Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in female nursing students at a public university: cross-sectional study / Prevalência da síndrome pré-menstrual em acadêmicas do curso de enfermagem de uma universidade pública: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, mood, cognitive and behavioral changes which happens between the two weeks before menstruation, which can hinder a woman's personal, academic, and professional performance. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of PMS in female nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a virtual questionnaire on sociodemographic and gynecological characteristics and the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) questionnaire, which looks for physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, interference of symptoms in daily life and establishes a positive screening for PMS. RESULTS: A total of 114 students participated in the study. The most prevalent characteristics were being between 18 and 23 years old, single and in their 5th or 6th academic year. In addition, the majority went through the menarche between 11 and 13 years of age, with menstrual flow of 3-5 days. Of these, 40.4% used hormonal contraceptive methods and 37.7% did not use any type of contraceptive method. The prevalence of PMS was 61.4%. The most frequent symptoms were physical symptoms (93.9%), anger/irritation (91.2%), urge to cry/increased sensitivity (88.6%), anxiety/tension (86.8%) and decreased interest in social activities (85.1%). These symptoms interfere with relationships with family (81.6%), social life activities (80.7%), efficiency at work or college/productivity (79.8%), relationships with colleagues at work/college (77.2%) and responsibilities at home (75.4%). CONCLUSION: PMS is prevalent among female nursing students and its symptoms affect the daily lives of this population, interfering with their personal and social relationships as well as academic activities.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) é um conjunto de alterações físicas, de humor, cognitivas e comportamentais, iniciadas entre as duas semanas prévias a menstruação, que podem causar desgastes no rendimento pessoal, acadêmico e profissional da mulher. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a prevalência da SPM em acadêmicas do curso de enfermagem. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado por meio de um questionário virtual sobre características sociodemográficas e ginecológicas e o questionário Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), que busca sintomas físicos e psicológicos da SPM, interferência dos sintomas no cotidiano, e estabelece uma triagem positiva para SPM. RESULTADOS: Foram recrutadas 114 acadêmicas da graduação em enfermagem. As características mais prevalentes foram a faixa etária entre 18 e 23 anos, solteiras e cursando o 5° ou 6° período do curso. Ademais, a maioria com menarca entre 11 e 13 anos, com fluxo menstrual de 3 a 5 dias. Destas, 40,4% usavam métodos contraceptivos hormonais e 37,7% não usavam nenhum tipo de método contraceptivo. A prevalência encontrada de SPM foi de 61,4%. Os sintomas mais frequentes foram sintomas físicos (93,9%), raiva/irritação (91,2%), vontade de chorar/aumento da sensibilidade (88,6%), ansiedade/tensão (86,8%) e interesse diminuído nas atividades sociais (85,1%). Estes sintomas interferem no relacionamento com a família (81,6%), nas atividades de vida social (80,7%), na eficiência no trabalho ou faculdade/produtividade (79,8%), nos relacionamentos com os colegas de trabalho/faculdade (77,2%) e nas responsabilidades de casa (75,4%). CONCLUSÃO: A SPM é prevalente entre as acadêmicas do curso de enfermagem e seus sintomas afetam o cotidiano desta população, interferindo nos seus relacionamentos pessoais, sociais e atividades acadêmicas.

Hemolacria or bloody tears in presumed lacrimal endometriosis: a case report / Hemolacria o lágrimas hemáticas en sospecha de endometriosis lacrimal: reporte de un caso

Background: Hemolacria or the presence of blood in tears is a rare condition, and there are only a few cases reported in the literature. Hemolacria is associated with multiple underlying diseases, including vicarious menstruation due to extragenital endometriosis. Case report: We present a 26-year-old woman with hemolacria and abdominal pain related to her menstrual cycle. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral ovarian endometriomas. After ruling out other possible causes of hemolacria, a progestin-only treatment was applied, with improvement of the abdominal pain and complete remission of hemolacria. Conclusions: When faced with hemolacria, a thorough anamnesis and physical examination must be performed, sometimes involving more than one specialist to reach a diagnosis. Considering hemolacria is a sign of a subjacent pathology, its treatment should be specific one for the disease in each case.

Antecedentes: La hemolacria o presencia de sangre en las lágrimas es una afección poco frecuente y sólo hay unos pocos casos descritos en la literatura. La hemolacria se asocia a múltiples enfermedades subyacentes, incluida la menstruación vicaria debida a endometriosis extragenital. Caso clínico: Presentamos a una mujer de 26 años con hemolacria y dolor abdominal relacionado con su ciclo menstrual. La paciente fue diagnosticada de endometriomas ováricos bilaterales. Tras descartar otras posibles causas de hemolacria, se aplicó un tratamiento sólo con progestágenos, con mejoría del dolor abdominal y remisión completa de la hemolacria. Conclusiones: Ante una hemolacria se debe realizar una anamnesis y exploración física minuciosa, en la que a veces interviene más de un especialista para llegar al diagnóstico. Teniendo en cuenta que la hemolacria es signo de una patología subyacente, su tratamiento debe ser el específico para la enfermedad en cada caso.

