Characteristics Of Menstruation Research Articles

Menstrual health affecting school absenteeism during menstruation among adolescent girls in Nepal

Background: Girls' adolescence characterized by the multiple changes and the significant one is the initiation of menarche. Despite being the natural regular normal process, there are some menstrual abnormalities female adolescents may encounter in their life. Inability to manage those anomalies efficiently can affect physical, psychological and emotional well-being, including their education because of school absenteeism. Objective: The main aim of the study is to assess characteristics of menstruation and examine its association with school absenteeism among adolescent girls of Nepal. Methodology: A quantitative, community based cross sectional analytical study was conducted among 317 adolescent girls who had already experienced menstruation in 11 different study sites. The questionnaire was self-administered to adolescent girls which was collected on the same day of data collection. Collected data were entered in Epi-data version 3.1 which was further imported to SPSS for further analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine association between school missed due to menstruation and menstrual characteristics. Results: The study showed that the mean age of menarche is 12.9±0.97 years. The majority of adolescent girls (89.6%) have normal length of menstrual cycle where as 42.0% of them had moderate amount of bleeding and 35.3% of them had irregular menstruation cycle. Concerning the menstrual symptoms, adolescent girls experienced depressed mood (30.6%), rapid mood change (24.0%), and dizziness (15.31%). Almost half (46.7%) of adolescent girls had missed school due to menstruation. Dysmenorrhea, (AOR=1.75, 95% CI=1.08-2.83) experience of lower back pain (70.8%, AOR=2.81, 95% CI=1.11-7.10) and dizziness (72.0%, AOR=2.82, 95% CI=1.12-7.10) and use of clothes as absorbent (50.6%, AOR=1.87, 95% CI=1.04-3.38) during menstruation were found significantly associated with missing school during menstruation. Conclusions: Majority adolescent girls have normal menstruation but still there are many girls experiencing varies menstrual issues which influence school absenteeism during menstruation.

Characteristics of menstruation and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Palestinian adolescents living in refugee camps in the West Bank and Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Characteristics of menstruation and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Palestinian adolescents living in refugee camps in the West Bank and Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Assessment of Menstrual Health and Bleeding Symptoms in Adolescent Girls and Young Women with Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is traditionally associated with thrombotic events such as venous thromboembolism and cerebrovascular events. However, adults with SCD have an increased cumulative incidence of bleeding complications by 40 years of age, including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). HMB affects 40% of adolescent girls in the general population and is a common reason for referral to pediatric hematology clinics. Whether adolescent girls and young women with SCD are similarly affected by HMB and other bleeding manifestations have not been well described. This purpose of this study was to assess the menstrual health status of this population and to estimate the prevalence of HMB and other bleeding symptoms. Methods: Menarchal adolescent girls and young women aged 12-21 years old, diagnosed with any SCD genotype, and followed in one of three pediatric hematology clinics at a large tertiary care children's hospital were approached for a cross-sectional study. The study consisted of a 5-part questionnaire administered through the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system. The questionnaire included collection of demographic information, menstrual health knowledge assessment, menstrual bleeding medication rating profile, and validated instruments for patient-reported HMB outcomes and historical bleeding symptoms. The patient-reported outcome instruments consisted of the one-month recall Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (MBQ) and Self-Administered Bleeding Assessment Tool (Self-BAT). Statistical procedures involved chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: To date, 38 participants have completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the study cohort was 15.9 ± 2.3 years. Individuals with SCD genotype HbSS comprised the majority of the cohort and 53% (n = 20) reported hydroxyurea use (Table 1). Mean age of menarche was 13 years (min-max 10-15 years). On the menstrual health knowledge assessment, 6 participants (16%) correctly identified all four characteristics of normal menstruation per American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) definitions. Specifically, 50% correctly identified the expected duration of menses and 45% identified all of the pharmacologic categories available for menstrual regulation. Parents/guardians were the primary source of menstrual health knowledge (84%), while social media/internet was the predominant secondary source (29%). The mean MBQ score was 14.1 ± 8.5. For comparison, the MBQ validation study performed in adult women with and without HMB reported a mean MBQ score of 30.8 ± 14 and 10.6 ± 8.6, respectively. Approximately 55% of participants reported moderate or severe pain related to menstrual cycles. Pain was not significantly associated with age, hydroxyurea use, or self-reported history of HMB. Ibuprofen (16%) and acetaminophen (11%) were the main medications listed for menstrual pain relief. For the Self-BAT, abnormal bleeding scores are classified as ≥3 in children and ≥6 in women. The cohort mean Self-BAT score was 1.6 (min-max 0-8) and 29% (n = 11) had abnormal bleeding scores. Bleeding symptoms reported were post-surgical/trauma-induced bleeding, epistaxis, prolonged bleeding from small cuts, and bleeding after tooth extraction. Interestingly, 12 participants (32%) reported a history of HMB on the Self-BAT. There were no significant differences in MBQ or Self-BAT scores by age and hydroxyurea use, although individuals with HMB had significantly higher MBQ and Self-BAT scores (Table 2). Six participants (50%) with HMB attempted ≥1 hormonal therapy method for menstrual regulation. One additional participant without HMB received hormonal therapy. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that 32% of adolescent girls and young women with SCD reported a history of HMB and the majority of participants reported moderate/severe pain related to their menstrual cycle. Yet, only 50% with HMB attempted a hormonal therapy. Furthermore, most of the participants had reduced knowledge of normal menstrual health. These findings suggest a critical need for improved education and patient/provider discussion regarding menstruation. Ultimately, incorporating menstrual health assessment into SCD care is important for optimizing patient health and addressing health inequities in the adolescent and SCD population. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Comparison between ibuprofen and paracetamol in primary dysmenorrhea

