TitleMenstrual Cycle Patterns and Irregularities in Hired Latinx Child Farmworkers.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsVarnell RR, Arnold TJ, Quandt SA, Talton JW, Chen H, Miles CM, Daniel SS, Sandberg JC, Anderson KA, Arcury TA
JournalJ Occup Environ Med
Volume63
Issue1
Pagination38-43
Date Published2021 Jan 01
ISSN1536-5948

PURPOSE: This study identifies the menstrual cycle irregularities of Latinx child and adolescent farmworkers.

METHODS: Child and adolescent farmworkers aged 13 to 20 years completed questionnaires about menstrual cycle patterns in 2019, and wore silicone passive collection wristbands for pesticide detection in 2018. Menstrual cycle irregularities were determined from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists committee opinion.

RESULTS: Half of participants experienced any menstrual cycle irregularity; the most frequent irregularities were cycle length (38.6%) and having gone 90 days or more without a menstrual period (20.4%). Pesticides were detected in 92.9% of the wristbands; most participants were exposed to an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) pesticide.

CONCLUSION: Half of Latinx children and adolescents hired farmworkers experience irregular menstrual cycles, and most are exposed to EDCs. Inclusion of occupational and menstrual histories in child and adolescent medical visits is critical.

10.1097/JOM.0000000000002065
Alternate JournalJ Occup Environ Med
PubMed ID33105405
PubMed Central IDPMC8842072
Projects Reference: 
Silicone Wristband Personal Monitoring Device