Acceso y prácticas de higiene menstrual en América Latina: revisión de alcance / Menstrual hygiene access and practices in Latin America: scoping review / Acesso e práticas de higiene menstrual na América Latina: revisão de escopo

Objetivo: sintetizar la evidencia disponible relacionada con el acceso y las prácticas de higiene menstrual en América Latina y el Caribe. Método: revisión de alcance de la literatura con protocolo de investigación registrado en el Open Science Framework, realizada en las bases de datos bibliográficas: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science y Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva simple y análisis temático. Resultados: se incluyeron 15 publicaciones, la mayoría de las cuales trataban sobre adolescentes en Brasil: 12 artículos, dos informes técnicos y una monografía de trabajo de conclusión de curso. Como temas recurrentes en las publicaciones se destacan: acceso a condiciones dignas para el manejo de la higiene menstrual; necesidad de acceso a información sobre el manejo de la higiene menstrual; y prácticas para el manejo de la higiene menstrual. Conclusión: adolescentes informan dificultades para acceder a baños, agua y materiales absorbentes, y falta de información sobre la salud menstrual, incluso en las escuelas, lo que lleva al ausentismo escolar. De esta manera, las lagunas en la literatura científica latinoamericana revelan desigualdades y diversidad en las experiencias menstruales interseccionadas por categorías como género, clase social y etnia.

Objective: to synthesize available evidence related to menstrual hygiene access and practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. Method: literature scoping review with research protocol registered in the Open Science Framework, carried out in the bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: 15 publications were included, the majority of which addressed adolescents in Brazil: 12 articles, two technical reports and a course conclusion monograph. As recurring themes in the publications, the following stand out: Access to dignified conditions for managing menstrual hygiene; Need for access to information on menstrual hygiene management; and Practices for managing menstrual hygiene. Conclusion: adolescents report difficulties in accessing toilets, water and absorbent materials, and lack of information about menstrual health, including in schools, leading to school absenteeism. Thus, gaps in the Latin American scientific literature reveal inequalities and diversity in menstrual experiences intersected by categories such as gender, social class and ethnicity

Objetivo: sintetizar evidências disponíveis relacionadas ao acesso e práticas de higiene menstrual na América Latina e Caribe. Método: revisão de escopo da literatura com protocolo de pesquisa registrado no Open Science Framework, realizada nas bases de dados bibliográficas: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science e Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva simples e análise temática. Resultados: foram incluídas 15 publicações, cuja maioria abordava adolescentes no Brasil: 12 artigos, dois relatórios técnicos e uma monografia de trabalho de conclusão de curso. Como temas recorrentes nas publicações, destacam-se: acesso a condições dignas para o manejo da higiene menstrual; necessidade de acesso à informação sobre manejo da higiene menstrual; e práticas para manejo da higiene menstrual. Conclusão: adolescentes relatam dificuldades de acesso a sanitários, água e materiais absorventes, e falta de informação sobre saúde menstrual, inclusive nas escolas, levando ao absenteísmo escolar. Assim, lacunas na literatura científica latino-americana revelam desigualdades e diversidade nas experiências menstruais interseccionadas por categorias como gênero, classe social e etnia.

Vacuna contra la COVID-19 y menstruación, desde el desconocimiento a la información: revisión sistemática / Vaccine against COVID-19 and menstruation, from ignorance to information: a systematic review

La creación de una vacuna para enfrentar la pandemia de COVID-19 conllevó un vacío de información sobre las posibles alteraciones del ciclo menstrual. El objetivo fue verificar las posibles alteraciones que se pudiesen haber generado en el ciclo menstrual de las mujeres posterior a la inoculación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases bibliografías Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL y ScIELO, utilizando los descriptores “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” y “Menstruation disturbances”. Mediante la utilización del protocolo PRISMA, de los 319 artículos localizados, 17 fueron incluidos en el análisis. La mayoría de los estudios incluyeron, principalmente, las vacunas Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca y Johnson&Johnson/Janssen con una a tres dosis administradas. El porcentaje de ciclos menstruales alterados fue del 8,0% al 77,8%, y la alteración con mayor frecuencia referida fue la duración del ciclo menstrual, que fue desde 0,3 hasta 12 días de retraso de la menstruación. Todos los estudios refieren cambios en el ciclo menstrual con diversas prevalencias, con y sin significación estadística; sin embargo, también concluyen que estas alteraciones son reversibles y en un corto periodo de tiempo.

The creation of a vaccine to face the COVID-19 pandemic, led to an information gap on possible alterations of the menstrual cycle. The objective was to verify the possible alterations that could have been generated in the menstrual cycle of women, after the inoculation of the vaccine against COVID-19. A systematic review was carried out in the Medline, Medline Complete, LILACS, CINAHL and ScIELO bibliographic databases, using the descriptors “Women”, “Woman”, “Fertile period”, “Vaccination”, “Mass vaccination”, “Immunization”, “COVID-19 vaccines”, “SARS-CoV-2 infection”, “COVID-19”, “Menstrual cycle”, “Menstruation”, “Endometrial cycle”, “Dysmenorrhea” and “Menstruation disturbances”. Using the PRISMA protocol, of the 319 articles located, 17 were included in the analysis. Most of the studies mainly included the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson&Johnson/Janssen vaccines with one to three doses administered. The percentage of altered menstrual cycles ranged from 8.0% to 77.8%, and the most frequently reported alteration was the length of the menstrual cycle, which occurred from 0.3 to 12 days late in menstruation. All the studies refer to changes in the menstrual cycle with different prevalences, with and without statistical significance; however, the same studies also conclude that these alterations are reversible and in a short period of time.

