Dysmenorrhea Research Articles

Management of Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhea) with Vishwadi Kwatha: An Open Labelled Single -Arm Clinical Trial

Introduction: Kashtartava (Dysmenorrhea) is a commonly reported menstrual disorder which affects the working ability and quality of life of the woman. Due to in discreet diet and lifestyle, young women are more liable to get afflicted with this disorder in present era. This trial was planned to evaluate the effect of Vishwadi Kwatha which is an unexplored formulation in the management of dysmenorrhoea. Materials and Methods: 18 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected from the OPD of Prasutitantra & Streeroga, of the institution (3 drop outs). Oral administration of Vishwadi Kwatha in a dose of 40ml, twice a day, before meals was given for 1 month. The effect of therapy was assessed by change in the scores of assessment criteria including Visual Analogue Scale. Follow up was done for 1 month. Result: Statistically highly significant (p<0.001) results were obtained in both the duration (75.60 %) and severity (73.68% relief) of menstrual pain and also in associated symptoms like Aruchi(93.75% relief), and Bala-Bhramsha (91.17% relief).The mean VAS score of 7.467±1.407 before treatment was reduced to 2.333±0.9 after treatment. Discussion: Vishwadi Kwatha was mentioned in Shoola Prakarana of Bhaishajyaratnavali as Sadya Shoolahara. The formulation is having Vatanulomana, Dipana-Pachana, Artavajanana, Kaphahara, and Shrotoshodhana properties which will help the easy expulsion of properly formed Artava through the unobstructed channels by correcting the Vimarga Gati of Vayu. Conclusion: Oral administration of Vishwadi Kwatha was found to be effective in the management of Kashtartava and recommended for further research.

The Role of Controlled Breathing in Pain Management

Breathing is a fundamental physiological process essential for cellular respiration and energy production. Beyond its physiological necessity, controlled breathing techniques such as yogic breathing etc. pranayama, have been practiced for centuries due to their perceived spiritual and health benefits, including stress reduction and pain management. Recent studies have explored the physiological effects of deep slow breathing (DSB), particularly its impact on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and pain perception. Evidence suggests that breathing at a low frequency, such as 6 h per minute (bpm), enhances heart rate variability (HRV), promotes parasympathetic activity, and reduces stress and pain levels.This review examines the mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting the role of the vagus nerve in regulating relaxation and reducing inflammation. Empirical studies demonstrate that DSB positively influences chronic pain conditions, including menstrual pain and visceral pain, by modulating pain perception and emotional regulation. Additionally, the combination of DSB and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown promise in managing chronic pain and improving musculoskeletal pain thresholds. Despite promising findings in menstrual pain, visceral pain, and chronic conditions, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize breathing techniques for pain relief. However, while DSB and VNS have demonstrated potential in reducing pain and anxiety, current research is limited in scope and methodology. Further investigations are needed to establish their long-term benefits and optimize their use in pain management strategies. This review underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the connection between controlled breathing, vagal tone, and pain relief to support their clinical application.

Epidemiology of menstrual-related absenteeism in 44 low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional analysis of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.

