Menstrual Regularity Research Articles

Relationship between Menstrual Cycle Regularity and Sleep Quality

Relationship between Menstrual Cycle Regularity and Sleep Quality

Fast food consumption alongside socioeconomic status, stress, exercise, and sleep duration are associated with menstrual irregularities in Korean adolescents: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2013.

Menstrual irregularities in adolescents are a concern because they are considered a subjective indicator of poor physical and reproductive health. Menstrual regularity is associated with many genetic and mental health factors, and lifestyle changes can markedly influence an individual's level of menstrual regularity. Therefore, we investigated associations between lifestyle factors and menstrual irregularities in Korean adolescents by analysing data collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2013. A total of 463 female adolescents aged 15-18 years participated in this study; they were divided into two groups based on their menstrual regularity. We assessed the between-group differences in relation to lifestyle-related factors, fast food consumption, and diet quality. The frequencies of consumption of soda, coffee, and fried foods were significantly higher in the irregular menstruation group. However, the nutritional quality index was not significantly different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age at menarche (odds ratio [OR]=0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.54-0.88), higher family income (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.15-0.91), lack of exercise (OR=10.42, 95% CI=2.73-39.8), and high stress levels (OR=4.18, 95% CI=1.02-17.12) were associated with menstrual irregularity, whereas sufficient sleep (OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.39-0.60) and low frequency of eating out accounted for menstrual regularity. Lifestyle factors and stress levels influence menstrual regularity in Korean adolescents. Appropriate and accessible education on lifestyle management is required.

Perimenarchal air pollution exposure and menstrual disorders

What is the association between perimenarchal exposure to total suspended particulate (TSP) in air, menstrual irregularity phenotypes and time to menstrual cycle regularity? Exposures to TSP during high school are associated with slightly increased odds of menstrual irregularity and longer time to regularity in high school and early adulthood. The menstrual cycle is responsive to hormonal regulation. Particulate matter air pollution has demonstrated hormonal activity. However, it is not known if air pollution is associated with menstrual cycle regularity. Cross sectional study of 34 832 of the original 116 430 women (29.91%) enrolled in 1989 from the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII). The follow-up rate for this analytic sample was 97.76% at the 1991 survey. Annual averages of TSP were available for each year of high school attendance. We created three case definitions including high school menstrual irregularity and androgen excess. The time to menstrual cycle regularity was reported by participants as <1 year, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, 5 years or longer, or never on the baseline questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for 45 μg/m3 increases in TSP exposure, adjusted for risk factors for menstrual irregularity. In multivariable adjusted models, we observed that for every 45 μg/m3 increase in average high school TSP there was an increased odds (95%CI) of 1.08 (1.03-1.14), 1.08 (1.02-1.15) and 1.10 (0.98-1.25) for moderate, persistent, and persistent with androgen excess irregularity phenotypes, respectively. TSP was also associated with a longer time to cycle regularity, with stronger results among women with older ages at menarche and those living in the Northeast or the West. The outcomes of menstrual regularity and time to cycle regularity were retrospectively assessed outcomes and may be susceptible to recall bias. There is also the potential for selection bias, as women had to live until 2011 to provide addresses. Temporal exposure to air pollution in the adolescent and early adulthood window may be especially important, given its association with phenotypes of menstrual irregularity. The data from this study agrees with existing literature regarding air pollution and reproductive tract diseases. Shruthi Mahalingaiah: Reproductive Scientist Development Program HD000849, and a research grant from the Boston University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stacey Missmer: R01HD57210 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Environmental Health Sciences Translational Pilot Project Program, R01CA50385 from the National Cancer Institute, Jaime Hart and Francine Laden: 5R01ES017017 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, Jaime Hart: P30 ES00002 from the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences at the National Institute of Health, The Nurses' Health Study II is supported by infrastructure grant UM1CA176726 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Do ovarian reserve markers predict the subsequent pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent pregnancy loss?