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea refers to the symptom of painful menstruation in the absence of identifiable pelvic or uterus pathology. Initial presentation usually occurs in adolescence and early adulthood. Medications used to treat primary dysmenorrhea include anti-inflammatory drugs, principally, ibuprofen and paracetamol. So far there has been no comparison of effectiveness and security profile between the two pharmaceutical substances. Objectives: Purpose of this prospective randomized crossover study was to compare the effectiveness and safety profile between those two pharmaceutical substances. Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 young women were included. The inclusion criteria was: a) age between 18–25 years old, b) no present or previous pelvic pathology, based on their medical history and an ultrasound examination which was performed in the 3–6th day of their menstrual circle, a month before the clinical trial. Vaginal discharge examination and also Papanicolaou test were held to exclude relevant pathology of the genital system. Participants were assessed and divided in two groups. The duration of the study was two months. The first group received ibuprofen for the first month and paracetamol for the second month while the second group received them vice versa (cross-over trial). Both groups filled in a questionnaire in regard to how they responded to each therapy. In addition, the security profile of the pharmaceutical drugs was compared as also their effect to the characteristics of menstruation and their probable side-effects. All participants filled in a questionnaire before the assignment into groups. For the comparison of the results, the 10% of the women with not painful menstruation, steadily every month, were removed and paired-samples t-test was used. Results: Ibuprofen has been proven as a safe and more effective therapeutic option than paracetamol in all parameters, when treating women with primary dysmenorrhea. After the administration of analgesics for the two following months, the comparison and statistical analysis of the new questionnaires revealed that, when Ibuprofen was compared to Paracetamol, the analgesic effectiveness was 98,9 and 91,1% respectively. Ibuprofen provided a maximum pain relief in 30 minutes – 53,3% of participants –when Paracetamol demonstrated the maximum pain relief in 60 minutes (64,4%). The pain was decreased “moderate” with the use of Paracetamol (37,8%) and “totally” with Ibuprofen (58,9%). The duration of analgesia with Ibuprofen was 4–8 hours –73,3% of participants– compared to 1–4 hours with Paracetamol (57,4%). Daily activity has been remarkably improved with the use of Ibuprofen (62%) compared to Paracetamol (only 9%). After the administration of Paracetamol 4% of the women appeared side-effects and none of the women appeared with the use of Ibuprofen. All the above results were statistically significant. Conclusions: Ibuprofen provides a significantly improved quality of life when compared to Paracetamol and no side effects have been noticed.