Características e diferenças nos sintomas dos períodos menstrual e pré-menstrual em mulheres sedentárias / Characteristics and differences in the symptoms of themenstrual and premenstrual periods in sedentary women

Objetivo: estabelecer as diferenças de sintomas físicos e mentais nos períodos menstrual e pré-menstrual em mulheres sedentárias. Métodos: estudo transversal, por questionário, respondido por 77 mulheres saudáveis, de 18 a 35 anos, sedentárias e que não fizessem uso de anticoncepcional continuamente. O questionário incluiu questões sobre dados antropométricos, sintomas físicos e mentais nos períodos menstrual e pré-menstrual. O teste Mann-Whitney comparou os momentos menstrual e pré-menstrual. Resultados: no período menstrual, em uma escala numérica de 0 a 10 pontos, observou-se maiores queixas de dor (7/10), mau humor (7/10), desânimo (8/10), irritabilidade (8/10), ansiedade (7/10), choro (7/10), raiva (9/10) e impacto nas atividades de vida diárias (AVDs) (7/10). Já no período pré-menstrual observou-se queixas de cefaleia (5/10), edema/retenção hídrica (6/10), mau humor (6/10), tristeza (6/10), irritabilidade (7/10), choro (7/10) e raiva (6/10). Quando comparados os períodos menstrual e pré-menstrual, o período menstrual apresentou piores sintomas de dismenorreia (P<0,05), lombalgia (P<0,05), dor nos membros inferiores (P<0,05), dificuldade de concentração (P<0,05), aumento do sono (P<0,05) e desânimo (P<0,05). As voluntárias apontaram 14 sintomas piores, com intensidade igual ou maior que 7 no período menstrual, e apresentaram 9 sintomas com intensidade igual ou maior que 7 no período pré-menstrual. Conclusão: os sintomas no período menstrual são mais intensos quando comparados ao período pré-menstrual e podem afetar AVDs. O presente estudo destaca a importância de análises e cuidados em relação ao período menstrual, já que tem grande impacto nos fatores físicos, mentais e emocionais das mulheres sedentárias.

Objective: to establish the differences in physical and mental symptoms in menstrual and premenstrual periods in sedentary women. Methods: cross-sectional study, through questionnaire, answered by 77 healthy women, aged 18 to 35 years, sedentary and who did not use contraceptives continuously. The questionnaire included questions about anthropometric data, physical and mental symptoms in menstrual and premenstrual periods. The Mann-Whitney test compared menstrual and premenstrual times. Results: in the menstrual period, on a numerical scale from 0 to 10 points, there were more complaints of pain (7/10), bad mood (7/10), discouragement (8/10), irritability (8/10), anxiety (7/10), crying (7/10), anger (9/10) and impact on ADLs (7/10). In the premenstrual period, there were complaints of headache (5/10), edema/water retention (6/10), bad mood (6/10), sadness (6/10), irritability (7/10), crying (7/10) and anger (6/10). When comparing the menstrual and premenstrual periods, the menstrual period had worse symptoms of dysmenorrhea (P<0.05), low back pain (P<0.05), pain in the lower limbs (P<0.05), difficulty concentrating (P<0.05), increased sleep (P<0.05) and discouragement (P<0.05). The volunteers reported 14 worse symptoms, with intensity equal to or greater than 7 in the menstrual period, and 9 symptoms with intensity equal to or greater than 7 in the premenstrual period. Conclusion: the symptoms in the menstrual period are more intense when compared to the pre-menstrual period and can affect the ADLs. This study highlights the importance of analysis and greater care in relation to the menstrual period, as it has a great impact on physical, mental and emotional factors in sedentary women.

Effect of COVID-19 on Menstruation: An Observational Study

Introduction: COVID-19 patients have been reported to have systemic complications. Analyzing its effect on the endocrine system is essential to ensure women’s reproductive health. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of COVID-19 disease on menstruation. Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from October 2021 to April 2022, using a validated questionnaire to collect the data. The study included females (15 to 49 years) who had confirmed COVID infection. Results: A total of 132 females participated in the study. For 29 (22%) patients presenting with menstrual cycle changes, most common change was prolonged cycle (14%). An increase in menstrual volume was reported by 12%, where as 35% of patients experienced more pain during menstruation. Menstrual irregularities were significantly higher in severe infection (p-value 0.04). Conclusion: There were transient changes in menstruation in COVID-19-infected patients, with a higher probability of menstruation abnormalities among severely infected patients.

