Days Of Bleeding Research Articles

Narrow-band imaging offers a shorter menstrual bleeding time and a longer remission for hysteroscopic surgery in symptomatic post-cesarean scar diverticulum compared to white light

Background Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a novel endoscopic imaging technology that improves the visibility of capillaries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of NBI hysteroscopic excision in symptomatic post-cesarean scar diverticulum (PCSD) patients compared to conventional white light (WL) hysteroscopy. Method A total of 73 patients with symptomatic PCSD between January 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. The enrolled patients were stratified into NBI and WL groups according to whether they received NBI or WL hysteroscopy. Postoperative menstrual patterns at one, six, and 12 months after the operation were collected and compared between the NBI and WL groups. Results A total of 32 patients underwent NBI hysteroscopy (NBI group), while 41 patients received WL hysteroscopy (WL group). The symptom-free remission rates in the NBI group were significantly higher than in the WL group at six months and 12 months post-hysteroscopy. At the final follow-up, the menstrual bleeding duration in the NBI group was significantly shorter than in the WL group. Conclusion The use of NBI hysteroscopy in treating symptomatic PCSD resulted in shorter menstrual bleeding days and longer symptomatic remission compared to conventional WL hysteroscopy.

The efficacy and safety of NOAC in very elderly atrial fibrillation patients; data from the Korean national health insurance cohort registry

Abstract Background Data regarding efficacy and safety on anticoagulation in very elderly atrial fibrillation patients are relatively sparse. Purpose We investigated the clinical benefit of anticoagulation with NOAC in very elderly AF patients through national healthcare insurance registry. Methods Clinical data of 862,935 patients who were diagnosed with AF from 2015 to 2020 were collected for analysis. Patients under the age of 85, prior history of ICH, GI bleeding and prior prescription days of aspirin, warfarin and NOAC exceeding 90 along with follow up period less than 90 days were excluded. Results A total of 10,625 patients were eligible for analysis. Patients with OAC (HR: 0.60, 95% CI 0.53-0.69), p<0.001) showed higher efficacy regarding systemic embolism compared to aspirin (HR: 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95, p=0.008) and no treatment group. Individual comparison of NOAC and aspirin via propensity score matching showed that patients with NOAC (HR: 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.85), p<0.001) showed higher event free survival regarding systemic embolism compared to aspirin. Bleeding risk was also higher for NOAC (HR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.56, p=0.006) group but did not result in commensurate increase in mortality (HR:0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.81, p<0.001). Conclusions Anticoagulation with NOAC in very elderly patient showed higher event free survival regarding systemic embolism. Despite having higher event rate of bleeding, eventual death did not show any association with NOAC.

Intracapsular versus extracapsular tonsil surgery: Comparison of postoperative haemorrhage outcomes in the Australasian setting

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and timing of postoperative haemorrhage between intracapsular (ICT) and extracapsular tonsillectomy (ECT) techniques and evaluate factors influencing haemorrhage risk and severity. MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing tonsillectomy over 5 years across otolaryngology services in Australia and New Zealand. Primary outcomes were rate and timing of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage. ResultsA total of 12,275 patients were included in this study. The overall post-tonsillectomy bleed rate was 3.3 %, with 0.65 % requiring return to theatre. ICT had a significantly lower bleed rate of 1.7 % compared to 4.1 % for ECT (p < 0.001). The rate of return to theatre was markedly lower for ICT (0.08 %) compared to ECT (0.93 %, p < 0.001). Median day of bleeding was not different between the techniques. Patients undergoing surgery for recurrent tonsillitis had the highest rate of postoperative haemorrhage (15 %), while those with sleep-disordered breathing alone had the lowest (3 %, p < 0.001). ConclusionICT results in significantly lower rates of postoperative haemorrhage and need for surgical intervention compared to ECT. This was most pronounced in paediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing. ICT may be considered a preferable option for certain patient groups, especially younger children with sleep-disordered breathing, though more evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