Karakteristik Menstruasi , Kadar Kolesterol Dan Lemak Visceral Pada Remaja Obesitas

Obesity is a crucial health issue for women of reproductive age that resulted in worse effects. This condition associate with irregular menstrual cycles. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of menstruation (cycle and duration), cholesterol, and visceral fat levels of obese adolescents in SMAN 6 Kota Pematangsiantar. This research was descriptive, conducted on 52 adolescent girls who have experienced menstruation for more than one year since their first menstruation with obesity condition. Held in May - November 2017, all data presented in the form of descriptive analysis. Measurement of obesity and visceral fat levels were measured using the Karada Scan HBF-375, menstrual data obtained using a questionnaire, cholesterol levels using Easy touch GCU. The length of menstruation less than three days was 53.8%, irregular menstrual cycles were 61.5%, normal cholesterol levels were 51.9%, normal visceral fat levels were 50%. Counseling adolescents about obesity prevention for reproductive health and further research on the relationship between cholesterol and visceral fat levels with the menstrual cycle diet on levels is needed.

Features of Menstruation and Menstruation Management in Individuals with Rett Syndrome.

To describe features of menstruation, menstrual-related symptoms, and menstrual management in females with Rett syndrome (RTT) to help develop a clinical approach to these parameters in RTT. Retrospective cross-sectional chart review and prospective survey. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Rett Syndrome and Related Spectrum Disorders Clinic. Females with RTT (12-55years of age) and their caregivers. Descriptive data on features of menstruation and menstrual-related symptoms in individuals with Rett syndrome; prevalence, types, reason for use/discontinuation, and efficacy of hormonal treatment in females with RTT. Age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual period length in females with RTT are comparable to those in typically developing females and females with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Dysmenorrhea and emotional lability are common menstrual cycle-related changes among females with RTT; 22.1% of participants also reported catamenial seizures. Oral progestin, combined oral contraceptive pill, and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) were effectively used to suppress or regulate menstruation and to manage menstrual-related symptoms. Characteristics of menstruation in females with RTT are comparable to those of typically developing females, with the exception of increase in catamenial seizure activity. Hormonal treatments are used for management of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and seizures. Choice of hormonal treatment is influenced by bone health and immobility in females with RTT.

The Effect of Twin Sex on Menstrual Characteristics.

Background and objectives: The purpose of this project is to evaluate the association between twin sex discordance and menstrual characteristics. We hypothesize that sharing the uterus with a male twin can change ovulation programming, hence changing the menstrual cycle characteristics during adulthood. This project could be novel in discovering new physiological mechanisms of hormone exposure and menstrual cycles. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study. We asked females from sex-concordant (n = 1290) and sex-discordant (n = 168) twin pairs in the Washington State Twin Registry about characteristics of menstrual cycles. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis was used to compare groups. The main outcome measures included the amount of bleeding, duration of menstruation, the timing of menstruation, length of menstruation, and a number of periods per year. Results: We found a statistically significant association between the amount of menstrual period bleeding and twin sex discordance (0.42 (95% CI 0.18–0.94)). However, twin sex discordance was not associated with period duration, length of menstrual cycle, cycle regularity, or a number of periods per year. Conclusions: Twin sex discordance is not a predictor of clinical characteristics of menstruation during adulthood except for the amount of bleeding. Future studies should focus on the impact of male hormones on the amount of bleeding during menstruation.

Pengaruh Latihan Peregangan Perut Terhadap Karakteristik Nyeri Menstruasi Remaja Awal

Nyeri menstruasi cenderung mengganggu aktifitas sehari-hari dan penampilan akademik pada remaja putri. Latihan peregangan merupakan salah satu intervensi nonfarmakologi dalam mengatasi nyeri. Tujuan penelitian adalah menganalisis pengaruh latihan peregangan perut terhadap perubahan karakteristik nyeri menstruasi remaja awal di SMP Negeri Kecamatan Tatanga Kota Palu. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi experimental pre-test dan post test design. Pengambilan sampel secara purposive sampling, masing-masing 41 responden (usia 12-14 tahun dengan nyeri menstruasi) untuk kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol. Instrument penelitian adalah kuesioner, checklist karakteristik nyeri menstruasi dan booklet panduan latihan. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji Wilcoxon dengan tingkat kemaknaan 95%. Hasil uji Wilcoxon menunjukkan perbedaan bermakna antara durasi dan radiasi nyeri menstruasi sebelum dan setelah latihan peregangan perut. Tidak ada perbedaan bermakna pada irama dan kualitas nyeri menstruasi (ρ&gt;0,05). Kesimpulan penelitian adalah latihan peregangan perut mempengaruhi penurunan durasi dan radiasi nyeri menstruasi, namun belum berefek maksimal terhadap penurunan irama dan kualitas nyeri menstruasi.