Abstract Objective(s) Chromosomal abnormalities are more commonly seen in embryos with decreased oocyte quality. Therefore aneuploidy due to diminished ovarian reserve may be one of the causative reasons of RPL. We investigated the relationship between ovarian reserve markers especially serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) level and antral follicle count (AFC) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Materials and methods This prospective cross-sectional clinical trial including 88 women with RPL and 84 age-matched women without RPL. Results There were statistically significant differences in body mass index, live birth number, menstrual cycle length, AFC and serum AMH level between groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding age, menstrual cycle regularity and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels. The percentage of women with levels of AMH&lt;1 was 21.4% in the RPL group and 11.4% in the control group. AFC &lt;7 in both ovaries was lower in the RPL group when compared with the control group (73.8% vs 44.3%, respectively). Conclusion(s) Serum AMH levels and AFC can be assessed in patients with RPL as a part of the work up parameters. Lower Serum AMH levels and AFC especially may predict the quantity of oocytes that may be consequently be related with RPL.

Evaluation of homoeopathic treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted with the primary objective of evaluating efficacy of Homoeopathy in establishing the menstrual regularity with improvement in either ultrasonological findings or hirsutism/acne. The quality of life was also assessed using polycystic ovary syndrome questionnaire (PCOSQ). Materials and Methods: A single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted from February 2014 to May 2015 at two research centres. The cases fulfilling the eligibility criteria were enrolled (n = 60) and randomised to either the homoeopathic intervention (HI) (n = 30) or identical placebo (P) (n = 30) with uniform lifestyle modification (LSM) for 6 months. Results: The menstrual regularity with improvement in other signs/symptoms was observed in 60% of the cases (n = 18) in HI + LSM group and none (n = 0) in control group (P = 0.001). Statistically significant difference (P = 0.016) was observed in reduction of intermenstrual duration (from 76.1 ± 37.7 to 46.6 ± 38.7 days) in HI + LSM in comparison to placebo + LSM group (from 93.0 ± 65.2 to 93.9 ± 96.2 days). In PCOSQ, also, significant improvement was observed in HI group in domains of weight, fertility, emotions and menstrual problems (P

Effects of myo-inositol, gymnemic acid, and L-methylfolate in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder, characterized by chronic anovulation/oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and insulin-resistance. Moreover, some studies propose a possible association between insulin resistance and hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a significant long-term risk for factor for atherogenesis and chronic vascular damage, especially in situations where insulin levels are increased. Insulin-sensitizing agents are used in the treatment of PCOS: in fact, inositols were shown to have insulin-mimetic properties. Synergic action to myo-inositol is that of gymnemic acids that have antidiabetic, anti-sweetener, and anti-inflammatory activities. Gymnemic acid formulations have also been found useful against obesity due to their ability to delay the glucose absorption in the blood. L-methyl-folate increases peripheral sensitivity to insulin, maintaining folatemia stable, and thus restoring normal homocysteine levels. Unlike folic acid, L-methyl folate has a higher bioavailability, no drug/food interferences, high absorption, and it is stable to UV-A exposure. The aim of our study is to compare the clinical, endocrine, and metabolic parameters in 100 PCOS women treated with myo-inositol, gymnemic acid, and l-methylfolate (Group A) or myo inositol and folic acid only (Group B), continuously for 6 months. From a clinical point of view, it was noticed a more significant improvement of the menstrual cycle regularity and a more significant reduction of BMI in Group A. Moreover, a more significant decrease of total testosterone and increase of SHBG serum levels were noticed in Group A. The metabolic assessment found a more significant decrease of total cholesterol and homocysteine levels; OGTT glycemia and insulinemia values were significantly more improved after treatment with myo-inositol + gymnemic acid. In conclusion, we can state that a good option for the treatment of PCOS is the combined administration of myo-inositol + gymnemic acid + l-methyl-folate, especially for overweight/obese patients with marked insulin resistance and with associated hyperhomocysteinemia.

