Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire Research Articles

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 Effect of Psychoeducation Based on Leventhal's Self-Regulation Model on Dysmenorrhoea in Nursing Students: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Study

The use of self-analgesics among women for dysmenorrhoea is common. Non-pharmacological methods can be employed to effectively cope with dysmenorrhoea. Psychoeducation based on Leventhal's Self-Regulation Model (SRM) is an affordable, easy, and non-pharmacological way that clinics can use to cope with dysmenorrhoea. This study aimed to investigate how psychoeducation affected dysmenorrhoea for nursing students using SRM. The sample consisted of 66 female students suffering from moderate-to-severe menstrual pain. A three-session psychoeducation based on SRM was applied to the intervention group. An 'Introductory Information Form', 'Visual Analogue Scale', 'Functional and Emotional Measure of Dysmenorrhoea (FEMD)', and 'Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ)' were used to collect the data. All the measurements were carried out over three consecutive menstrual cycles. A generalised linear model was used to analyse the data. After receiving psychoeducation, the pain and functional and emotional symptoms of dysmenorrhoea mean scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between the groups' MSQ mean scores (p > .05). The psychoeducation reduced the severity of dysmenorrhoea pain and the functional and emotional impact levels of dysmenorrhoea and it was proved to be effective at helping the subjects cope with pain in the long term.

The influence of physical activity, body mass index and urinary levels of prostaglandin (PGF2α) with the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

This study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) urine on the occurrence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents. A total of 128 female students included in the study. The study was conducted from January to March 2023 using a cross-sectional design. This study utilized the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and gynecological examination with ultrasonography. The urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) was measured using the enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression test. The age range of the participants included in the study was 14-17, with a mean age of 15.85 ± 0.65. There was an correlation between physical activity, BMI, and urinary prostaglandin (PGF2α) levels with the incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, it revealed that underweight, and had a high urinary prostaglandin significant correlated to primary dysmenorrhea with odds ratio 4.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-11.54) and 4.88 (95% CI 1.98-12.08), respectively. High physical activity and overweight was not associated with incidence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents. This study provides valuable insights into the correlation between physical activity, BMI, and levels of prostaglandins (PGF2α) in urine. A high level of urinary prostaglandin was found to be the most influential factor in the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescents. By addressing factors associated with dysmenorrhea in adolescents, healthcare professionals can potentially enhance well-being by reducing menstrual pain and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to prevent dysmenorrhea.

The Relationship between Anxiety Levels and Menstruation Symptoms in Adolescents

Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between the level of anxiety and menstruation symptoms in adolescents. Material and Methods: The research is a descriptive and relationship-seeking research. 544 adolescents constituted the research group. Data was collected using a personal information form, Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The relationship between two continuous variables was evaluated with the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. A p

The cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ) among Chinese women of reproductive age

ObjectiveThis study reports on a translation of the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) into Chinese, a cross-cultural adaptation among Chinese women of reproductive age, and an assessment of its reliability and validity. MethodsPreviously published translation guidelines were followed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English version of MSQ to produce a Chinese version. This Chinese version was then administered to 2800 Chinese women of reproductive age recruited by convenience sampling method. The reliability of the Chinese MSQ was tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The concurrent and construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using correlation and factor analysis. ResultsThe Chinese version of the MSQ showed no linguistic or semantic issues. The internal consistency of the Chinese MSQ Cronbach'α = 0.912, and the test-retest reliability r = 0.911. The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the four factor structure of the Chinese version of the MSQ (Pain Experience, Emotional Changes, Pain Coping Strategies, and Other Physical Symptoms) is reasonable among Chinese women of reproductive age. There was a significant correlation found between these four factors and both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the SF-8 Health Survey. ConclusionThe Chinese version of the MSQ achieved semantic equivalence in translation and demonstrated good reliability and validity among Chinese women of reproductive age. Thus, it can serve as an effective tool to assess the experience of menstrual symptoms among Chinese women.