Menstrual-related absenteeism from work, school, or social activities is an important functional indicator of poor menstrual health that disrupts women's and girls' daily lives and exacerbates gender inequality. We sought to estimate the prevalence of and factors contributing to menstrual-related absenteeism across low-income and middle-income countries. We analysed cross-sectional data from 47 nationally or subnationally representative Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys from 2017 to 2023, which comprised 3 193 042 individuals from 555 869 households across 44 countries; those with available information on the outcome of interest were included in our analysis. The outcome of interest was menstrual-related absenteeism from work, school, or social activities during the respondent's last menstrual period. Independent factors included age, household wealth index, use (vs no use) of menstrual materials (eg, pads, tampons, or cloth), availability of a private place to wash at home during menstruation, and contraceptive use (hormonal and other). Univariable and multivariable associations between each factor and menstrual-related absenteeism were analysed using log-binomial models. Prevalence ratios, estimated from the log-binomial models, represent the relative prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism across different levels of the independent variables. Prevalences and associations were pooled by geographical region and overall across all surveys using a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and prediction intervals generated to reflect the variation in associations. We included 673 380 women and girls aged 15-49 years in this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism was 15·0% (95% CI 12·7-17·3), with prevalence being highest in south Asia (19·7% [11·6-27·8]) and west and central Africa (18·5% [13·5-23·5]). After pooling data across surveys, girls aged 15-19 years were found to have a higher prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism than those in older age groups, with overall pooled prevalence ratios ranging from 0·75 (0·68-0·82) in those aged 35-39 years to 0·92 (0·87-0·97) in those aged 20-24 years relative to the 15-19 years age group, with adjustment for area type (urban or rural). There was no association between menstrual-related absenteeism and household wealth or the use of menstrual materials. By contrast, having a private place to wash at home was associated with an increased prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism (overall pooled prevalence ratio 1·25 [1·05-1·48], adjusted for wealth and area type). Menstrual-related absenteeism was less prevalent in women and girls using any contraceptives compared with those not using contraceptives (0·92 [0·87-0·96]), and for those using hormonal contraceptives compared with those using non-hormonal or no contraceptives (0·91 [0·84-0·99]), after adjusting for age, wealth, education level, parity, and area type. Menstrual-related absenteeism is prevalent, especially in Asia and Africa and among adolescent girls. The age-independent protective effect of hormonal contraceptive use suggests that symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or pain contribute to absenteeism. Future studies are urgently needed to better characterise these findings to inform relevant public health interventions. National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia.

Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome, and Lifestyle Habits in Young University Students in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Menstruation is a physiological process that may be accompanied by pain, headache, edema, emotional changes, and other symptoms, all of which affect quality of life. Although the results of some studies indicate lifestyle habits can affect the menstrual cycle and associated symptoms, few have investigated this issue, and even fewer have explored the impact of these symptoms on quality of life, in Spanish women. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among students at a Spanish university, assess the impact of these conditions on quality of life, and analyze the relationship among lifestyle habits, dysmenorrhea, and PMS. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 743 women enrolled at the University of Extremadura in the 2021-2022 academic year. Data related to the menstrual cycle, pain, and PMS-related physical and emotional symptoms were collected. Quality of life related to menstruation was evaluated using the CVM-22 scale. Lifestyle data collected included adherence to a Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED [Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea] questionnaire), level of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and alcohol and tobacco consumption (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test Version 3). Also, other clinical data were recorded. In terms of the sample, the median age was 21 (19-23) years, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 57.9%, 92.7% reported premenstrual physical symptoms, and 55.6% reported experiencing premenstrual emotional changes. Having a low level of adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with the presence of dysmenorrhea, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.47 (95% CI [1.06, 2.03]). Having a low level of physical activity was strongly associated with the presence of premenstrual physical symptoms, with an aOR of 5.89 (95% CI [1.71, 20.26]). Also, an association was found between tobacco use and premenstrual emotional changes, with an aOR of 2.02 (95% CI [1.25, 3.25]). Furthermore, dysmenorrhea and PMS were both associated with a low quality of life, with pain and emotional changes being the most significantly associated factors, with ORs of 16.25 (95% CI [10.36, 25.47]) and 26.73 (95% CI [16.46, 43.40]), respectively. Similar to previous studies, the findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of dysmenorrhea and PMS among young university students in western Spain, with both of these symptoms impacting quality of life significantly and negatively. In addition, lifestyle habits, diet, physical activity, and tobacco use seem to influence the occurrence of these symptoms. Promoting lifestyle changes may be an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of dysmenorrhea and PMS and improve the quality of life of young women.

Effects of motor imagery and action observation on pelvic floor and related structures in healthy women: A randomized controlled trial

The main aim was to assess the effects of motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) plus physical exercise (PE) on pelvic floor and related structures. Forty-four healthy women were randomized into three groups: MI, AO, or sham observation (SO) group. The outcome measures included the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) condition (including basal tone and strength), lumbo-pelvic motor control, and pain sensitivity. All women performed six sessions at the rate of 3 s/week (for 2 weeks). An initial assessment was carried out (T0), another one 1-week after starting the study (T1), and a third one at the end (T2). Results showed significant PFM strength gains in MI and AO groups, but not in the SO group. Regarding lumbo-pelvic motor control, both MI and AO groups obtained statistically significant changes between pre- and post-intervention Additionally, only the AO group showed significant improvements already at 1-week of intervention. Finally, all groups showed improved pain sensitivity in the likely area of referred menstrual pain post-intervention, with only the MI group showing changes 1 week after starting the intervention. In conclusion, results showed that adding MI and AO to PE program leads to an improvement of sensorimotor function of PFM and related structures in general. Despite finding no statistically significant inter-group differences, some findings such as strength gains or the lumbo-pelvic motor control improvements were only found in MI and AO groups, and this should be considered clinically.