Analysis of the MicroRNA Profile by Sequencing in Ovarian Granular Cells from Women Suffering Fluorosis with Reproductive Dysfunction

Excessive intake of fluoride may cause female reproductive dysfunction but pathological mechanism is unclear. The miRNAs in follicular fluid are a class of small non-coding RNAs from granulosa cells. The aim of this study is to examine the differential expressions of miRNAs in ovarian granulosa cells from women suffering from fluorosis and infertility. Five fluorosis women suffering infertility and 5 non-fluorosis (normal ovarian secretory function control) women were included as two groups. These two groups were indexed by serum and urine fluoride (F) levels as high F group and control group. The concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by ELISA kits. The characteristics of menstruation from each woman were collected. The total RNA was isolated from granulosa cells for sequencing. The validation was completed by RT-qPCR. There was no significant difference between the two groups on age, the levels of E2, FSH, P, HCG, and LH in serum, and the characteristics of menstruation. A total of 37 miRNAs were upregulated and 40 miRNAs downregulated in follicular fluid from granulosa cells in the high F group compared with that in the control group. The expression of hsa-miR-29b increased in fluorosis patients identified by the miRNA sequence analysis. The distinct expression patterns of miRNAs in women requiring IVF from fluorosis area provide a new direction for molecular mechanism of fluorosis caused reproductive dysfunction.

Menstrual Characteristics and Related Problems in 9- to 18-Year-Old Turkish School Girls.

To determine the cross-sectional characteristics of menstruating girls, dysmenorrhea, and the frequencies of related problems. Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Randomly selected primary, junior, and high schools in the city center of Kayseri. Two thousand female adolescents of ages between 9 and 18years. We used a questionnaire addressing the epidemiological characteristics of menstruation, such as age at menarche, duration of menstrual intervals, average days of bleeding, and any menstrual problems and their frequencies. This study consists of a sufficient number of participants from all age groups. Of the participant (n=2000) girls, 63.7% (n=1274) had started menstruating. The mean age at menarche was 12.74 (±1.03) years. With a prevalence of 84.8% (n=1080), dysmenorrhea was the most prevalent menstrual problem and the average pain score was 5.87 (±2.45). Of the menstruating girls, 34% (n=439) used painkillers, the most commonly used was acetaminophen; during their period the prevalence of nonmedical methods to relieve pain was 35.2%; the rate of seeking medical help for dysmenorrhea was 9.3% (n=119). In menstruating participants, 90.8% discussed their menstrual problems with their mothers. The rate of school absenteeism in menstruating girls was 15.9% in general and 18% in those with dysmenorrhea. Problems related to menstruation are common in adolescents and these problems affect their social life. In adolescent girls, the most common menstrual problem is dysmenorrhea and it affects school performance and attendance. Girls with menstrual problems showed a low rate of seeking medical help.

SIKLUS MENSTRUASI PADA MAHASISWI YANG MENGALAMI STRES DI STIKES YARSIS

One characteristic of the young woman is menstruating. Menstruation is often accompanied by physical and mental disorders. Knowing the characteristics of menstruation, menstrual disorders and their relationship to the activity, as well as efforts to reduce menstrual disorders. The type of study is analytic with method of Cross Sectional Study, using questionnaires to 185 female students STIKes YARSIS in November 2009. The result 92.1% of respondents menarche at age 10-14. 90% of respondents have a longer period for 6-9 days, and 87.1% of respondents have a long cycle for 25-32 days. 81.7% is a more emotional feeling before menstruation. 89.2% of respondents experiencing pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Correlation levels before menstruation disorders with learning activities significancy worth 0.030 with 0.226 correlation value. 58.4% of respondents reducing premenstrual disorders with rest and 88.4% of respondents reduces menstrual complaints by lying. The more weight the menstrual complaints will increasingly affect the learning activities. Resting is considered the most effective measures to reduce noise both before and during menstruation