Connective Tissue Mobilization Vs. Combination of Taping with Pelvic Tilt on Primary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is pain aggravation on menstruation without any pelvic disease. It is perhaps the most widely recognizedissue females face, influencing them physically and mentally. Connective tissue mobilization can help venous return by increasing theproduction of prostaglandin and different substances and preventing their collection in the pelvis, which can be powerful during the period,to reduce the pain aggravation and inconvenience. This study examines the effects of connective tissue mobilization vs. a combination oftaping and pelvic tilt on unmarried women with primary dysmenorrhea. This is an experimental design with pre and post-comparativestudy. This was conducted in the physiotherapy outpatient department at ACS Medical College and Hospital. The study duration was about3 months. The subjects aged 18 to 25 years female with primary dysmenorrheal were included in this study. The subject with Pelvicinflammatory disease, Uterine/ovarian tumor, Spinal pathology, deformity, and PCOD, were excluded from this study. 30 subjects wereselected and divided into 2 groups in which Group-A 15 received connective tissue mobilization for 3-4 minutes with a total of 20minutes/day a day before menstruation for 3 days for consecutive 3 months, and Group B received taping with pelvic tilt was given 4 daysfor lower abdomen and lumbar, one day before menstruation taping was applied and pelvic tilt was given 2-3 minutes for 20 minutes/dayfor 3 consecutive months The outcome measures were a pain. The outcome tools were the Menstrual symptom questionnaire, Numericalrating scale, and WaLIDD score. Comparing the pretest and posttest within Group A and Group B, Group B shows a highly significantdifference in Mean values at P &lt;_0.001. Thus this study concludes that a combination of taping and pelvic tilt reduces pain in unmarriedwomen having primary Dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual Pain, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among Women

The study focused on the relationship between menstrual pain, depression, anxiety, and stress among women. Data from an online survey of 201 women was used to conduct descriptive research. The data were gathered using the MSQ Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (Margaret Chesney) and the DASS Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (Sydney H. Lovibond and Peter F. Lovibond). The relationship between menstrual pain, depression, anxiety, and stress was examined using a Pearson correlation test. The findings suggest that there is a significant negative correlation between menstrual pain and depression. The findings suggest that there is a significant negative correlation between menstrual pain and anxiety. The findings also suggest that there is a significant negative correlation between menstrual pain and stress.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Acupuncture and Neutral Hip Bath among Young Females with Primary Dysmenorrhea – A Prospective Randomised Trial

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a common medical condition characterised by severe abdominal pain during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea with no obvious pelvic pathology is referred to as primary dysmenorrhea. Acupuncture and hydrotherapy are non-pharmacological interventions that help in reducing pain without any known adverse effects. The current study was aimed at understanding and comparing the effects of acupuncture with those of neutral hip bath on the symptoms and disability associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Methodology: In the present prospective randomised controlled trial, 70 females aged 21.54 ± 1.73 years fulfilling the study criteria were selected. Subjects were randomly divided into acupuncture and neutral hip bath groups. They were then assessed by the Visual analogue scale and Menstrual symptom questionnaire, outcomes variables assessed on the baseline, mid (30thday) and post (60th day) status of the intervention. Results: In the present study, analysis of variance (RMANOVA) on Visual analogue scale and Menstrual symptom questionnaire scores yielded significant variation among the conditions. Post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant reduction in mean scores of both acupuncture and neutral hip bath groups. The outcomes variables taken during three intervals, pre vs mid, mid vs post, and pre vs post resulted in a p value ≤ 0.001, thus, suggesting the equal effectiveness of acupuncture and neutral hip bath in primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: The present study indicates that neutral hip bath was equally effective as acupuncture in the management of primary dysmenorrhea. It reduces the severity of dysmenorrhoeic pain and associated symptoms in young females.