Study on Menstrual Hygiene Management among Urban and Rural Adolescent Girls in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Adolescence is a significant period in the life of a woman. Menstruation is a naturally occurring physiological phenomenon in adolescent girls and premenopausal women. Menstrual hygiene and management is an insufficiently acknowledged issue and has not received adequate attention. The lack of menstrual hygiene among rural population is alarming, and there is a need for policy-making and awareness programs to be initiated. Aim: Hence the present study was aimed to compare the status of menstrual hygiene among rural and urban adolescent girls. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent girls (rural & urban), aged between 13 to 19 years residing the in field practice area of IIMSR Medical College, Badnapur, Jalna. Data was analyzed by using MS Excel 2010. Results: Out of 250 participants, 48.8% girls from rural area and 51.2% from urban area. The mean age of the menarche was 12.3 ± 1.4 and 12.34 ± 1.43 in rural and urban girls, respectively. Knowledge of menstruation prior to menarche was found to be less in rural girls compared with urban girls. Regarding menstrual hygiene practices during menstruation, out of the total girls residing in rural area 49.18% girl and out of the total girls residing in urban area 62.5% girls were using sanitary pads. Restriction during menstruation was observed more in rural girls than in urban areas. Conclusion: More awareness regarding menarche and menstruation was among urban girls than. Hygienic practices observed by girls were also more satisfactory in the urban area as compared with rural ones.

A cross-sectional study to find out the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance of medical students

Background: During menstrual period, there are many changes occurs such as somatic changes and mood changes which may affect day-to-day activity as well as academic performance of the young female students. Aim and Objective: The aim of our study is to find out the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance of medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 female medical students were participated. For the assessment of the effect of menstrual symptoms on academic performance, students have to fill the Goggle Forms which contains the self-administered questionnaire. In this study, we have included young medical and female students age between 17 and 25 years who have any musculoskeletal abnormality and who are willing to participate in this study. Results: Effect on academic performance was suggest by 113 (62.78%) students think that the classroom performance is affected and 110 (61.11%) students think that the examination performance is affected during menstrual period. One hundred and thirty-three (73.89) having mood swings during menstrual period. Conclusion: In this study, we have found that the menstrual symptoms have major effect on academic performance of female medical students. Counseling, mentoring, and support of female students during the menstrual period may improve their academic performance.

Embarazo postmanga gástrica en pacientes con irregularidades menstruales / Pregnancy after gastric sleeve in patients with menstrual irregularities

Resumen OBJETIVO: Estimar la cantidad de pacientes con irregularidades menstruales que se embarazaron luego de una cirugía bariátrica (manga gástrica) y describir los desenlaces de los embarazos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos de pacientes obesas y con irregularidades menstruales intervenidas mediante cirugía bariátrica (manga gástrica). Se operaron entre el 1 de junio de 2014 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019 en el Centro Médico Imbanaco Cali, Colombia. RESULTADOS: De 1418 cirugías bariátricas, tipo manga gástrica, 117 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 80 de ellas se localizaron telefónicamente y aceptaron incluirse al estudio. Luego de la manga gástrica, el 86.25% (n = 69) de las pacientes logró la regularización de sus ciclos menstruales. Además, el 31% (n = 25) consiguió el embarazo, 80% (n = 20) de ellas tenían la intención de buscar el embarazo. Los desenlaces de esos embarazos fueron favorables, con partos a término, con adecuado peso y talla al nacer. CONCLUSIONES: Después de la cirugía bariátrica, tipo manga gástrica, en mujeres con irregularidades menstruales, 25 de las 80 pacientes se embarazaron y los desenlaces obstétricos fueron satisfactorios. Sin duda, hacen falta más estudios prospectivos para poder afirmar, con una mejor representación estadística, las repercusiones de la disminución del peso corporal en la tasa de fertilidad.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of patients with menstrual irregularities who became pregnant after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve) and to describe the pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a series of cases of obese patients with menstrual irregularities who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve). They were operated between June 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019 at the Imbanaco Cali Medical Center, Colombia. RESULTS: Of 1418 bariatric surgeries, gastric sleeve type, 117 patients met the inclusion criteria, 80 of them were located by telephone and agreed to be included in the study. After gastric sleeve, 86.25% (n = 69) of the patients achieved regularization of their menstrual cycles. In addition, 31% (n = 25) achieved pregnancy, 80% (n = 20) of them intended to seek pregnancy. The outcomes of these pregnancies were favorable, with full-term deliveries, with adequate weight and height at birth. CONCLUSIONS: After bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve type, in women with menstrual irregularities, 25 of the 80 patients became pregnant and the obstetric outcomes were satisfactory. Undoubtedly, more prospective studies are needed to be able to affirm, with a better statistical representation, the repercussions of the decrease in body weight on the fertility rate.