6985 Intravenous Immunoglobulin induced Type 1 diabetes remission

Abstract Disclosure: N. Shahid: None. D. Newbern: None. Introduction: Intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG] is an immunomodulatory agent used for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. However, it is not indicated in patients with type 1 diabetes [T1D] as its efficacy has not been established. Clinical Case: A 9-year-old previously healthy boy presented to the Emergency Department with several days of unexplained bruising and mucosal bleeding with no prior history of trauma, bleeding disorders or other systemic symptoms. Physical examination showed generalized petechiae, ecchymosis and purpura. Vitals were normal including weight and BMI. Initial labs confirmed Immune thrombocytopenic purpura [ITP] as his platelets were less than 1K/µL with otherwise normal peripheral blood cell counts and smear. Concomitantly, labs showed significant hyperglycemia [260mg/dL] with glycosuria and trace ketonuria. Glycated hemoglobin [Hba1c] was elevated at 10.5% and ultimately Pancreatic autoantibodies [GAD65, Zinc transporter-8 and islet cell antibody] came back positive confirming T1D. Other autoimmune disorders such as adrenal insufficiency, thyroiditis, and celiac disease were ruled out. For the treatment of ITP, he the patient received 1 dose of IVIG 1g/kg and responded well with a rise in platelets to 6K/µL. The morning following the infusion, due to fasting hyperglycemia, the patient was started on basal-bolus insulin regimen. By 2nd day post IVIG, he had hypoglycemia, so insulin was discontinued with normalization of blood sugars. He is now 7 months post IVIG with no recurrent episodes of thrombocytopenia. He also remains off insulin with Hba1c in the 5.9-6.5% range. He eats a regular diet with avoidance of simple carbohydrates. He wears onwears a a continuous glucose monitor, which shows that blood sugars are in range 93% of the time He remains euglycemic overnight with transient self-resolving mild post-prandial hyperglycemia. Pancreatic autoantibodies have been reassessed and remain positive Conclusions: This case demonstrates that IVIG used for the treatment of ITP has induced a state of remission in our patient with newly diagnosed with T1D. IVIG is not a standard of treatment for T1D, however, when given for other autoantibody- or T-cell-mediated autoimmune conditions, it may reduce the insulin need in patients with known diabetes or induce remission in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Stress levels, hematological condition, and productivity of plasma-producing horses used for snake antivenom manufacture: A comparison of two industrial bleeding methods

The immunization and industrial bleeding of horses are essential stages for producing snake antivenoms. In Costa Rica, the traditional method involves stimulating the antibody response of horses by periodically injecting venoms, collecting hyperimmune plasma over three consecutive bleeding days, and repeating this process every eight weeks. While this method does not cause major physical or hematological issues in horses, the associated stress has not been evaluated. We compared this traditional method with an alternative method that involves injecting venoms, collecting hyperimmune plasma in a single bleeding day, and repeating the process every two weeks. We assessed stress (via serum and fecal cortisol levels and an ethological study), hematological parameters (hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration), and plasma productivity over eight months. Serum cortisol levels remained within the normal range for both methods throughout the immunization/bleeding cycle. However, serum and fecal cortisol levels were significantly higher in horses subjected to the traditional method compared to those in the alternative method. Neither method caused significant hematological alterations. Notably, the alternative method yielded a higher volume of plasma. We concluded that adopting the alternative method ensures horse welfare while improving industrial bleeding productivity. This approach may reduce costs and improve the availability of this essential treatment for vulnerable populations.

Comparison of augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) and BFM 2000 treatment protocols in children diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is comparing the augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) and BFM 2000 treatment protocols applied to pediatric patients diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in our clinic in different years in terms of relapse incidence and survival rates. Methods: When evaluated all patients considering the Children's Oncology Group (COG) criteria, 53 of our patients who were in the medium or high risk group according to the BFM 2000 protocol and were in the high risk group received treatment with Augmented BFM protocol and 17 of them received the BFM 2000 protocol. Age, gender, bone pathology, physical examination, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, presence of bleeding, hemogram values, immunophenotype, 8th, 14th and 33rd day treatment response, presence of translocation, central nervous system (CNS), extramedullary involvement, risk group, presence of relapse, time to relapse, follow-up period and hospital stay until maintenance treatment were examined. Results: Event-Free Survival (EFS) and Overall Survival (OS) values of patients were 83.6% and 90.1%, respectively. While EFS was 89.4% and OS was 90.6% in the group receiving the Augmented BFM treatment protocol, EFS was calculated as 71.7% and OS was 88.2% in those receiving the BFM-2000 treatment protocol. Accordingly, when the EFS values of those who received the Augmented BFM treatment protocol were compared with those who received BFM-2000, statistically significant values were found (P&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusions: It was observed that the augmented BFM treatment protocol was more protective against relapses and shortened the duration of hospitalization compared to the BFM 2000 treatment protocol.

COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual disturbances: A prospective study from Pakistan.

To evaluate whether or not immunization against COVID-19 is associated with changes in the duration and frequency of the menstrual cycle. This prospective analysis included the menstrual cycle data of 154 females after COVID-19 vaccination from August 2021 to March 2022. This study included Pakistani females aged 18 to 45 years and who had taken at-least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. After two months of COVID vaccine the participants were interviewed again about the timing and duration of their menstrual cycle. The increase in menstrual length for >eight days was labelled as increased menstrual cycle duration. Mean age of participants was 33.53±8.52 years. Among 154, 113 (73.4%) were married. Among 154 females, menstrual abnormality was reported by 59 (38.3%) females, increase in cycle duration was reported by 25 (16.2%) patients and decrease by 22 (14.3%), increase in number of bleeding days by 20 (13%) females and decrease by 15 (9.7%), increase in pain intensity was reported by 19 (12.3%) females and decrease by 17 (11.0%), increased intensity of blood flow was reported by 20 (13.0%) patients and decreased intensity by 19 (12.3%) females. COVID-19 vaccination is not associated with menstrual abnormalities in a significant number of females.

Risk factors and prediction model for delayed bleeding after cold snare polypectomy: a retrospective study

BackgroundDelayed bleeding (DB) is a serious complication after cold snare polypectomy (CSP) for polyps in the colon. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of DB after CSP and to develop a risk-scoring model for predicting DB.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in four Chinese medical institutions. 10650 patients underwent CSP from June 2019 to May 2023. The study analyzed the rate of DB and extracted the general clinical information and polyp-related information of patients with postoperative DB. As a control, non-DB patients who received CSP at the same 4 hospitals were analyzed. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to develop the prediction model. The model was further validated using a Kaplan–Meier log-rank analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) plot and risk plot.ResultsIn our study, we found a 0.24% rate of DB and the risk factors were history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, antithrombotics use, antiplatelet use, anticoagulant use, abdominal operation, sigmoid colon lesion, hematoma, cold snare defect protrusion, polyp size, wound size, the grade of wound bleeding, and morphology of Ip. These factors were incorporated into the prediction model for DB after CSP. For 1, 3, and 5 days of bleeding, the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.912, 0.939, and 0.923, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the high-risk group had a significantly higher risk of DB than the low-risk group.ConclusionsThis study screened the risk factors and established a prediction model of DB after CSP. The results may help preventing and reducing the DB rate after CSP of colorectal polyps.

The Role of Different Medical Therapies in the Management of Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Adenomyosis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium. Despite surgery being a valuable approach, medical options are considered as the first-line approach and have been investigated in the treatment of adenomyosis, although strong evidence in favor of these is still lacking. This study aims to gather all available data and determine the effectiveness of the aforementioned medical options in patients with associated pain and not currently seeking pregnancy, both in comparison to placebo and to one another. Methods: For this study, PubMed and EMBASE were used as data sources, searched up to January 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance to guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcomes investigated were changes in dysmenorrhea, quantified by means of VAS scores, HMB in terms of number of bleeding days, and changes in uterine volume determined at ultrasound. Twelve eligible studies were selected. Results: The results highlighted that dienogest yields a reduction in dysmenorrhea that is significantly superior to that of the rest of the medical treatments investigated (p-value of <0.0002). On the other hand, GnRH agonists seem to play a more prominent role in reducing uterine volume (p-value of 0.003). While it was not possible to determine which medical treatment better decreased the number of bleeding days, it was observed that COC performed significantly worse than the other treatments studied (p-value of 0.02). Conclusions: While this meta-analysis provides valuable insights in the comparative efficacy of different treatments, the paucity of relevant studies on the topic might impact the reliability of some of the conclusions drawn.