Menstrual health and genital hygiene status in adolescent girls and young women with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT Menstrual health and genital hygiene behavior in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) is underrecognized, undertreated, and negatively affects quality of life. The aim of this case-control study is to compare menstrual health and genital hygiene behaviors in adolescent girls and young women with CP to a healthy women control group. Participants were invited to study via social media tools between August 2021 and February 2022. The study included 74 adolescent girls and young women with CP and 89 healthy women. Menstrual status with semi-structured questions, menstrual symptoms with “Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ),” genital hygiene behavior with “Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale (GHBS)” were evaluated. The control group scored significantly higher on the MSQ sub-dimensions of “negative effects somatic complaints” (r = 0.396; p < .001), “menstrual pain” (r = 0.287; p < .001), “coping methods” (r = 0.291; p < .001), and total score (r = 0.395; p < .001), as well as the GHBS sub-dimensions of “awareness of abnormal findings” (r = 0.270; p = .001) and “menstrual hygiene” (r = 0.495; p < .001) and total score (r = 0.393; p < .001). People with CP had worse genital hygiene behavior, had less menstrual symptoms, and behaved differently about the menstruation symptoms. This study focused on adolescent girls and young women with CP who cannot easily express their own experiences and concerns, emphasized that their needs should be identified by determining their menstrual health and genital hygiene behaviors. Clinical Registration Name, Registration Number, Registration Date: Menstrual Health and Genital Hygiene Status in Cerebral Palsy and NCT04985045, August 2,2021.

Comparison of the effectiveness of connective tissue massage and myofascial release technique in young adult women with primary dysmenorrhea

Background/Aim: Dysmenorrhea can restrict daily living activities and the overall productivity of women, thereby negatively affecting quality of life and causing absenteeism in students and loss of workdays in working women. Medical treatment is frequently used in clinics, but alternative approaches are needed when currently available treatment options are not effective. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the acute effects of two manipulative methods, connective tissue massage (CTM) and myofascial release technique (MRT), on menstrual pain, fatigue, pain threshold, and menstrual symptoms in young adult women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Methods: Forty young adults diagnosed with PD and scoring ≥4 in menstrual pain intensity according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were included in the study. Menstrual pain and fatigue severity was evaluated by using VAS, pain threshold by algometer device from six unique points, and menstrual symptom severity using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. Participants were randomly divided into two groups and evaluated in their first menstrual cycles. In Group 1, 10 sessions of CTM were applied between the first and second menstrual cycles, and in Group 2, a single session of MRT was applied on the most painful day of the second menstrual cycle. After the application, all participants were re-evaluated on the most painful day of their second menstrual cycles. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, BMI, menarche age, menstrual cycle, and menstrual bleeding duration. In both groups, a significant decrease was found in pain, fatigue, and menstrual symptom severity, and a significant increase was found in pain threshold (P=0.001). MRT was found to be more effective at improving the pain threshold at all points except the first point (1st point P=0.098, 2nd point P=0.034, 3rd point P=0.037, 4th point P=0.041, 5th point P=0.009, 6th point P=0.001). Conclusion: It was found that CTM and MRT were effective at improving pain, fatigue, pain threshold, and menstrual symptoms in PD, and MRT was found to be more effective at increasing pain thresholds compared to CTM.

Stres Akademik berhubungan dengan Kejadian Disminore Primer pada Remaja Putri

Introduction: As many as 90% of teenage girls worldwide experience problems during menstruation, 50% of women experience primary dysmenorrhea and 10-20% of them suffer from symptoms that are quite severe. Objectives: To determine the relationship between academic stress and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in young women at SMA N 1 Ciemas Sukabumi. Method: The design of this study uses a descriptive correlation with a cross-sectional approach. The samples taken in this study were 55 respondents. The instruments used were the Adolescent Stress Scale (ESSA) and the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ). Result: From the univariate test results, it was found that the distribution of young women experiencing dysmenorrhea (85.5%) and academic stress was in the high category (60.0%). And the results of the bivariate test showed that there was a relationship between academic stress and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in young women with a p-value of 0.016. Conclusion: From the results of the research that has been done, it can be concluded that the higher the academic stress, the higher the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea.