Do menstrual symptoms affect motor imagery skills in young women?

To examine the relationship between menstrual symptoms and motor imagery skills in young women. A total of 117 women between the ages of 18-40 were included in the study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for the menstrual pain intensity, the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) for the menstrual-related symptoms, and the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-20 (KVIQ-20) for the motor imagery were used. All measurements were conducted on the first or second day of the menstruation, depending on when the subject declared subjectively experiencing most symptoms. The relationship between menstruation symptoms and visual imagery (VI) and kinesthetic imagery (KI) skills was examined. A weak negative correlation was found between MSQ_negative effects/somatic complaints and KVIQ-20_KI (p = .040, r = -.199). The relationship between menstrual pain intensity and KVIQ-20 items was examined. The strongest relationship was found between VAS and KVIQ-20_knee_VI and KVIQ-20_hip_VI (p = 003, r = -.288; p = 005, r = -.270; p = 004, respectively). A weak negative correlation was also found between VAS and KVIQ-20_VI_total and KVIQ-20_KI_total (p = 0.004, r = -.275; p = 0.19, r = -.227, respectively). This is the first study to examine menstrual symptoms in women in detail and reveal their relationship with motor imagery skills. Menstrual symptoms, especially negative effects/somatic complaints seen during menstruation, negatively affect kinesthetic imagery ability. In addition; chronic menstrual pain has a negative effect on both kinesthetic and visual imagery abilities. Considering the impairments in motor imagery skills due to negative effects/somatic complaints during menstruation and chronic menstrual pain, adding motor imagery training to treatment programs aimed at improving women's health may have positive effects.

Effect of turmeric tamarind drink on pain scale changes in 12th grade female students at Fahd Islamic School Health Vocational High School with primary dysmenorrhea

Each woman experiences menstruation differently. Some undergo menstruation without complaints, while others face discomfort, including dysmenorrhea. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group design. The subjects were divided into two groups: the treatment group and the control group, with both groups undergoing pretest and posttest evaluations. The data collection was conducted at SMK Kesehatan Fahd Islamic School during the 2023 period. A total of 32 female students participated in the study, with 16 students assigned to the treatment group and 16 to the control group. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The instruments included a general data sheet and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain measurement. The general data sheet contained information such as age, age at menarche, menstrual dates, duration of menstruation, menstrual pain, pain duration, family health history, and therapies used. The reliability test results showed a coefficient of 0.820 for the knowledge questionnaire and 0.785 for the attitude questionnaire, indicating that the instruments were reliable. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p ? 0.05) with SPSS 16 software at a significance level of ? = 0.05.

Turning Cramps into Comfort: A Review of Yogas Role in Alleviating Primary Dysmenorrhea and Promoting Reproductive Health

Abstract: Dysmenorrhea, the most frequent menstrual problem in adolescence, is a widespread condition affecting women globally. It is highly prevalent, affecting around 50–90% of the female population, with a global prevalence rate of 71.1% according to a meta-analysis spanning 38 countries. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common menstrual disorder affecting many women and significantly impacting their quality of life. The symptoms of PD are lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may radiate to the back or legs, typically starting 6 to 12 months after menarche. Dysmenorrhea caused significant effects, including school absenteeism, poor performance, difficulty in daily activities, and social life disruption. Yoga, as nonpharmacological alternative medical intervention, has been increasingly studied for its potential benefits in managing PD. The purpose of this review is to highlight Yoga therapy as most effective alternative treatment in this cutting-edge era for primary dysmenorrhea. This study reviewed English-language literature published from 2000 to 2024, searching databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using keywords “yoga” and “menstrual pain” or “dysmenorrhea.” Out of 1,453 articles, 12 studies met the selection criteria and were included in the final review. This review of 12 RCTs’ highlights the effectiveness of yoga therapy for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Various yoga practices, including asanas, Yoga Nidra, and pranayama, significantly alleviated pain and improved symptoms. This study concludes the positive effectiveness of yoga therapy in managing primary dysmenorrhea. Yoga practices significantly alleviated pain and improved physical, psychological and social aspects of health, suggesting yoga as a holistic and beneficial treatment for dysmenorrhea.

