ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition characterized by irregular periods and hyperandrogenism. Adolescents with PCOS have impaired quality of life (QOL) and increased psychological distress. Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a well-established self-management strategy that has been used to improve stress and well-being. A meta-analysis of TM trials has shown beneficial effects on stress and blood pressure in adults. Recent data are suggesting that another self-management strategy called a mindfulness stress management program has a role in improving QOL in women with PCOS, but there are no studies in adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of TM on QOL and psychological distress in adolescent girls with PCOS. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted over eight weeks at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, to determine the effect of TM on QOL and psychological distress in adolescent girls (aged 12-20 years) with PCOS. A total of 40 girls will be randomized into either the TM (n=20) or control group (n=20). The TM group will be asked to practice TM in a comfortable sitting position with the eyes closed, for 15 minutes twice daily over eight weeks. The control group will be asked to sit quietly for 15 minutes twice daily for eight weeks. The primary outcomes are any effects on improving QOL and psychological distress, and the secondary outcomes are any effects on lowering blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels. RESULTS: The recruitment of study participants began in May 2019 and is expected to be completed by June 2020. It is expected that the adolescent girls with PCOS practicing TM over eight weeks will have a significant improvement in QOL and psychological distress compared to adolescents in the control group. Also, it is expected that adolescent girls in the TM group will have lower salivary cortisol levels and lower blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This study will be the first to evaluate the effect of TM on QOL in adolescent girls with PCOS. The study will provide valuable information on a potential self-management strategy to improve QOL and well-being in adolescent girls with PCOS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN1261900019010; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376657&isReview=true. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/14542.
ABSTRACT
Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality in the assessment of the female reproductive system in all age groups. However, the paediatric and adolescent subset of patients present a particular set of challenges. These include technical challenges that come from largely being limited by transabdominal imaging as well as dealing with the often-complex social issues around the sexual health of adolescents. In addition, this group of patients has a unique set of pathologies that are not seen in the adult population and conversely, common gynaecological conditions affecting adults such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome are difficult to diagnose in adolescents. Therefore, we propose that paediatric and adolescent gynaecological ultrasound requires a different approach. This paper summarises the differences in technique, common pathologies and touches on some of the relevant social issues that are unique to this population of patients.
ABSTRACT
Following menopause, up to 49% of women will experience genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal itching, dryness, dyspareunia and incontinence as a result of oestrogen deficiency. Treatments such as vaginal lubricants and moisturisers only temporarily relieve symptoms, while local oestrogen treatments are often unacceptable or unsafe for many women. Recently, a novel laser treatment has been proposed as a non-invasive, long-term solution to vulvo-vaginal and urinary symptoms. While preliminary histological results have been promising, its therapeutic, clinical effect has yet to be determined. However, despite the scarcity of evidence for its safety and long-term benefit, laser treatments are widely marketed for a range of genitourinary symptoms, with high uptake by both clinicians and women alike. This review aims to examine the evidence for laser treatments to the vulvo-vagina and to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Our results include 17 studies investigating the effect of laser therapy for vulvo-vaginal symptoms, seven for its effects on urinary incontinence and four for histology. These are limited to non-randomised, observational data with small sample sizes between 15 to 175 women and follow-up duration from none to two years. As such, strong evidence for laser efficacy and safety is limited and warrants more robust, placebo-controlled, randomised trials before widespread implementation.