Post-COVID-19 Menstrual Symptom Disorders Relating to Anxiety and Long COVID-19 Symptoms

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect the menstrual cycle and menstrual flow. To examine changes in menstrual symptoms of women recovering from COVID-19 and to identify factors that influence these changes. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire, prepared using Google Forms, was completed by 180 women (26.08±6.62 years) recovered from COVID-19. The menstrual symptoms, menstrual pain, fatigue severity and anxiety level of the participants were evaluated respectively with the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS). Results: Post-COVID-19 individuals’ MSQ totals, subgroup scores, FSS scores and menstrual pain levels showed significant increase compared to pre-COVID-19. Regression analysis identified that age at menarche, changes in FSS and VAS scores as contributors to 38.4% of the variance explained in the significant regression for change in MSQ score. Individuals with prolonged fatigue, muscle– joint pain and dyspnea symptoms showed increase in MSQ total scores (P=0.006, P=0.009, P=0.046 respectively) and MSQ negative effects/somatic complaints scores (P=0.004, P=0.002, P=0.017 respectively). Individuals with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms showed increase in MSQ pain symptoms (P=0.029) and MSQ coping methods scores (P=0.002), while those with prolonged muscle and joint pain showed increase in MSQ coping methods (P=0.022) scores. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that menstrual symptoms, fatigue, and menstrual pain severity are deteriorated in women recovered from COVID-19. Age at menarche, changes in fatigue and menstrual pain after COVID-19 were determiners of the deteriorated menstrual symptoms. Menstrual symptoms were more severe in those who have prolonged fatigue, dyspnea, muscle– joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the menstrual pattern and mental health of the medical students: A mixed-methods study from a low and middle-income country.

To assess the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual patterns and mental health of medical students and to explore the students' perspective regarding this effect. This mixed-method study was conducted on the medical and dental students of the private and public sector institutions of Peshawar from September 2021 to March 2022. A Menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were used. This was followed by qualitative interviews with the students who faced problems in their menstruation after the COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 953 students were included, with a mean age of 20.67±1. 56 years. More than half (n = 512, 53.7%) experienced menstrual cycle abnormalities post-vaccination. The majority having disturbances in their menstrual cycle had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.000). Results on the menstrual symptom questionnaire, anxiety, and depression subtype of HADS showed a negative and statistically significant relationship with changes after COVID-19 vaccination (p&lt;0.05). In the qualitative interviews, 10 (58.8%) students each had problems with frequency and flow, followed by 7 (41.2%) students, who had dysmenorrhea. Seven (41.2%) consulted a gynecologist for management. The majority (n = 14, 82.4%) stated that these issues had an adverse impact on their mental health and almost half (n = 8, 47.1%) suggested consulting a gynecologist while facing such situations. This study showed the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on women`s menstrual patterns and subsequent mental health status. Although the majority of the students experienced menstrual cycle abnormalities and subsequent mental health adversities post COVID-19 vaccination but these were temporary and self-limiting and were attributed to the psychological impact of the vaccination. Therefore, it is imperative to alert health care professionals about possible side effects and prior counseling is expected to play an important role in this context.

Menstrual symptoms variation among Lebanese women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic diseases and the confinement measures due to COVID-19 infection have introduced acute and persistent psychosocial stressors for different individuals with a greater influence on females manifested through changes in the menstrual cycle. The objective of this study was to assess Lebanese female of reproductive age about their menstrual cycle, their mental health, and their lifestyle, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Beirut blast, and the economic crises. A cross-sectional online study conducted between October and December 2021, enrolled 398 Lebanese women using the snowball technique. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to assess menstrual symptoms. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess factors associated with the variation in MSQ scores after vs before the pandemic. Our results showed that a significantly higher number of days of menses, number of pads per day and total MSQ score were significantly found after the pandemic compared to before it. More distress (Beta=0.68), more post-traumatic stress disorder due to COVID-19 (Beta=0.19), a higher number of waterpipes smoked per week (Beta=1.20) and being infected by COVID-19 compared to not (Beta=3.98) were significantly associated with an increase in the MSQ score after the pandemic compared to before it. Our main findings indicate that females had irregular menstrual cycles, unpredictable bleeding pattern, and intense symptoms severity post COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, stress post COVID-19 and Beirut blast tended to be associated with increased menstrual symptoms. Thus, vulnerable women should be identified and offered appropriate care, information, and awareness regarding their menstrual period during a pandemic.