Nutritional supplements and herbal medicines for women with polycystic ovary syndrome; a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, reproductive endocrinopathy associated with serious short and long term health risks. Many women with PCOS use ingestible complementary medicines. This systematic review examined the effect on menstrual regulation and adverse effects from randomised controlled trials.MethodsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared herbal or nutritional supplements to placebo or active controls in women with PCOS were eligible for inclusion. Electronic databases were searched to July 2017. Study selection and assessment of quality were conducted independently by two review authors.ResultsTwenty four studies (1406 women) investigating seven nutritional supplements and four herbal medicines were included. No one study was assessed as having a low risk of bias. Four trials reported on the primary endpoint menstrual regulation. There was no evidence on improved menstrual regularity for calcium plus vitamin D compared to Metformin (RR: 0.66, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.23, p = 0.19), reduced amenorrhoea for Camellia sinensis compared to placebo (RR: 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.72, p = 0.13) and no difference in the number of menses per month for Cinnamomum sp. against placebo (MD 0.05, 95% CI -0.36 to 1.36, p = 0.26).Adverse effects were investigated in seven studies (164 women). Mild adverse effects were found for Cinnamomum sp. compared to placebo (17 women, RR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.70, p = 0.03). No difference was found for adverse effects between inositol, B complex vitamins, vitamin D, chromium and placebo. Improved reproduction, metabolic hormones and hyperandrogenism was found for inositol and improved cholesterol for omega three fish oils.ConclusionThere is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of nutritional supplements and herbal medicine for women with PCOS and evidence of safety is lacking. High quality trials of nutritional supplements and herbal medicines examining menstrual regulation and adverse effects in women with PCOS are needed.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Menstrual Disorders at Different Ages of Menarche and Sex Hormones

ObjectiveThe present research aimed to study the relationship between body mass index and menstrual disorders at different ages of menarche and sex hormones. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 2000 girls aged between 9 and 18 in all levels were selected through cluster sampling in Shiraz. Data were collected using demographic characteristics, menstrual disorders, body mass index and hormones' measure questionnaires. To analyze the data, we used SPSS 16 and Chi-square test. ResultsA total of 1024 (51.2%) out of 2000 subjects had normal BMI and the smallest group belonged to 26 subjects (1.3%) with BMI ≤ 30. There is a significant relationship between body mass index, menstrual cycle length (p = 0.006), spotting (p = 0.005), passing clots (p = 0.001) and menstrual bleeding (p = 0.04), and this relationship is insignificant between body mass index and duration of bleeding (p = 0.95), amenorrhea (p = 0.03), dysmenorrhea (p = 0.26) and menstrual regularity (p = 0.95). Investigating the relationship between body mass index and some of sex hormones shows that there is no significant relationship among BMI and TSH (p = 0.94), FSH (p = 0.21), LH (p = 0.21), Prolactin (p = 0.97), Testosterone (p = 0.66), and DHEAS (p = 0.94). ConclusionsA significant relationship among BMI and menstrual cycle length, spotting, passing clots and menstrual bleeding, and was insignificant with sex hormones.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation in combination with low-calorie diet on anthropometric indices and androgen hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive age women. The aim of this studywas to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation in combination with low-calorie diet on anthropometric indices, reproductive hormones and menstrual regularity in overweight and obese PCOS women. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 PCOS women with vitamin D insufficiency were randomly assigned to 12weeks of either (1) weight-loss intervention+50,000IU/week oral vitamin D3 or (2) weight-loss intervention+placebo. At the beginning and end of the study, the anthropometric indices, body composition, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) were measured and regularity of menses was compared among the two groups. After 12-week intervention, median of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 significantly increased from 18.5 (10.75-20) ng/ml to 42.69 (34-53.25) ng/ml in vitamin D group compared to placebo group (p<001). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in frequency regular menstrual cycle (p=0.01). Mean of weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist and hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio significantly decreased in both groups, but was not different between two groups. Mean of total testosterone insignificantly decreased from 0.7 to 0.5ng/ml in vitamin D group (p=0.18). In addition, we did not observe significant differences regarding DHEAS, FAI and SHBG between two groups. In women with PCOS, androgen profile did not change with vitamin D supplementation when combined with low-calorie diet, but menstrual frequency significantly improved. IRCT2016062710826N19.