Pulsed red light photobiomodulation ameliorates oxytocin-induced primary dysmenorrhea in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and lipid accumulation.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained attention as a kind of anti-pain or anti-inflammation therapy, yet its efficacy in mitigating the symptoms and underlying metabolic disturbances of primary dysmenorrhea remains underexplored. Here, 630nm light reduced menstrual pain and prostaglandin F2a/prostaglandin E2 dysregulation, regulated oxidation and lipid peroxidation levels, and improved uterus damage in oxytocin-induced mice. Notably, pulsed wave (PW) treatment exhibited superior efficacy compared to continuous wave application. Hence, this research focused on the effects of 630nm PW on oxytocin-induced mice by examining changes in the uterine transcriptome and plasma metabolome. Results from integrated analyses revealed significant modifications primarily in antioxidant and lipid metabolism pathways, alongside shifts in biomarkers related to arachidonic acid metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the downregulation of critical genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as the suppression of uterine smooth muscle contractions and lipid overaccumulation. These findings support the potential of 630nm PW PBM as a viable option for clinical interventions in dysmenorrhea management.

Management of chocolate cyst with application of leeches (Jaluka): A case study

This case study presents a 24-year-old unmarried female patient with abdominal pain localized to the left iliac fossa during menstruation, diagnosed with a chocolate cyst (endometrioma) of 3×2 cm on the left ovary via ultrasound on 7/8/2024. The patient’s Prakruti is identified as Pitta. She reported no abnormalities in her thyroid profile, CA-125 levels, complete blood count (CBC), or blood sugar levels (BSL). Clinical findings included tenderness in the left iliac fossa with a blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg, pulse of 88/min, and SpO2 of 98%. The treatment plan involved the application of leeches (Jaluka) to the mid-point between the pubic symphysis and anterior superior iliac spine on the left side for two consecutive days each month over three months. Additionally, oral Ayurvedic medicines—Kamdhuda Vati 2 tablets twice daily and Avipatikar Churna 3 gm twice daily before meals—were administered. Post-treatment ultrasound on 28/10/2024 revealed complete resolution of the chocolate cyst and significant reduction in menstrual pain. This case highlights the effectiveness of Ayurvedic management, combining Jaluka therapy and oral medications, in treating ovarian endometriomas and alleviating dysmenorrhea.

Sleep health epidemiology and associations with menstrual health, mental health, and educational performance among in-school female adolescents in Uganda: A longitudinal study.

Few studies have assessed sleep among African adolescents. We aim to understand factors associated with subjective sleep quality among female Ugandan adolescents and the association of poor sleep quality with subsequent menstrual- and mental health, and educational performance. We analyzed data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial that evaluated a menstrual health intervention in 60 Ugandan secondary schools. Data were collected through cross-sectional surveys at baseline (March-June 2022) and endline (July-August 2023), and prospective daily diaries (April-August 2023). We used logistic regression to analyze associations with poor sleep at baseline, and linear regression to analyze associations of poor sleep with subsequent menstrual and mental health, and education performance, adjusting for clustering. Of 3841 female participants (mean age=15.6years), 580 (15.1%) reported poor sleep quality and 829 (21.6%) reported feeling tired at baseline. Poor sleep was associated with socio-economic factors including smaller household size, lower socioeconomic status, and fewer meals consumed the previous day. There was strong evidence that poor sleep at baseline was associated with multiple dimensions of poor menstrual health including menstrual pain (adjusted odds ratio=1.74, 95%CI 1.29-2.33), more unmet menstrual practice needs (adjusted odds ratio=2.68, 95%CI 1.99-3.60), and with mental health problems (adjusted odds ratio=2.40, 95%CI 1.80-3.19). Results were similar for baseline tiredness. Prospectively reported poor sleep quality was associated with subsequent poor menstrual and mental health, and subsequent poor educational performance. Poor sleep is prevalent among in-school female Ugandan adolescents and is associated with subsequent poorer menstrual health, mental health, and educational performance. Improving sleep in this population could benefit menstrual health, mental health and education outcomes.

