Patterns and problems of menstruation among the adolescent school girls of Delhi: a cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescence is the period of rapid physical growth, psychological and social changes. This period is marked by the onset of menarche in the girls. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by all adolescent girls and women in reproductive age. The menstrual cycle is characterized by variability in volume, pattern and regularity. Conversely, variability in menstrual cycle characteristics and menstrual disorders are common among adolescent girls. The objectives of the study were to determine patterns of menstruation, prevalence of menstrual disorders and hygienic practices during menstruation in the adolescent school girls.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 adolescent school girls of Delhi.Results: The mean age at menarche in the study subjects was 13.47±0.87 years. Average menstrual interval was days. Dysmenorrhea was reported by 76.1% of the girls, body ache was experienced by 64 (30.4%). Majority of girls 174 (82.8%) used sanitary pads as absorbent during cycle.Conclusions: Menstrual problems are frequent among adolescent girls. Dysmenorrhoea was the commonest problem among the adolescents. Adolescent girls withstand their pain and think it as a normal phenomenon. Educating students about menstrual health by health professionals and teachers can help in reducing their psychological and physical stress.