Endometriosis pleuropulmonar y neumotórax catamenial asociado: reporte de caso / Pleuropulmonary endometriosis and associated catamenial pneumothorax:A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El tórax es la localización extrapélvica más frecuente de la endometriosis; esto sin que su incidencia se haya determinado con estudios suficientes. Tampoco se ha establecido del todo su fisiopatología, pero aun así se han planteado diversas teorías. El neumotórax catamenial es una de las posibles manifestaciones que hacen complejo establecer el diagnóstico e indicar un tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 31 años, con antecedente de neumotórax espontáneo a repetición, que acudió a consulta debido a disnea y dolor torácico de un mes de evolución. La radiografía de tórax evidenció el neumotórax del 50% en la parte derecha y la necesidad de la toracostomía. Puesto que los episodios de neumotórax ocurrían en fase catamenial, pero sin poder establecer una causa clara del cuadro clínico, se procedió a la toracoscopia diagnóstica con toma de muestra para estudio histopatológico. Durante el procedimiento se detectaron múltiples lesiones pseudonodulares, de aspecto inflamatorio crónico a nivel pleural y del parénquima pulmonar. El reporte histopatológico fue compatible con endometriosis pleuropulmonar; se le indicó terapia hormonal. Ante la evolución clínica satisfactoria y posoperatorio sin complicaciones la paciente fue dada de alta del hospital. CONCLUSIÓN: El neumotórax catamenial, como consecuencia de una endometriosis pleuropulmonar, es un diagnóstico realmente excepcional y su sospecha debe vincularse con el ciclo menstrual. La atención médica de las pacientes con este diagnóstico debe ser interdisciplinaria, no solo por las estrategias diagnósticas sino por la complejidad del tratamiento y su seguimiento. El tratamiento de elección suele requerir intervenciones quirúrgicas, sumadas a la indicación de la medicación hormonal para prevenir recurrencias, con tasas de éxito favorables. Están pendientes los estudios que establezcan la respuesta del tejido endometrial ectópico torácico al tratamiento médico.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The thorax is the most frequent extrapelvic location of endometriosis, although its incidence has not been sufficiently studied. Its pathophysiology has not been fully established, but several theories have been put forward. Catamenial pneumothorax is one of the possible manifestations that make it difficult to establish the diagnosis and indicate treatment. CLINICAL CASE: A 31-year-old female patient, with a history of repeated spontaneous pneumothorax, presented for consultation due to dyspnea and chest pain of one month of evolution. Chest X-ray showed a 50% pneumothorax on the right side and the need for thoracostomy. Since the episodes of pneumothorax occurred in catamenial phase, but without being able to establish a clear cause of the clinical picture, diagnostic thoracoscopy with sampling for histopathological study was performed. During the procedure multiple pseudonodular lesions of chronic inflammatory aspect were detected at pleural and lung parenchyma level. The histopathological report was compatible with pleuropulmonary endometriosis; hormonal therapy was indicated. Given the satisfactory clinical evolution and postoperative course without complications, the patient was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION: Catamenial pneumothorax, as a consequence of pleuropulmonary endometriosis, is a truly exceptional diagnosis and its suspicion should be linked to the menstrual cycle. The medical care of patients with this diagnosis should be interdisciplinary, not only because of the diagnostic strategies but also because of the complexity of the treatment and its follow-up. The treatment of choice usually requires surgical interventions, added to the indication of hormonal medication to prevent recurrences, with favorable success rates. Studies establishing the response of thoracic ectopic endometrial tissue to medical treatment are pending.

Five-year Contraceptive Use of 52-mg Levonorgestrel Releasing Intrauterine System in Young Women, Menstrual Patterns, and New Contraceptive Choice / Cinco anos de uso contraceptivo do sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel 52 mg em mulheres jovens, padrões menstruais e nova escolha contraceptiva

Abstract Objective To evaluate the continuation rates of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) during the first 5 years of use, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year, in adolescents and young women. Methods The present study was a 5-year prospective cohort conducted in a Family Planning Service of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. We selected 100 healthy women between 15 and 24 years old who used 52-mg LNG-IUS for contraception. The clinical follow-up of these women took place from June 2017 to December 2022. The study evaluated the continuation rates of the method, reasons for its discontinuation, bleeding patterns, and new contraceptive choice after the 5th year. Continuous data were reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and range (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were described as percentages. Results The continuation rates of LNG-IUS were 89.1% (82/92), 82.9% (72/87), 75.3% (64/85), 70.5% (60/85), and 64.2% (54/84) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th years of use, respectively. The main reason for discontinuation was acne (11/30). Amenorrhea rates were 50, 54.1, 39, 35.7, and 51.8% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively. All patients who completed the study and needed contraception after the 5th year opted for long-acting contraceptive methods (LARC). Conclusion The LNG-IUS showed high continuation rates in adolescents and young women in the first 5 years of use. Most patients who completed the study chose a LARC method after the 5th year.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as taxas de continuação do sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel (SIU-LNG) 52 mg durante os primeiros 5 anos de uso, razões de sua descontinuação, padrões de sangramento e nova escolha contraceptiva após o 5° ano, em adolescentes e mulheres jovens. Métodos O estudo foi uma coorte prospectiva de 5 anos realizada em um Serviço de Planejamento Familiar de um hospital terciário no Brasil. Selecionamos 100 mulheres saudáveis entre 15 e 24 anos que usaram o SIU-LNG 52 mg para contracepção. O acompanhamento clínico dessas mulheres ocorreu de junho de 2017 a dezembro de 2022. O estudo avaliou as taxas de continuação do método, razões de sua descontinuação, padrões de sangramento e nova escolha contraceptiva após o 5° ano. Os dados contínuos foram relatados como média ± DP e intervalo (mínimo-máximo). As variáveis categóricas foram descritas como porcentagens. Resultados As taxas de continuação do SIU-LNG foram 89,1% (82/92), 82,9% (72/87), 75,3% (64/85), 70,5% (60/85) e 64,2% (54/84) no 1°, 2°, 3°, 4° e 5° anos de uso, respectivamente. O principal motivo de descontinuação foi a acne (11/30). As taxas de amenorreia foram de 50, 54,1, 39, 35,7 e 51,8% aos 12, 24, 36, 48 e 60 meses, respectivamente. Todas as pacientes que completaram o estudo e necessitaram de contracepção após o 5° ano optaram por métodos contraceptivos de longa duração (LARC). Conclusão O SIU-LNG apresentou altas taxas de continuação em adolescentes e mulheres jovens nos primeiros 5 anos de uso. A maioria das pacientes que completou o estudo escolheu um método LARC após o 5° ano.