Postoperative symptom changes following uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroid based on FIGO classification

BackgroundClassifying uterine fibroid using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system assists treatment decision-making and planning. This study aimed to study whether different fibroid locations influence clinical outcomes following uterine artery embolization (UAE).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroid between December 2016 and January 2023 at our hospital. Changes in mean fibroid volume were compared based on MR images. Menstrual pain, excessive flow symptoms, and treatment satisfaction before UAE and 6 months after UAE were compared.ResultsA total of 149 premenopausal patients (mean age 45.7 ± 2.7 years) were included for analysis (FIGO 2/3, n = 57; FIGO 4–7, n = 92). Baseline menstrual pain, fibroid, and uterine volume before UAE were comparable between the two FIGO groups (p > 0.05). The menstrual flow index was higher for the FIGO 2/3 group (mean ± SD [min–max]: 9.4 ± 1.4 [4–10] vs 8.0 ± 2.3 [0–10], p < 0.001). Six months after UAE, the improvements in menstrual flow index (mean ± SD]: -3.7 ± 2.6 vs -2.6 ± 2.2, p = 0.035), fibroid volume (mean ± SD: -54.7 ± 21.7% vs -39.8 ± 16.2%, p < 0.001), and uterine volume (mean ± SD: -38.2 ± 16.3% vs -31.1 ± 11.6%, p = 0.008) in the FIGO 2/3 group were significantly higher than the FIGO 4–7 group. Both groups had comparable improvements in menstrual pain index (-2.1 ± 2.6 vs -1.8 ± 2.5, p = 0.008) and 88% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied overall.ConclusionUAE treatment satisfaction was high for patients with fibroids at different FIGO stages. UAE treatment outcomes were better for patients with fibroids affecting the endometrium (FIGO 2/3).Level of evidence3B, Retrospective observational study.

Branched-chain amino acids and specific phosphatidylinositols are plasma metabolite pairs associated with menstrual pain severity

Menstrual pain affects women’s quality of life and productivity, yet objective molecular markers for its severity have not been established owing to the variability in blood levels and chemical properties of potential markers such as plasma steroid hormones, lipid mediators, and hydrophilic metabolites. To address this, we conducted a metabolomics study using five analytical methods to identify biomarkers that differentiate menstrual pain severity. This study included 20 women, divided into mild (N = 12) and severe (N = 8) pain groups based on their numerical pain rating scale. We developed pretreatment procedures that allowed all analyses from only 100 µL of finger-prick blood collected across the menstrual cycle. Among the 692 quantified metabolites, branched-chain amino acids and specific phosphatidylinositol (PI), especially PI(36:2), were identified as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, the ratio of PI(36:2) to each BCAA or total BCAA effectively discriminated between the severity levels of menstrual pain. These ratios correlated positively with NPRS, indicating high accuracy in pain assessment. This study highlights the potential of small molecular markers to objectively assess menstrual pain severity, aiding evidence-based support and intervention.

Pain detection using biometric information acquired by a wristwatch wearable device: a pilot study of spontaneous menstrual pain in healthy females

ObjectivePain is subjective, and self-reporting pain might be challenging. Studies conducted to detect pain using biological signals and real-time self-reports pain are limited. We evaluated the feasibility of collecting pain data on healthy females’ menstrual pain and conducted preliminary analysis.ResultsFive healthy adult females participated. They wore two wristwatch devices (Silmee and Fitbit) and a Holter ECG (electrocardiogram) during menstruation to record the pain intensity and timing. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between heart and pulse rates and assessed pre- and post-pain biometric differences. We collected sixty pain records from five participants. The correlation coefficients between heart rate and pulse rate ranged from 0.79 to 0.95 with Holter ECG vs. Fitbit and 0.32 to 0.74 with Holter ECG vs. Silmee. Analysis revealed significant changes in motion frequency post-pain (p = 0.04). For abdominal pain with a numerical rating scale score of ≥ 4 (n = 13), motion frequency (p < 0.001) and pulse rate (p = 0.02) showed significant differences post-pain compared to baseline values. Healthy females could wear the wristwatch device in daily life and report pain in real time. Wristwatch devices can effectively collect biological data to detect moderate pain by focusing on acceleration and pulse rate.