Hormonal contraceptive use in smokers: Prevalence of use and associations with smoking motives

IntroductionWhile endogenous sex hormones influence smoking-related outcomes, little is known about the role of hormonal contraceptives (HCs). This is despite dated estimates suggesting that HC use is prevalent among female smokers. Therefore, we sought to update estimates of the prevalence of HC use among female smokers and explore the association of HC use with various smoking motives (SMs). MethodsThis online cross-sectional survey recruited female smokers between the ages of 18–35. Survey questions assessed smoking behavior, SMs, use of HCs, and menstrual cycle regularity. ResultsParticipants (n=734) were, on average (±standard deviation), 20.7±2.7 years old and smoked 7.3±6.7 cigarettes/day. The majority of females reported a history of HC use (85%) and half reported current use (48%). Cyclical HC users (n=227) scored significantly lower on three SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase (n=62) and significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the luteal phase (n=29). Women on cyclical HCs differed from women on long-acting HCs (n=128) on two SMs. Further, the naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase scoring significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to those in the luteal phase. DiscussionThese observations indicate that HC use remains prevalent in female smokers and may influence SMs. Additional research should replicate these observations and explore the implications on smoking cessation outcomes.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ В ЖІН ОК ІЗ ПОРУШЕННЯ М СТАНОВЛЕННЯ МЕНСТРУАЛЬНОЇ ФУНКЦІЇ В АНАМНЕЗІ ІЗ ВРАХУВАННЯ М ІН ДЕКСУ МАСИ ТІЛА

Мета дослідження – оцінити репродуктивний потенціал та особливості перебігу вагітності і пологів у жінок із відхиленням індексу маси тіла та порушенням становлення менструальної функції.Матеріали та методи. Проведено обстеження і динамічне спостереження за станом 110 жінок із порушенням становлення менструальної функції в анамнезі (основна група), розпочинаючи з етапу прегравідарної підготовки, із використанням загальноклінічних, лабораторних, мікробіологічних, ехографічних (ультразвукових та доплерометричних), гормональних і статистичних методів дослідження. Сформовано три групи: групу порівняння, куди ввійшли 24 пацієнтки із нормальним вагоростовим індексом (ІМТ=18,5–24,9), першу досліджувану групу – 41 жінка із надмірною вагою тіла та другу досліджувану групу – 45 осіб із дефіцитом маси тіла (ІМТ &lt;18,5 кг/м2). У контрольну групу включили 20 практично здорових пацієнток.Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. У жінок із дефіцитом маси тіла виявлено у більшій частці затримку статевого розвитку, статевий інфантилізм, порушення становлення менструальної функції за типом альгодисменореї та дисфункціональних маткових кровотеч, тоді як у жінок із надмірною масою тіла діагностовано синдром полікістозних яєчників, або порушення менструальної функції за типом олігоопсоменореї з епізодами вторинної аменореї. Оцінка «сімейного портрета» та аналіз виписок із амбулаторних карт розвитку дитини дозволили відмітити народження недоношеними у 12,72 % випадках, маловаговими – у 35,45 % спостережень. Також була встановлена різнорідність у фізичному розвитку жінок основної групи: макросоматичний гармонійний розвиток відмічено у 28,18 %, дисгармонійний – у 14,54 %, мікросоматичний гармонійний розвиток – 23,63 %, мезосоматичний гармонійний – 33,63 %. У групі пацієнток із надмірною вагою повторновагітні першонароджуючі становили дві третини від усіх обстежених пацієнток, операції на органах малого таза, медичні аборти та інструментальні втручання відмітили у 29,26 %, ранні самовільні викидні – у 8,76 %, передчасні пологи та невиношування – у 21,95 %, первинне безпліддя – 12,19 %. Для жінок другої групи із дефіцитом маси тіла було характерним більш виражене зниження репродуктивного потенціалу. Безпліддя первинне чи вторинне діагностовано у 35,55 % спостережень, вагітність у жінок другої групи настала протягом першого року регулярного статевого життя у 17,77 %, на другому році – у 24,44 %, у 28,88 % – після гормональної корекції або внаслідок використання допоміжних репродуктивних технологій.Висновки. Аналіз репродуктивного потенціалу продемонстрував значимий відсоток первинного безпліддя, гормональної індукції овуляції, використання допоміжних репродуктивних технологій та значиму частку акушерських ускладнень і патологічного перебігу пологів без значимої достовірної різниці по групах. Проте слід відмітити відмінності у структурі гестаційних та пологових ускладнень із переважанням невиношування й оперативного розродження в жінок із дефіцитом маси тіла та зростання частки прееклампсії, плацентарної дисфункції і післяродових ускладнень у пацієнток із надмірною вагою.