Repercussões da pobreza menstrual para as mulheres e pessoas que menstruam: revisão integrativa / Repercusiones de la pobreza menstrual para las mujeres y las personas que menstruan: revisión integrativa / Repercussions of period poverty for women and people who menstruate: an integrative review

Objetivos: investigar as repercussões da pobreza menstrual para as mulheres e pessoas que menstruam. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science e CINAHL. Foram incluídos artigos na íntegra, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol e com recorte temporal de sete anos (2017-2023) para responder a pergunta norteadora: Quais são as repercussões da pobreza menstrual na vida das mulheres e pessoas que menstruam? A inclusão dos artigos foi feita por dois revisores independentes e com consenso por um terceiro. Resultados: foram incluídos 15 artigos e observou-se três principais repercussões da pobreza menstrual: absenteísmo escolar, aumento do risco de infecções do trato genital e repercussões emocionais. Conclusão: a pobreza menstrual traz repercussões negativas para as mulheres e pessoas que menstruam, comprometendo a saúde física, mental e a esfera social, motivo pelo qual o tema precisa ser amplamente visibilizado e combatido.

Objetivos: investigar las repercusiones de la pobreza menstrual para las mujeres y las personas que menstruan. Método: revisión integrativa de la literatura, realizada en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science y CINAHL. Se incluyeron artículos en su totalidad, en los idiomas portugués, inglés y español y con recorte temporal de siete años (2017-2023) para responder a la pregunta orientadora: ¿Cuáles son las repercusiones de la pobreza menstrual en la vida de las mujeres y personas que menstruan? La inclusión de los artículos fue hecha por dos revisores independientes y con consenso por un tercero. Resultados: se incluyeron 15 artículos y se observaron tres principales repercusiones de la pobreza menstrual: absentismo escolar, aumento del riesgo de infecciones del tracto genital y repercusiones emocionales. Consideraciones finales: la pobreza menstrual trae repercusiones negativas para las mujeres y personas que menstruan, comprometiendo la salud física, mental y la esfera social, por lo que el tema necesita ser ampliamente visibilizado y combatido.

Objective: to investigate the repercussions of period poverty for women and people who menstruate. Method: an integrative review of the literature, performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases. The sample included complete articles, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, and with a timeframe of seven years (2017-2023) to answer the guiding question: What are the repercussions of period poverty in the lives of women and people who menstruate? The inclusion of the articles was done by two independent reviewers and with consensus by a third party. Results: 15 articles were included and three main repercussions of period poverty were observed: school absenteeism, increased risk of genital tract infections and emotional repercussions. Final considerations: period poverty brings negative repercussions for women and people who menstruate, compromising physical, mental and social health, which is why the theme needs to be widely publicized and combated.

Abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive age: a comparative analysis between the five Brazilian geographic regions

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the presence of abnormal uterine bleeding and associated factors among women from the five official Brazilian geographic regions. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, population-based, multicenter study of reproductive-age women from the five regions of Brazil. All participants answered questionnaires containing personal and socioeconomic data and information on uterine bleeding (self-perception and objective data). RESULTS: A total of 1,761 Brazilian women were included, 724 from the Southeast, 408 from the Northeast, 221 from the South, 213 from the North, and 195 from the Central-West. Considering women's self-perception, the prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding was 37.56% in the North region, 39.46% in the Northeast, 21.54% in the Central-West, 29.56% in the Southeast, and 25.34% in the South (p<0.001). Abnormal uterine bleeding was more prevalent in the North and Northeast, where women had lower purchasing power, became pregnant more often, and were the only ones financially responsible for supporting the family more often (p<0.001). The menstrual cycle lasted <24 days in less than 20% of the women in all regions (p=NS). Among these, approximately 8 out of 10 women had never undergone treatment in four out of the five regions evaluated. More than half of the evaluated women reported a worsening of their quality of life during bleeding. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding in Brazilian women was higher in the North and Northeast, followed by the Southeast, South, and Central-West regions. There was a worsening of quality of life during menstruation regardless of the woman's self-perception of abnormal uterine bleeding. Such results can direct the actions of health managers toward a better approach to abnormal bleeding.