P0923 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Women’s Health

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease presents chronic challenges that disrupt physical well-being and create significant psychosocial stressors. Despite known gender-specific issues, data on how IBD affects women, particularly in a socio-cultural context, remain limited. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with 202 women diagnosed with IBD, recruited from a tertiary care center in north India. Participants were subjected to a structured questionnaire covering health domains influenced by IBD, including menstrual and reproductive health, sexual function, social dynamics, mental health, financial burdens, and access to healthcare services in a face-to-face interview. Results The median age of participants was 41 years, with a median disease duration of 5 years. Menstrual irregularities were reported by 50%, and 57% females experienced severe menstrual pain. Among sexually active participants, 82.5% showed signs of sexual dysfunction. Reproductive concerns were prevalent, with 55.4% worried about heritability, while only 2.5% received guidance on cervical cancer screening. The median SICC-IBD score of 0.6 (0.4-0.6) indicated substantial social impacts, with family and societal stigma reported by 43% of participants, leading to strained relationships and decreased quality of life. Financial concerns were notable, with nearly 25% of monthly income being spent on IBD medications. Mental health concerns were significant; 95% reported moderate-severe stress, and 70% had symptoms suggestive of moderate to severe anxiety or depression. (Figure 1) Conclusion IBD significantly impacts the lives of women beyond clinical symptoms, affecting menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health, and exacerbating social, mental, and financial strains. Limited access to healthcare support and social stigmatization further complicate disease management. Addressing these unique challenges requires holistic and multidisciplinary interventions that incorporate reproductive health counseling, mental health support, and tailored socio-cultural interventions to improve the overall well-being of women with IBD. This study underscores the need for gender-specific approaches in managing IBD in resource-limited settings.

GAMBARAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN SWAMEDIKASI PENGGUNAAN OBAT DISMENOREA PADA KELAS 12 SMK NEGERI 1 BASO

Dysmenorrhea is also called menstrual cramps or menstrual pain. Primary dysmenorrhea is a mild disease that can be cured with self-medication. Self-medication is the behavior of taking one's own medication based on a diagnosis of the symptoms one is suffering from. Self-medication is also part of "self care" which is an effort to maintain health or prevent and overcome disease. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge of self-medication in the use of dysmenorrhoea drugs among grade 12 female students at SMK Negeri 1 Baso. This type of research is descriptive observation using a questionnaire in the form of Google Form as a measuring tool. The number of samples in this study was 51 female students taken using the purposive sampling method. The results of this study showed that the majority of respondents had good knowledge, namely 10 (89.2%), 30 (71.6%) had sufficient knowledge, and 11 (45.6%) had poor knowledge.

Efficacy and safety of abhal (Juniperus communis L). on pain intensity, uterine artery doppler flow, and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Incorporating ancient wisdom from Unani Medicine, this study delves into the therapeutic efficacy of Juniperus communis L. in primary dysmenorrhea. By seamlessly merging traditional knowledge with modern scientific evaluation, this research illuminates Juniperus communis L. (Juniper) potential. This study stands as a testament to the value of exploring ethnopharmacological insights and bridging the gap between ancient healing traditions and evidence-based medicine. To assess the efficacy and safety of Juniper berry compared to mefenamic acid in menstrual cramps and its associated symptoms, and overall quality of life in women with PD. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the impact of these interventions on uterine blood flow using Doppler evaluation. This was a double-blind, standard-controlled study conducted on 62 participants aged 18-35 years. They were randomly assigned to receive either two capsules (750mg) of Juniper berry or 250mg mefenamic acid thrice daily from day 1 to day 3 of menstruation, spanning two menstrual cycles. Primary outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for systemic symptoms. Pelvic Doppler flow indices and responses to the SF-12 questionnaire were analyzed as secondary outcomes. After the intervention in cycle 2, both the juniper and standard groups exhibited a significant reduction in mean VAS scores from 8.1±1.3 to 2.87±1.17 and 8.1±1.13 to 3.61±1.14, respectively (p=0.012). Intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in systemic symptoms at baseline, and cycle 2 (C2) follow-up (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the SF-12 questionnaire scores at baseline, C2, and C4 (p>0.05). However, intragroup comparisons for VAS, NRS, and SF-12 in both groups showed significant differences at C2 and C4 compared to the baseline (p<0.001). In the juniper group, intergroup and intragroup comparisons indicated a small effect size for the right uterine artery (Rt UtA) RI and SD at C3 compared to C1 (0.2 and 0.33). Left UtA-PI and RI also demonstrated a medium effect size (0.482 and 0.501), respectively, between C3 and C1. Juniper demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in reducing menstrual cramps, and its associated symptoms and improving health-related quality of life. Further, changes in pelvic uterine artery flow indices were also observed.