A Disorder of Menstrual Function Regularization and its Influence on a Female Reproductive Potential

Obstetric complications in women of reproductive age are often the result of puberty disorders which remain underestimated and not taken into account in pregnancy monitoring programs in such patients, leading to an increase of habitual non-carrying of pregnancy and negative obstetric effects.The objective of the research is to carry out a comprehensive multivariate assessment of the disturbances of the body adaptive processes in teenage girls, taking into account the data of anamnesis regarding the specifics of menstrual function regularization during puberty, and to determine the main factors of complicated pregnancy in this category of patients.Materials and methods. To carry out the task, 110 pregnant women with a disorder of menstrual function regularizationhave been prospectively examined (the main group); the examination was performed at the preconception stage and in the periods of 6-12, 22-24 and 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. The comparison group consisted of 30 patients with a normal menstrual cycle. In order to identify risk factors and predict complications, the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval were used.Results. Extragenital pathology plays a significant role in the formation of pathological course of puberty and obstetric complications; 87.27% ofsuch cases were demonstrated in our study. Among the disorders of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, the structural significance is characteristic to the failure of the luteal phase and anovulatory disorders (78.18% of cases). Gynaecologic pathology includes inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (35.45%), cervical background processes (41.66%), ovarian tumour lesions (21.81), and primary infertility(14.54%). The obtained results of the structure of pregnancy complications in patients of the main group show reproductive losses in early pregnancy (11.8%), subchorionic hematoma (28.18%) and the threat of late spontaneous abortion; these data are notedthree times more often than in the comparison group. Many cases of preeclampsia (28.18%), gestational anaemia in more than half of the observations, fetal distress during pregnancy (32.72%) and birth of children with a low weight (17.27%) are associated with the development of the primary placental dysfunction and pathology of vascular and thrombocytic component of haemostasis.Conclusions. Analysis of the obtained data confirmed that pregnant women with a disorder of menstrual function regularization in puberty are characterized by a significant number of complications during pregnancy and delivery, high rates of spontaneous abortions and missed miscarriages; all these factsshould be considered as potential risk factors. The key factors are the following: endocrine imbalance by type of oligomenorrhea and luteal phase deficiency (OR – 9.16; 2.21-23.24), inflammatory diseases of the genital tract, such as asymptomatic bacteriuria and bacterial vaginosis (OR – 14.26; 3.26-32.12), premature deliveryin past medical history, the risk of spontaneous miscarriages and subchorionic hematoma.

Role of Metformin in the Treatment of Female Infertility with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Erbil City

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not uncommon in women of reproductive age in Erbil city, the present study was conducted to determine the usefulness of metformin therapy in improving the outcomes related to reproductive and metabolic disorders in women with PCOS. This study was performed on 87 PCOS women, diagnosis done based on Rotterdam Criteria. The patients were treated with metformin for six months. The results revealed that metformin therapy can correct oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea by restoration of a normal menstruation to a significant extent. Also, metformin significantly decreased weight, body mas index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) but it had no significant effect on hirsuitism. On the other hand, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol), fasting blood glucose levels (FBS), leutinizing hormone (LH), LH/FSH ratio and testosterone were significantly changed after metformin therapy. The other parameters like low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were not show any significant differences before and after metformin therapy. In conclusion, the results suggest that metformin therapy has many useful effects in PCOS Kurdish women regarding both metabolic and reproductive aspects. metformin therapy can restore menstrual regularity in PCOS women to a significant extent. Also, it can improve the disorders caused by PCOS including amelioration of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease

Efficacy of Combined Cabergoline and Metformin Compared to Metformin Alone on Cycle Regularity in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Disease with Hyperprolactinemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive disorder. Increasing serum prolactin in these patients could be detected in both follicular and luteal phase of the normal and stimulated cycles. Hyperprolactinemia affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis causing anovulation and abnormal uterine bleeding. In this study, the efficacy of combined cabergoline and metformin therapy was compared to metformin therapy alone in patients with PCOS on the body mass index, androgen profile and menstrual cycle regulation. Two hundred and fifty patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with increased serum prolactin were randomly allocated into two groups: group (1) received oral metformin tablet 1000mg per day and cabergoline 0.5g tablet weekly for 3months as a case group, and group (2) received oral metformin tablet 1000mg per day and a placebo tablet weekly for 3months as the control group (n=123). Body mass index (BMI), menstrual cycle regularity, serum testosterone, serum prolactin and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) level were compared before and after treatment in both groups. There was significant decrease in body mass index and improvement of androgenic profile in both groups after treatment. In group (1), there was significant improvement in cycle regularity and significant decrease in serum prolactin level post-treatment. The use of cabergoline in addition to metformin had more favorable effect on cycle regularity and prolactin level in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome with hyperprolactinemia than the use of metformin alone.

Development of a potent invigorator of immune responses endowed with both preventive and therapeutic properties.

This article reviews briefly the making of an immunoprophylactic-cum-immunotherapeutic vaccine against leprosy. The vaccine is based on cultivable, heat-killed atypical mycobacteria, whose gene sequence is now known. It has been named Mycobacterium indicus pranii. It has received the approval of the Drug Controller General of India and the US Food and Drug Administration. Besides leprosy, M. indicus pranii has found utility in the treatment of category II (“difficult to treat”) tuberculosis. It also heals ugly anogenital warts. It has preventive and therapeutic action against SP2/O myelomas. It is proving to be a potent adjuvant for enhancing antibody titers of a recombinant vaccine against human chorionic gonadotropin, with the potential of preventing pregnancy without derangement of ovulation and menstrual regularity in sexually active women.

Experience of dysmenorrhea among a group of physical therapy students from Cairo University: an exploratory study.

IntroductionDysmenorrhea is a condition describing the painful cramps that women feel before or during the menstrual period. While dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic complaint affecting adolescent and young women and there has been significant progress in understanding its pathophysiology and managing the symptoms, many young women do not seek medical consultation and remain untreated.Aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, its physical impact, and associated coping behaviors among university students.MethodsA total of 269 female college students volunteered to participate in the study. Data regarding the students’ experience with dysmenorrhea were collected via self-reported questionnaire developed based on relevant literature. Pain was scored on visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsMost respondents (84.01%) reported feeling pain in the abdomen and back (VAS score, 5.00). Mood swings (84.8%) and dizziness (48.2%) were, respectively, the most common affective and somatic symptoms related to menstruation. There was a significant difference in the amount of menstrual flow (p=0.004) and incidence of dysmenorrhea (p=0.03) according to menstrual regularity. Most students (91.2%) did not seek medical consultation for dysmenorrhea, and 62.4% used analgesics. However, no significant correlation (p=0.25) was found between analgesic intake and pain relief. While most students (90.7%) did not miss exams, 48.7% reported poor satisfaction with their academic performance because of dysmenorrhea.ConclusionDysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among college students, with many physical impacts and associated activity limitations. Collaborative efforts from health care providers, program coordinators, and parents should focus on increasing awareness and improving management strategies to treat dysmenorrhea.

Salivary cariogenic bacteria counts are associated with obesity in student women at a Malaysian university.