Immediate and delayed placement of the intrauterine device after abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This article aims to report the comprehensive and up-to-date analysis and evidence of the insertion rate, expulsion rate, removal rate, and utilization rate of immediate placement of intrauterine devices (IUDs) versus delayed placement after artificial abortion. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were comprehensively searched up to January 12, 2024 for studies that compared immediate versus delayed insertion of IUDs after abortion. The evaluation metrics included the number of IUD insertion after surgical or medical abortions, the frequency of expulsion and removal at 6 months or 1 year, the number of continued usage, pain intensity scores, the number of infections, the duration of bleeding, and instances of uterine perforation during or after IUD insertion. Ten randomized controlled articles were eligible, comprising 11 research projects, of which 3 projects involved the placement of an IUD after surgical abortion, and 8 projects involved the placement of an IUD after medical abortion. This included 2025 patients (977 in the immediate insertion group and 1,048 in the delayed insertion group). We summarized all the extracted evidence. The meta-analysis results indicated that for post-surgical abortions, the immediate insertion group exhibited a higher IUD placement rate than the delayed insertion group. After medical abortions, the immediate insertion group showed higher rates of IUD placement, utilization, and expulsion at 6 months or 1 year. The two groups showed no statistically significant differences in the removal rate, post-insertion infection rate, pain scores during insertion, and days of bleeding during the follow-up period. Compared to delayed placement, immediate insertion of IUDs can not only increase the usage rate at 6 months or 1 year but also enhance the placement rate.

Evaluation of CSF 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α and erythrocyte anisocytosis as prognostic biomarkers for delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a serious, life-threatening, complication affecting patients who have survived the initial bleeding from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Due to the challenging diagnosis, potential DCI prognostic markers should be of value in clinical practice. According to recent reports isoprostanes and red blood cell distribution (RDW) showed to be promising in this respect. We conducted a prospective study of 27 aSAH patients and control group (n = 8). All patients from the study group were treated within the first day of the initial bleeding. We collected data regarding clinical status and results of biochemical, and radiological examinations. We measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (F2-IsoP) and RDW on days 1, 3, and 5. Both CSF F2-IsoP level and RDW-SD measured on day 1 were significant predictors of DCI. The receiver operating characteristics curve for DCI prediction based on the multivariate model yielded an area under the curve of 0.924 (95% CI 0.824–1.000, p < 0.001). In our study, the model based on the combination of RDW and the level of isoprostanes in CSF on the first day after the initial bleeding showed a prognostic value for DCI prediction. Further studies are required to validate this observation.

Use of vaginal misoprostol in women demanded copper intrauterine device insertion after the end of bleeding days of their menses: a randomized clinical trial

Use of vaginal misoprostol in women demanded copper intrauterine device insertion after the end of bleeding days of their menses: a randomized clinical trial

Associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with haemoglobin concentration among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

Introduction: An imbalance in diet can lead to anaemia in young women, which can impact not only themselves, but also the next generation. This study aimed to determine associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 347 young women aged 12-18 years from ten districts in Tasikmalaya City, selected by simple random sampling. Quantity and quality of dietary intake were measured by 2-repeated 24-hour dietary recalls, while portable haemoglobinometer (HemoCue® Hb 201+) was used to measure Hb concentration. Linear regression model predicted associations between quantity and quality of dietary intake with Hb concentration in female adolescents. Results: The proportion of subjects suffering from anaemia were 47.3%. Average intake of dietary iron was 6.7±3.0 mg and average dietary quality score was 32.6%. Dietary quality score and days of menstrual bleeding contributed as much as 12.7% to the variation in Hb concentration among female adolescents. Conclusion: Anaemia in female adolescents in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia is a serious public health problem. Diet quality score was associated with female adolescents’ Hb concentration; therefore, improving the quality of diet is important to reduce anaemia.

The effect of Citrus aurantium L. flower extract on the severity of primary dysmenorrhoea: a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effect of Citrus aurantium L. flower on the distance between two cycles, physical activity, days of bleeding, and intensity of dysmenorrhoea (primary objectives), and complications of interventions or adverse effects (secondary purpose). MethodsThis double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted on 105 girls (15–20 years old) with primary dysmenorrhoea. In the intervention cycles, from the first to the third day, participants received 250 mg C. aurantium flower hydro-alcoholic extract capsule, Mefenamic acid (MA) capsule, or placebo three times a day based on the study groups. ResultsThe results showed that the severity of dysmenorrhoea in the groups consuming C. aurantiumflower and MA was significantly lower than that before the intervention and compared to the placebo group (P< 0.001), which this reduction in the severity of pain in the C. aurantium flower group was also significantly higher than that of the MA group (P< 0.001) at the first and second days. ConclusionC. aurantium flower had higher efficacy and satisfaction rate and lower side effects in reducing the severity of primary dysmenorrhoea compared to MA.

Assessment of COVID-19 impact on menstrual symptom variation among women in the United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in short-term and long-term health, economic, and social repercussions since its outbreak in December 2019. More research is required to determine how the pandemic impacts various segments of the population. Preliminary research suggests that COVID-19 impacts menstrual cycles in different ways. The primary objective of this study was to assess alterations in menstrual cycles among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the pandemic. A cross-sectional online study was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023, enrolled 439 UAE women using the snowball technique. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used to evaluate menstrual symptoms and assess depression and stress levels, respectively. The findings showed a significant increase in menstrual symptoms with both higher mean of pads usage per day and use of pain medication during menses after COVID-19 with a p-value <0.001. Moreover, women reported higher levels of psychological distress after COVID-19 (Beta = 1.47). The findings show that COVID-19 affected the menstrual symptoms in women, reflected by higher pads usage per day, bleeding days, and frequency of pain medication intake during menses. Furthermore, higher stress levels were reported in the post-COVID-19 period.

The impact of embedment of the side arms of 52 mg levonorgestrel-intrauterine device on bleeding and pain: A prospective cohort study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of embedment of side arms of the levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in the myometrium (assessed by three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS)) on uterine bleeding and pain. Materials and methodsWe performed a prospective cohort study in a large Dutch teaching hospital between February 2015 and December 2016. Participants over 18 years of age who selected a LNG-IUD for contraception or because of heavy menstrual bleeding were eligible for inclusion. Six weeks after insertion, a 3D-TVUS was performed to diagnose embedment of the side arms. At that moment participants filled in questionnaires about their bleeding pattern and pelvic pain. Menstruation patterns ‘no bleeding’, ‘regular menstruation’, ‘sometimes a day of spotting (maximum once a week)’ were classified as favourable bleeding pattern. Menstruation patterns ‘heavy menstrual bleeding’, ‘several days a week bleeding days’, ‘several days a week spotting days’, ‘continuously spotting’, and ‘completely irregular cycle’ were classified as unfavourable bleeding pattern. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 %-confidence intervals (CI). The multivariate analysis included endometrial thickness, reason for insertion and parity. The analysis of pelvic pain additionally included previous insertion. ResultsA total of 220 participants were evaluated for the study of whom 176 returned the questionnaires. Embedment of the side arms was observed in 43 of the 176 responding participants (24.4 %). Favourable bleeding pattern was reported by 25/43 (58.1 %) participants with embedment and 53/133 (39.8 %) participants without embedment (ORadj 1.8, 95 % CI 0.9–3.9). Pelvic pain was reported by 4/43 (9.3 %) participants with embedment and 24/133 (18.1 %) participants without embedment (ORadj 0.3; CI 0.1–1.2). ConclusionsThe present study suggests that embedment of the side arms of the LNG-IUD in the myometrium assessed by 3D-TVUS is not associated with a unfavourable bleeding pattern nor pelvic pain six weeks after insertion. From this point of view, we do not recommend to perform standard 3D-TVUS for the purpose of excluding or demonstrating embedment.

Age at Menarche and Menstrual Characteristics among the Munda Tribe of Jajpur District of Odisha: A Case Study

The present study aims to estimate the age at menarche and study the menstrual characteristics of Munda women of Jajpur district of Odisha. The sample of 308 ever married women were taken by face to face interviewing them by using semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and cross tab were used to analysis the data. The mean age at menarche is 13.2 years. Only 29.9 % women used sanitary napkins. Most common menstrual problems were waist (40.77%) and abdominal pain (23.30%). 60.4 % women have regular monthly cycle and only 8.8 % women have irregular cycle. 62.7 % women have less than five days of menstrual bleeding and 7.8 % women have more than five days of menstrual flow. Celebration at the time of puberty was found to be negligible (0.3%). The present study suggests there is a need of increasing awareness among the women regarding the menstrual hygiene practices, taboos and the different physiological phenomenon associated with menarche.