Dysmenorrhea Among Women Living in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Determinants, and Impact.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is one of the most prevalent conditions among adolescents and young females globally, significantly affecting academic performance, quality of life, and social interactions. Despite its high prevalence, dysmenorrhea has been rarely investigated in Saudi Arabia, resulting in a scarcity of national data. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and determinants of dysmenorrhea among females in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included 1026 participants recruited from various regions of Saudi Arabia using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and associated symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of dysmenorrhea within the sample. The analysis was performed using R software. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the sample was 87%, with a mean pain score of 6 ± 2.2. Common menstrual cycle-associated symptoms included mood swings (79%), abdominal bloating (60%), diarrhea (32%), and constipation (26%). Factors associated with an increased risk of dysmenorrhea included Saudi nationality (OR = 1.96, p = 0.032), employment (OR = 1.75, p = 0.034), and a history of gynecological surgeries (OR = 1.81, p = 0.045). Conversely, multiparity was associated with a reduced risk of dysmenorrhea (OR = 0.36, p = 0.046). Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among Saudi women and is accompanied by significant menstrual symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. Understanding its determinants and associated symptoms is essential for improving management strategies and mitigating its impact on women's lives.

Consensus on Symptom Selection for Endometriosis Questionnaires: A Modified e-Delphi Study.

To build consensus on most important symptoms and related consequences for use in questionnaires to characterise individuals with suspected and confirmed endometriosis in the general population. A questionnaire of 107 symptoms and related consequences of endometriosis was collaboratively developed by patients, medical doctors and researchers and further assessed in a two-round e-Delphi study. Participants assessed the relevance of the symptoms, and a priori it was decided that 70% was the threshold for inclusion of a symptom. Participants represented 7 countries, including Australia, Denmark, France, Hungary, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Turkey. Individuals with endometriosis, medical doctors and researchers with expertise in endometriosis. A modified e-Delphi study. Consensus-based selection of symptoms for endometriosis questionnaires. Seventy-six participants completed the first Delphi round and 65 completed the second round. Four symptoms met consensus in the first round (menstrual pain, pain during sexual intercourse, cyclic pain during defecation, and infertility), with two additional symptoms reaching consensus in the second round (cyclic pain and increased doctor/health care contacts for abdominal/pelvic pain). This study highlighted six symptoms relevant for inclusion in endometriosis research questionnaires: menstrual pain, pain during sexual intercourse, cyclic pain during defecation, cyclic pain, infertility, and a high number of doctor/health care visits due to abdominal/pelvic pain. Recognising a broad range of potential symptoms is essential for raising awareness and supporting early detection efforts.

The Effect of Honey on The Level of Dysmenorrhea Pain in Nursing Students of Muhammadiyah University Tasikmalaya

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological disorder among women of all ages and races. Dysmenorrhea is defined as pain during menstruation that is accompanied by cramping and centered in the lower abdomen. Dysmenorrhea can cause a number of problems, including activity limitation, decreased academic performance, and difficulty sleeping so that it can interfere with life activities. Currently, there is a need for the use of herbs and alternative medicine to overcome dysmenorrhea, one of which is using honey which can reduce menstrual pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of honey on the level of dysmenorrhea pain in nursing students at Muhammadiyah Tasikmalaya University. This research method uses Quasi Exsperimen research method with Pre-Experimental design with one group pre-test and post-test design approach. This research was conducted at the University of Muhammadiyah Tasikmalaya. Respondents measured pain levels during dysmenorrhea before and after honey administration. The results showed that giving honey had an effect on reducing menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea in nursing students as indicated by a value of P = 0.000. The conclusion is that there is a change in the intensity of menstrual pain before and after giving honey. Suggestions are expected that the results of this study can be implemented by further researchers as an alternative to dysmenorrhea pain.