Menstruasyon Etki Ölçeği Geliştirilmesi

Aim: Although there are many measurement tools in the literature to measure menstruation attitudes and symptoms, there is a need for a specific measurement tool that measures the impacts of menstruation alone on women’s life, independent of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Our aim was to create a scale so that we could measure the impacts of menstruation in the study.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: It is a methodological research. The sample consisted of 615 female university students. Menstrual Impact draft scale, which is developed by the researchers, subscale of Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire Negative impacts/ somatic complaints and introductory information form have been used as data collecting forms. &#x0D; Results: After the factor analysis, a 14-item scale, consisting of physical and psychosocial impact subscales, was developed. The scale is a 5 point Likert type scale evaluated between “5” Strongly Agree and “1” Strongly Disagree. The minimum and maximum scores to be obtained from the overall scale are 14 and 70 respectively. As the score increases, the participant’s degree of being affected by menstruation increases as well. The total explained variance of the scale is 54.92%. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.87. &#x0D; Conclusion: The literature has been earned a valid and reliable measurement tool to specifically measure the impacts of menstruation in women’s life. Menstrual Impact Scale (MIS) is a short, practical, and easy-to-apply scale. Its validity and reliability in different cultures should be tested.

The Effect of Acupressure on Menstrual Pain

Objective: Dysmenorrhea causes women who are working and students to lose business power, school absenteeism, and serious economic loss. This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of acupressure to reduce the pain of dysmenorrhea.&#x0D; Material-Method: This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial that was conducted. The population of the study consisted of 480 female students, between November 2016- and June 2017. The sample of the study was determined as a minimum of 38 individuals for each group using power analysis. 90 female students, who met the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent forms, were included in the sample. The data were collected using Information Form, Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale. Acupressure was applied to the acupuncture points of hand and foot areas in the experimental group in the company with music for 10 minutes. The control group was made to relax in the company with music for 10 minutes. Pain assessment was performed with VAS before the procedure and on the 30th, 60th, and 120th minutes after the procedure for both groups. The data were assessed using the Chi-square test, Yates chi-square Fisher exact test, numbers, and percentages.&#x0D; Results: The present study had more application points (LI4 and SP6 on both arms and legs) and a shorter application time (10–12 minutes) and the experimental group’s pain measurements 30th, 60th, and 120th minutes after the procedure decreased considerably.&#x0D; Conclusion: Acupressure is a very effective means of decreasing dysmenorrhea. It can be assumed that applying acupressure with the same intensity for a shorter time is effective in reducing menstrual pain.

A study of prevalence and psychological correlates of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Background: The premenstrual period is a vulnerable phase for prevalence of bodily and psychological signs and symptoms named the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). There is a paucity of Indian work in this area. Aim: The aim was to study the prevalence and psychological correlates of PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital after obtaining the institute ethics committee clearance. Written informed consent was obtained from participants. By purposive sampling, 587 females from urban areas of Pimpri and Alandi were interviewed and subjected to the sociodemographic pro forma and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. From this sample, 140 subjects meeting diagnostic criteria of PMS or PMDD were included in the study group. An equal number of age-matched healthy controls with no known psychiatric disorders after clinical interview were included in the control group. All the questionnaires were scored as per the test manuals. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS. Results: It was observed that 63.57% of the total cases are moderate PMS, 30.71% are severe PMS, and 5.71% are PMDD. Overall, the more common type of dysmenorrhea was the spasmodic type, but among the PMS/PMDD cases, the more common type of dysmenorrhea was the congestive type. There is significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression and poorer sleep quality in the cases of PMS and PMDD as compared to the controls. Stress, anxiety, and depression have a significant positive correlation with poor sleep quality. Conclusions: The prevalence of PMS was 22.49% and that of PMDD was 1.36%. Congestive kind of dysmenorrhea was more frequently seen in cases of PMS. There is significantly higher stress, anxiety, depression, and disturbed sleep in females suffering from PMS and PMDD as compared to the controls.