The relationship between attitudes towards menarche and current attitudes towards menstruation of women: A comparative study

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Purpose:&lt;/strong&gt; The study was conducted to determine affecting factors and to investigate relationship between attitudes towards menarche and current attitudes towards menstruation of women and to compare characteristics of menarche and menstruation of women who were born and raised in the northeastern and western of Turkey. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Method and Materials:&lt;/strong&gt; This descriptive and comparative study was participated totally 400 volunteer women.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;The data were collected using a questionnaire containing defined closed and open-ended questions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The study results showed that women living in Ordu province than women living in Aydın province expressed positive attitudes toward menarche, and the difference was found significant. Nevertheless, attitudes towards current menstruation were similar in both provinces. When the data of 400 women were evaluated together; women’s attitudes towards menarche were compared with the current attitudes towards menstruation, and the difference was found statistically significant. Although attitudes of the women towards menarche varied according to where they lived, their current attitudes towards menstruation were similar. In addition, depending upon the province, there were statistically significant differences in women’s age at menarche, recollection of menarche, and feelings of shame or happiness at menarche, source and adequacy of information about menstruation, and regularity of their menstrual cycle. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Early menstrual experiences may be related to menstrual experiences later in life and women’s attitudes towards menstruation were not affected by geographical locations. In order to develop positive attitudes towards menarche and a woman’s future years of menstrual cycles, it is very important that accurate and adequate information for young girls be provided before menarche. &lt;/p&gt;

Characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy and the risk of lung cancer in women

Lung tissue, both normal and cancerous, has been found to express estrogen receptors and patterns of expression have differed between men and women, suggesting a possible role for hormone-related factors in lung carcinogenesis in women. Few epidemiological studies have examined hormone-related variables and lung cancer risk and the findings have not been consistent. We investigated the association between characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy in relation to lung cancer risk in a population-based case-control study carried out in Montreal, Canada, including 422 women with lung cancer and 577 controls. For each variable, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression modeling. Associations were also examined according to level of smoking and by lung cancer histology. All statistical tests were two-sided. Most characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy were not associated with lung cancer risk. However, an increased risk was observed for women who had had a non-natural menopause, which predominantly included women who had had a bilateral oophorectomy, compared with women who had had a natural menopause (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.22-3.01). An inverse association with age at menopause was suggested. These results did not vary by level of smoking and they were similar for adenocarcinomas compared with other histological types. Our results suggest that hormonal factors, related to early menopause and/or ovary removal, may play a role in the risk of lung cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, and to assess the possible contribution of hormone replacement therapy.

Differential factors associated with hot flashes in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective This study investigated factors associated with hot flashes in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited Chinese women aged 40–60 years who were perimenopausal or postmenopausal and examined factors associated with hot flashes. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing demographic information, characteristics of menstruation, reproductive history, use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, personal lifestyle factors (exercise, multivitamin use, soy products use, diet), and symptoms of hot flashes. Height, weight, blood pressure, and waist and hip circumference were also measured. Results A total of 1399 participants (817 perimenopausal women and 582 postmenopausal women) completed the study. In perimenopausal women, college or higher education decreased the prevalence of hot flashes (odds ratio (OR) 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.86). In postmenopausal women, an omnivorous diet decreased the prevalence of hot flashes (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17–0.85). Strenuous exercise (≥3 times a week) increased the prevalence of hot flashes (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.08–1.83) in perimenopausal women. Conclusions It is possible that modifiable risk factors for hot flashes exist in Chinese perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Future studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these findings.

Abstract A126: Characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy and the risk of lung cancer in women