The counts of cariogenic bacteria lactobacilli and mutans streptococci have been studied and correlated with sugar intake. This study was to investigate the association between salivary lactobacilli and mutans streptococci counts with sweet food eating behavior and sweet sensitivity among 120 Malaysian women (101 ethnic Chinese, 19 ethnic Indians), while taking into account anthropometric and menstruation variables. Demographics, anthropometric measurements and menstrual history were taken. Hedonic preference, intake frequency of a list of sweet foods, intensity perception and pleasantness ratings of sweet stimuli were assessed. Saliva was collected for lactobacilli and mutans streptococci culture. We found that centrally obese subjects (high waist circumference and waist-hip ratio) had significantly higher salivary lactobacilli and mutans streptococci counts (all p<0.05), while overweight and high total body fat subjects had significantly higher salivary mutans streptococci counts (p<0.001). The sweetness intensity perception of chocolate malt drinks was significantly lower in women who were in their pre-menstrual (post-ovulation) phase. However, menstruation variables (menstrual phases, regularity and pre-menstrual syndromes) did not play a role in determining compulsive eating, sweets/chocolate craving and salivary lactobacilli and mutans streptococci counts. Taken together, salivary lactobacilli and mutans streptococci counts of the Malaysian women are associated with central obesity, but not sweet food eating behaviour, sweet sensitivity and menstruation variables. Salivary microbiome analysis could be useful as a potential diagnostic indicator of diseases such as obesity.

폐경 전 성인여성의 실제 체지방률과 주관적 체형인식의 차이에 따른 혈당, 혈중 지질, 월경규칙성 및 체중감소노력과의 비교 분석

폐경 전 성인여성의 실제 체지방률과 주관적 체형인식의 차이에 따른 혈당, 혈중 지질, 월경규칙성 및 체중감소노력과의 비교 분석

Couples' body composition and time-to-pregnancy.

Is couples' body compositions associated with reduced fecundity as measured by a longer time-to-pregnancy (TTP)? Couples whoseBMI are within obese class II (≥35 kg/m2) have a longer TTP in comparison to leaner (BMI < 25 kg/m2) couples, observed only when both partner's BMI was jointly modeled. Extremes of BMI have been associated with a longer TTP and with less successfulassisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. To our knowledge, the association between measured adiposity in both partners of the couple and prospectively measured TTP has not been investigated despite pregnancy being a couple-dependent outcome. Prospective cohort with preconception recruitment of 501 couples trying for pregnancy and recruited from 16 counties in Michigan and Texas between 2005 and 2009. Couples were followed daily for up to a year of trying or until ahCG pregnancy. In-home standardized anthropometric assessment of couples upon enrollment included measured height and weight using calibrated stadiometers and scales, and measured waist and hip circumferences. Discrete-time Cox regression was used to estimate fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% CIs, controlling for potential confounders including age, number of days of vigorous physical activity, serum cotinine concentration, race, education, free cholesterol levels for each partner in partner-specific models and for both partners in couple-based models as well as average acts of intercourse per menstrual cycle and menstrual cycle regularity. Neither male nor female partner's BMI was associated with TTP when modeled individually. However, obese class II (BMIs ≥ 35.0 kg/m2) couples experienced a reduction in fecundability in both unadjusted (FOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.89) and adjusted analyses (aFOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.98) resulting in a longer TTP in comparison to couples with normal BMI (<25 kg/m2). Female partners' waist circumference ≥88.6 cm was associated with a significant reduction in fecundability in the unadjusted model (FOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.86) but not in the adjusted model (aFOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.55, 1.08) in comparison to females with a smaller (<80 cm) circumference. BMI and waist circumference are proxy measures of body composition and residual confounding cannot be eliminated. Findings may not be generalizable to clinical populations. This is the first cohort study known to us with preconception enrollment of couples who underwent standardized anthropometric assessment and for whom TTP was prospectively measured. The findings underscore the importance of considering both partners' body composition for fecundity outcomes and preconception guidance. Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (Contracts #N01-HD-3-3355, N01-HD-3-3356 and N01-HD-3-3358). The authors have no competing interests. N/A.

Standardised versus individualised multiherb Chinese herbal medicine for oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea in polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised feasibility and pilot study in the UK

ObjectivesTo explore feasibility of a randomised study using standardised or individualised multiherb Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to pilot study...