A STUDY OF PATTERN OF MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Many adolescent girls with menstrual disturbances never present to their family doctor or gynaecologist due to embarrassment about discussing menstruation and fear of disease.This may lead to delayed presentation.The objective of the current study was to evaluate the socio-demographic aspects of adolescent girls having menstrual problems as well as type of menstrual problems and its management.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study was carried out at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of tertiary care teaching hospital from June2022 to Nov2022. Head Results: Total of 184 adolescent girls visited our hospital with menstrual problems. Amongst them 117(63.5%) belonged to the late adolescent group, 176(96.6%) were residing at urban areas, 93(50.54%) were from middle socio-economic class and 164(89.13%) were unmarried. Dysmenorrhoea, menstrual irregularities and amenorrhoea were present in 49(26.63%), 99(53.8%) and 23(12.5%) respectively. Patients were managed either medical and/or surgical management along with proper counselling. Conclusion: Majority of the adolescent girls in our study were anaemic.Hence,prevention and management of anaemia along with health education regarding normal physiology, various menstrual problems and importance of nutrition is necessary. In India attempts and success to develop adolescent friendly health services in public and private systems have met with partial success. Hence, counselling and management of menstrual problems in adolescents needs to be provided in existing health and medical care services.