Menstrual characteristics and associations with sociodemographic factors and self-rated health in Spain: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvidence on how menstrual characteristics may differ based on socioeconomic factors and self-rated health is significantly scarce. The main aim of this study was to investigate the associations between menstrual characteristics, sociodemographic factors and self-rated health among women and people who menstruate (PWM) aged 18–55 in Spain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study includes data from an online survey collected in March–July 2021 across Spain. Descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were performed.ResultsThe analyses included a total of 19,358 women and PWM. Mean age at menarche was 12.4 (SD = 1.5). While 20.3% of our participants experienced a menstrual abundance over 80 ml, 64.1% reported having menstrual blood clots; 6.4% menstruated for longer than 7 days. 17.0% had menstrual cycles that were shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. Reports of moderate (46.3%) and high (22.7%) intensity menstrual pain were common. 68.2% of our participants experienced premenstrual symptoms in all or most cycles. The odds for lighter menstrual flow, shorter bleeding days and menstrual cycles were higher as age increased, and amongst participants with less educational attainment. Caregivers presented higher odds for abundant menstrual flow and longer menstruations. Reporting financial constraints and a poorer self-rated health were risk factors for abundant menstrual flow, menstrual blood clots, shorter/longer menstruations and menstrual cycles, premenstrual symptoms, moderate and intense menstrual pain.ConclusionsThis study suggests that age, educational attainment, caregiving, experiencing financial hardship and a poorer self-rated health may shape or mediate menstrual characteristics. It thus highlights the need to investigate and address social inequities of health in menstrual research.

Menstrual Changes Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Menstrual changes, including altered cycle length and bleeding patterns, have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of menstrual changes occurring after COVID-19 vaccination among female students and staff at a university in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-39 years who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible participants, including university students and staff, were recruited between May 2022 and November 2022. Participants completed a questionnaire detailing their sociodemographic characteristics, general medical and reproductive history, and menstrual characteristics before and after vaccination. The prevalence of various menstrual changes (cycle length, bleeding days, flow, and mid-cycle spotting) was calculated. The demographic factors associated with menstrual changes were analyzed using chi-squared tests. Results: The 472 included participants had a mean age of 20.9 years, and 95.3% were unmarried. Changes in menstrual cycle characteristics after COVID-19 vaccination were reported by 54.7% of respondents overall. The most common change was in cycle length, followed by the number of menstruation days and bleeding flow. Menstrual changes were not associated with age, BMI, occupation, marital status, or medical history. Changes in intermenstrual bleeding were more frequently reported after the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine compared to the Moderna vaccine (p = 0.014). Conclusions: More than half of the recruited female students and staff reported menstrual changes following COVID-19 vaccination, with altered cycle length being the most common. The potential underlying mechanisms and implications of these menstrual alterations require further investigation. These findings provide evidence of the menstrual side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among women in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of iron supplementation on menstrual bleeding volume and hemoglobin level during menstrual bleeding : A randomized clinical trial.

Many women around the world avoid taking iron supplements during their menstrual bleeding, thinking that menstrual bleeding will increase after taking these supplements. Due to the lack of relevant scientific evidence in this regard, this study was performed to determine the effect of iron supplementation on menstrual blood volume and hemoglobin level during menstrual bleeding. In this three-blind randomized clinical trial, 160 non-anemic female students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences were selected through a public call and then they were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. The intervention group was given a ferrous sulfate tablet containsing 50 mg of elemental iron daily in the first four days of bleeding for three consecutive menstrual cycles, and the control group received a placebo simultaneously. Before and after the intervention, the level of hemoglobin was measured and the Higham chart was completed in each menstrual cycle by the participants of the two groups. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 21 and Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test, analysis of variance with repeated measures, and nonparametric tests. Before performing the intervention, the mean Higham score and hemoglobin level of the two groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.307, P = 0.670). The mean Higham score after each intervention was not statistically significant between the two groups over time or when considering the interaction of the time group (P = 0.77, P = 0.916). The hemoglobin level of these two groups did not change significantly after the intervention compared with that before the intervention (P = 0.444). Compared with a placebo, taking iron supplements containing 50 mg of elemental iron during the first four days of menstrual bleeding in non-anemic women did not change the volume of menstrual bleeding and hemoglobin level.