, menstrual cycle pattern, complaints and its impact on daily activities including class absenteeism. Health seeking behaviour and knowledge about menstrual cycle was observed. Percentage and chi square values were calculated using SPSS 16. The study was conducted in period between August to October 2012. Results: 150 first and second year female medical students participated in the study. Their mean age was 19yrs. Mean age of menarche was 13-14 years in 84.7%. Menstrual cycle was regular in 79.3%. Menstrual flow was average in 79.3% of respondents and 84% reported duration as 3-5 days. 90% respondents had painful menses especially reporting moderate pain in 74% while in 67.3% of those pain resolved on its own. 62.7% reported mother as source of menstrual cycle information. Although menstrual disorder was cause of class absenteeism of 1-2 days in 48.7% students, 90% students didn’t seek medical advice for menstrual disorders. Conclusion: Improving health seeking behaviour towards common menstrual problems can reduce class absenteeism.