Comparison between the effects of aerobic and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring just before or during menstruation without pelvic pathology. One of the methods used to decrease this condition's severity is exercise. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic and isometric exercises on primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial that included 105 females aged 18-25 years complaining of primary dysmenorrhea. The participants were divided into three groups equal in number: (1) aerobic exercise (n = 35), (2) isometric exercise (n = 35), and (3) control group (n = 35). The two intervention groups performed exercises three times a week for eight weeks (two menstrual cycles). Participants were assessed using the plasma progesterone levels, visual analogue scale, and modified menstrual symptom questionnaire. Results: The within-group comparisons before and after the training program demonstrated significant differences in the aerobic exercise group regarding the visual analogue scale (p = .001, d = 0.652), plasma progesterone levels (p = .001, d = 0.688), and modified menstrual symptoms questionnaire (p = .001, d = 0.607). Also, there were significant differences in the isometric exercise group regarding the visual analogue scale (p = .001, d = 0.633), plasma progesterone levels (p = .001, d = 0.502), and modified menstrual symptoms questionnaire (p = .001, d = 0.462); however, no significant differences were observed in the control group. In addition, after the end of the exercise program when compared with their corresponding values measured before intervention significant differences were observed regarding these parameters between the aerobic and control group (p = .001) as well as between the isometric and control group (p = .001). On the other hand, after the end of the exercise program no significant differences were observed between the aerobic and isometric groups regarding the visual analogue scale (p = .14) or plasma progesterone level (p = .14); however, a significant difference was observed in the modified menstrual symptoms questionnaire between these two groups (p = .001) with favor to the aerobic exercise group. Conclusions: Both aerobic and isometric exercises are effective in reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its contributing factors in fertile aged women

Background: In developing countries, reproductive health in particular maternal health and reproductive tract infections are recognized as a health priority but still dysmenorrhea is by far the least understood and addressed complaint despite its ubiquity. Consequently, it incredibly influences the efficiency of ladies. This study was nested to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and to perform the multivariate analysis of patterns of menstrual cycles with the age of menarche, days of interval, days of cycles and marital status.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted over the sample of 500 menstruating women of age 15 and above. The structured questionnaire administered comprised of the verbal multidimensional scoring system (VMS) and Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) scales in addition to the questions about menstrual patterns. Chi-square test was used for the statistical analyses on SPSS version 21.0.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the sample was 25.4 ± 6.92 years. The prevalence of 92.4% of dysmenorrheal was found to be inversely related to the average age of females with dysmenorrhea (24.93 ± 6.78 years). The significant direct relation of dysmenorrhea was observed in women with higher age at menarche (13.22 ± 1.75 years) and longer intervals of 26.95 ± 4.78 days. Moreover, the women complaining of heavy menstrual volumes were significantly more prevalent to dysmenorrhea (56.2%). The association of VMS pain scores with marital status showed that higher pain scores were significantly associated with unmarried females (44%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The occurrence of dysmenorrhea is highly common and associated with patterns of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, close observation of menstrual traits is important for the improvement of menstrual health.

Effectiveness of functional exercises on pain and sleep quality in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized clinical trial

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological problem in young women and adolescents. Exercise therapy provides positive effects on women with primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise program on pain, sleep and menstrual symptoms in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. The study is a randomized controlled study. The study included 28 sedentary individuals. The participants were assigned to two groups as the exercise (mean age 22.9 ± 2.0years) and the control (mean age 23.1 ± 1.8years) groups. The exercise protocol was carried out with the exercise group three times a week for eight weeks. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for assessing the intensity of pain. The Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used for evaluating menstrual symptoms and sleep quality, respectively. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT03625375. The comparisons between the groups revealed statistically significant differences in abdominal pain severity, MSQ total score and the subscale scores of negative outcomes and management methods (p < 0.05). The intragroup comparisons of the exercise group demonstrated that the scores of the low back pain and abdominal pain and the MSQ and PSQI scores were found to be significantly different after the 8-week program (p < 0.05). The combined exercise therapy is an effective way to manage symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea.