Pattern of menstrual irregularities amongst women presenting to gynecological outpatient department

The length and regularity of menstrual cycles reflects the pattern of changes in ovarian steroid production. Disturbance of menstrual bleeding is a major social problem for women and accounts for high percentage of gynecological outpatient visits. To look into various patterns of menstrual irregularities among the gynecological patients, its associated symptoms and its effect on their marital life. This cross sectional study was carried out in outpatient department of gynaecology and obstetrics of Punjab employee social security hospital Islamabad from January 2012 till December 2012. Patients presenting with menstrual irregularities, from the age of menarche till the age of menopause, were included in this study. A pre structured proforma was used to collect the data regarding descriptive statistics such as age, parity, marital status. Data regarding detailed menstrual history as well as various patterns of menstrual irregularities and its associated symptoms were also collected. Amongst a total of 100 patients studied, mean age was 33 years +/- 2.37 SD. Eighty percent patients were married, and amongst them 75% had parity more than five and 25% had parity less than five. Prevalence of menstrual irregularities was found to be 70%. Regarding various patterns of menstrual irregularities, 30% complained of menorrhagia with mean duration of bleeding days of 8 SD +/- 0.83. Oligomenorrhoea was reported by 20% patients and 50% patients complained of dysmenorrhoea, 30% experienced easy fatigue ability and 20% had generalized weakness. Menstrual irregularity had effect on daily life activity in 86% of cases. Additionally, among the 80 married females, 88% complained that menstrual irregularity had affected their marital life. There is lack of information regarding menstrual problems and when to seek help. There is a need to educate the females regarding menstrual problems not only to improve their health but also as a possible indicator of existing pathology

Prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea among medical students: a cross sectional study

Dysmenorrhoea is recognized as the most common gynecoiogical complaint which affects most of the females and adolescents. Dysmenorrhoea not only affects the daily routine activities but it has profound effect on quality of life of students. To determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, its severity among medical students and its effects on college/class absenteeism of students. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted on 100 female medical students. Young unmarried undergraduate female medical students between the ages of 18-22 years were included in this study. All participants were given a questionnaire to complete. Questions were related to age of the students, age of menarche, length of menstrual cycle, duration of menstrual flow, dysmenorrhoea and its severity and absenteeism from college and/or class due to dysmenorrhoea. To detect the severity of dysmenorrhea we used the verbal multi-dimensional scoring system. Participants were given 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire. Mean age of students was found to be 21 years with SD +/- 1.7. Mean age of menarche among the students was found to be 13 years with SD +/- 0.8. Mean length of menstrual cycle was found to be 29 days SD +/- 2.1. The average duration between two periods and the duration of menstrual flow were 28.34 days SD +/- 7.54 and 4.5 days SD +/- 2.45 respectively. Regarding dysmenorrhoea 78% of the students complained of dysmenorthoea while 22% did not have this complaint. Regarding severity 46% had mild dysmenorrhoea, 19% had moderate dysrnenorrhoea and 13% had severe dysmenorrhoea. Among female medical students who reported dysmenorrhe a 21% were frequently missing classes. Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female medical students; it is related to college/class absenteeism, limitations on social, academic, sports and daily activities. A few of the students consult physician for the problem and many adopt self-medication with over the-counter medicines or home remedies.

Prevalence of anaemia and its relation to duration of pregnancy in antenatal clinic in a teaching hospital

During pregnancy there is an immense burden on mother and hemoglobin level falls progressively as the pregnancy proceeds. Anemia itself may have ill effects on the outcome of pregnancy, and its early recognition forms an important aspect of antenatal care. To determine the prevalence of anemia and its relation to duration of pregnancy amongst pregnant females presenting at Social Security Hospital. A cross sectional study was conducted at Social Security Hospital Islamabad, from May-Oct 2011. All pregnant females presenting at antenatal clinic with haemoglobin <11g/dl were included in this study. In a total of 2,300 females included in the study, the majority belonged to age group of 19-37 years with mean age of 26 years +/- 1.30 SD. Mean level of haemoglobin was found to be 9 gm/dl +/- 1.19 SD. We observed mild anaemia [Hb 10-10.9 gm/dl] in 55%, moderate anaemia [Hb 8-9.9gm/dl] in 35% and severe anaemia [Hb<8gm/dl] in 10% of our cases. In first trimester majority had mild anemia [p <0.05] and in second and third trimester majority had moderate degree of anemia [p <0.05]. High prevalence [92%] of anemia was observed in females visiting social security hospital with statistically significant relationship between 3 trimesters of pregnancy and severity of anemia