Abstract A126 Differences between men and women in the descriptive epidemiology of lung cancer suggest that hormonal factors may influence lung carcinogenesis in women. Few epidemiological studies have been conducted on hormone-related variables and lung cancer risk and the findings have not been consistent. We investigated the association between characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy in relation to lung cancer risk in a population-based case-control study carried out in Montreal, Canada. Between January 1996 and December 1997, newly diagnosed lung cancer cases were identified and recruited from 18 Montreal-area hospitals that together diagnose 98% of cases that occur among Montreal residents. Population controls from Montreal were identified from the provincial electoral lists and were randomly selected, stratified to the expected age and sex distribution of cases. The participation rate was 81.7% among cases and 69.4% among controls. Among cases, interviews were conducted an average of 12.1 months after diagnosis. For each variable, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression modeling. Each hormone-related variable was modeled separately. Associations were also examined according to age at diagnosis and level of smoking and by lung cancer histology. All statistical tests were two-sided. Among 422 women with lung cancer and 577 controls, we observed that most characteristics of menstruation and pregnancy were not associated with the risk of lung cancer. However, an increased lung cancer risk was observed for women who had had surgical menopause with bilateral oophorectomy compared to women who had had a natural menopause (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.29-3.17). These results did not vary by age at diagnosis or level of smoking, and they were similar for different histological types. Our results suggest that hormonal factors, related to surgical menopause and/or ovary removal, may play a role in the risk of lung cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, and to assess the possible contribution of hormone replacement therapy. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A126.

Menstrual disorders in adolescence

Problems associated with menstruation affect 75% of adolescent females and are a leading reason for visits to physicians. This chapter begins with a review of the timing and characteristics of normal menstruation during adolescence. It then discusses the evaluation and management of adolescents with amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea and abnormal uterine bleeding. An approach to adolescent amenorrhoea is presented that utilizes primary versus secondary amenorrhoea, delayed versus normal pubertal development, and the presence or absence of hyperandrogenism as nodal points for decision making. The differential diagnosis of dysmenorrhoea and the management of primary dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis are reviewed. The section on abnormal uterine bleeding contrasts anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) with bleeding secondary to problems of pregnancy, uterine pathology, exogenous hormone use and systemic bleeding disorders.

Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Attitudes in Adult Women

The survey was conducted to look out the characteristics of menstruation and it's management, menstrual attitudes and degree of dysmenorrhea in the adult women. The subjects were 601 women, aged 20 year old and over, selected by convenient sampling. The results were as follows; 1. The mean age of th...

Characteristics of menstruation in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus

To determine the characteristics of menstruation in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the impact of immunosuppression on menstruation in HIV-infected women. In this cross-sectional study, 197 HIV-infected and 189 HIV-uninfected women were interviewed about menstruation and abnormal vaginal bleeding during the previous 12 months. Information was also obtained about CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels of HIV-infected women and other factors, including drug use and weight loss, that might affect menstruation. The number and duration of menses in HIV-infected women were not significantly different from those of uninfected women. During a 12-month period, 154 (78%) of 197 HIV-infected women and 150 (80%) of 188 uninfected women had 10-14 menses (P = .74). The proportions of women in the two groups with intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, or no bleeding were also similar. In HIV-infected women, menstruation and the prevalence of abnormal vaginal bleeding were not significantly different by CD4+ T-lymphocyte level. By multiple logistic regression analysis, neither HIV infection nor CD4+ T-lymphocyte level less than 200 cells/microL was associated with intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, or no bleeding. The results of this study suggest that neither HIV infection nor immunosuppression has a clinically relevant effect on menstruation or other vaginal bleeding. Most HIV-infected women menstruate about every 25-35 days, suggesting monthly ovulation and an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

The attitudes towards menstruation among Icelandic nursing students--their relationship with menstrual preparation and menstrual characteristics.

The purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes towards menstruation of Icelandic female nursing students and see if a relationship exists between the attitudes with recollection of menarche and characteristics of present menstruation. Findings show that the students (N = 178) view menstruation as natural, not very predictable or debilitating, even though they do not deny that menstruation can effect behaviour in some way. Findings also indicate that the heavier the menstrual flow, the less likely the student is to deny all affects of menstruation as well as finding menstruation more debilitating and more predictable; the longer the menstrual period the more predictable is the coming of the next menstrual period and the less likely is the student to deny all effects of menstruation. It is suggested that inconveniences brought about by menstruation influence the formation of menstrual attitudes.

Characteristics of menstruation in sickle cell disease

The results of this preliminary study indicate that patients with sickle cell disease have shorter menstrual cycles than normal control subjects. Their periods last longer and are heavier, and they have a greater incidence of dysmenorrhea. This study provides some insight into the menstrual characteristics of these patients and, we hope, can contribute to the counseling and management of patients with this disease.