Development of a self-assessment questionnaire of abnormal menstruation and evaluation of its reliability and validity / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo develop a self-assessment questionnaire for menstrual abnormalities and test its reliability and validity. To provide an assessment tool for self-identification of abnormal menstruation in young women and to investigate the health seeking situation of abnormal menstruation in the population. MethodsFifteen physicians with clinical experience were invited to participate in the Delphi expert consultations. Medical indications for menstrual abnormalities were constructed and questionnaires were formed based on domestic and international literature， expert meetings and 2 rounds of Delphi expert consultations. A whole-group sampling was used to select 923 female college students from a medical school in Shanghai for the survey， and 306 of them were retested. The internal consistency， retest correlation， researcher-investigator evaluation correlation， and structural and response validity of the questionnaire were examined. ResultsThe questionnaire formed 6 dimensions with 17 indications. The positive coefficients for the two rounds of consulting experts were >90%. The mean authority coefficient was 0.857. The Kendall W coordination coefficient was 0.465 and 0.455， respectively （P<0.001）. The questionnaire Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.622. The retest correlation coefficient was 0.459. The correlation coefficient between the researcher's score and the respondents' self-assessment was 0.562. The five common factors extracted by factor analysis were consistent with the structure of the questionnaire， and the cumulative contribution of variance was 54.4%. Total questionnaire scores were moderately to highly correlated with each dimension score （0.409 to 0.699）. There was low correlation between the dimensions （-0.002 to 0.203）. Girls who had sought medical care had higher scores on the total questionnaire， category A， category B， cycle dimension， menstrual dimension， and dysmenorrhea/PMS dimension than girls who had not sought medical care （P<0.01）， and the difference between the two groups in menstrual volume dimension scores was not statistically significant. ConclusionThe self-assessment questionnaire for menstrual abnormalities developed in this study has acceptable reliability， good structure validity and response validity. It can provide a self-examination tool and medical consultation guidance for young women with abnormal menstruation.

The Effect of Jeeraka and Krishna Jeeraka Choorna in the Induction of Menstruation

Menstruation is a normal body function initiated in response to ovarian hormones which inturn is controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Menstrual patterns can also be an indicator of health status of the reproductive tract and self-awareness of the reproductive well-being. The causes may be varying right from disturbances in hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus influencing general health. Hence women who do not get their menstruation on the expected date will try to consume food/medicines whichever they think will induce menstruation at the earliest. The choice of medication to do so is very limited and there are no certain medicines which a gynecologist can prescribe to her patient’s in order to bring the menstruation at the earliest which is not expected at the date. So it will be a great boon to the woman if it can be replaced by natural remedies with no side effects. Present study has been undertaken to evaluate the combined effect of Jeeraka and Krishna jeeraka choorna in the induction of menstruation. 20 patients complaining of Anartava (amenorrhea) of more than 40 days, attending the OPD & IPD of Prasuti Tantra & Stree Roga Department, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Ayurveda Hospital, Kuthpady, Udupi, were selected for the study. Based on the assessment criteria, the data was graded and statistically analysed using wilcoxon’s signed rank test and paired T test. After the intervention it was observed that the medicine is having good action in induction of menstruation (85%).

A STUDY ON THE SELECTED MENSTRUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COLLEGE GIRLS

Direct involvement of females in high-intensity exercise causes hormonal changes and also affects the menstrual cycle. The duration of the normal reproductive cycle in females is about 26-35 days and divided into different phases. In the absence of pregnancy, menstruation or vaginal bleeding occurs, about 8 days after ovulation which is followed by low estrogen and progesterone levels as well as endometrium deterioration. The purpose was to study the menstrual profile of college girls and compare them between the athletes and non-athletes. The subjects were 30 female college athletes with regular conditioning and 30 sedentary female college girls from West Bengal. The variables were Height, Weight, BMI, Menarche Age, Menstrual Age, Menstruation duration, and Flow rate history of the subjects which were measured by the self-made questionnaire validated by Professors and Doctors. The mean day of the menstrual cycle was 27.5 for athletes and 25.9 for non-athletes. The days of menstrual duration also show normal characteristics in the case of athletes and less than the nonathletes. In the case of flow rate also the athletes show less than their counterparts. The menarche ages are lying in the same age range of 12 to 15 years. More non-athletes (23) have crossed over the normal cycle of 25-28 days than the athletes (17). Athletes (27) have a more normal menstrual duration (3-5 days) than non-athletes (21). Non-athletes (8) suffer a long period of menstrual duration than athletes (1). The flow rate of the non-athletes is more than the athletes. A significant effect of exercise occurred on the menstrual profile of college girls. Significance differences were found in the case of menstrual duration and flow rate between athletes and non-athletes. No significant difference occurred in the case of menarche age between athletes and non-athletes.

Anaemia and Iron studies among women of reproductive age group: A Cross-sectional survey of a Large Cantonment in Western Maharashtra

Background: Anaemia remains a major cause of concern among the women of reproductive age in our country. However, there is a wide variation amongst different socio-economic strata. Aim & Objectives: This study was conducted among women of reproductive age for prevalence of anaemia and its association with certain socio-clinical variables in cantonment. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The information regarding socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements and clinical parameters were taken. Hemogram and iron profile was done by collecting venous blood from the participants. Results: Data was analyzed for 722 participants. There were 140 (20.2% (95% CI: 17.2 – 23.3)) non-pregnant women of reproductive age-group having anemia. Out of these 140, mild, moderate and severe anaemia was seen in 57(40.7%), 77(55%), 06(4.3) respectively. The major factors associated with anaemia were heavy menstruation and higher parity. Amongst these 140, iron deficiency anaemia was diagnosed in 135 (96.7%). Among the 28 pregnant women, eight were anaemic (28.6: 95% CI 19.1-63.9). Conclusion: The results of our study showed lower prevalence of anaemia than national level and majority of these were iron deficiency anaemia, which is amenable to prevention and treatment

Is Menstruation a Valid Reason to Postpone Cardiac Surgery?

Background:Cancellation of any scheduled surgery is a significant drain on health resources and potentially stressful for patients. It is frequent in menstruating women who are scheduled to undergo open heart surgery (OHS), based on the widespread belief that it increases surgical and menstrual blood loss. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate blood loss in women undergoing OHS during menstruation. Settings and Design: A prospective,matched case?control study which included sixty women of reproductive age group undergoing OHS. Patients and Methods: The surgical blood loss was compared between women who weremenstruating (group?M;n = 25) and their matched controls, i.e., women who were not menstruating (group?NM; n = 25) at the time of OHS. Of the women in group M, the menstrual blood loss during preoperative (subgroup?P) and perioperative period (subgroup?PO) was compared to determine the effect of OHS onmenstrual blood loss. Results: The surgical blood loss was comparable among women in both groups irrespective of ongoing menstruation (gr?M = 245.6 ± 120.1 ml vs gr?NM = 243.6 ± 129.9 ml, P value = 0.83). The menstrual blood loss was comparable between preoperative and perioperative period in terms of total menstrual blood loss (gr?P = 36.8 ± 4.8 ml vs gr?PO = 37.7 ± 5.0 ml, P value = 0.08) and duration of menstruation (gr?P = 4.2 ± 0.6 days vs gr?PO = 4.4 ± 0.6 days, P value = 0.10). Conclusion: Neither the surgical blood loss nor the menstrual blood loss is increased in women undergoing OHS during menstruation.

Gynaecological Disorders Among Adolescent Girls Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Adolescents in India contribute to 22% of the country’s population and are susceptible to various preventable and treatable health issues. Objectives: To estimate the burden and to describe the pattern of gynaecological disorders among adolescent girls attending the outpatient and inpatient departments of a private medical college hospital in South India. Materials and methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional analytical study done among 500 adolescent girls of 10-19 years age group in a private medical college hospital in South India during December 2020 to December 2021 using a pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. Chisquare test or Fischer exact test was done to find the association between categorical variables. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the difference between means. P value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant for all comparisons. Results: Mean age of study population was 15.94 ± 2.52 years. Menstrual abnormalities reported in 303 (60.6%) girls followed by 240 (48%) girls had leucorrhoea, 68 (13.6%) had urinary tract infection and 54(10.8%) had PCOS. Conclusion: There is a high burden of gynaecological disorders and lack of awareness on various components of adolescent reproductive and sexual health among adolescents.

Effect of structured lecture on the knowledge and practices of menstrual health in adolescent girls of urban slum

Background: Menstruation is natural physiological processes. Psychosocial and religious taboos around it make it complicated as health issue. Poor menstrual health is not only associated with health and well?being of women, but also reflects on morbidity and mortality patterns of female population. Aim and Objectives: The study aims to assess the effect of a structured lecture on the knowledge and awareness about practices of menstrual health in adolescent girls of urban slum. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls of slum area in Aurangabad city of Maharashtra. Pre-structured Questionnaire to assess the knowledge and practices about menstruation and menstrual hygiene was given. Structured lecture was organized and postlecture questionnaire was taken. Results: 72% were in age group of 10–14 years and mean age of menarche was 12.7 years. Before lecture 64% had poor awareness about hygienic menstrual practices, 24% had fair, 12% had good awareness. But after the lecture, the majority of girls, that is, 56% showed good awareness, 30% had fair while 14% girls still showed the poor awareness. This difference was found statistically significant. The reasons behind the unhygienic practices most commonly quoted were poverty, high cost of sanitary pads, ignorance and lack of privacy. Conclusion: If perception and attitude of adolescent girls toward menstrual hygiene is improved then it will definitely enhance their reproductive health. Moreover, awareness created among them will indirectly affect their mother’s reproductive health and their next female generation as well.