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Purpose: To describe the self-reported menstrual health, symptomatology, and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance for national and international Australian football (soccer) players. Methods: Players from national and domestic teams were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding menstrual health, use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs), negative symptomatology, and perceived disruption of the menstrual cycle to performance. Descriptive statistics and binomial regressions with odds ratios (OR) were used to report the relationship of menstrual-related variables with perceived performance disruption. Results: A total of 199 players (20.9 [5.1] y) completed the questionnaire, with 18% of players reporting using HCs. One primary amenorrhea case was detected, and 26% of players reported menarche at age ≥15 years. For non-HC users, the prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was 2%, oligomenorrhea was 19%, and heavy menstrual bleeding was 11%. Ninety-seven percent of players reported experiencing physical or affective menstrual symptoms (5 [1.3] per player), and 40% of all players reported that menstrual symptoms impacted their ability to work, study, train, or compete. Furthermore, 40% of players perceived their training or performance to be disrupted by the menstrual cycle. Increasing number of menstrual symptoms (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.28–1.62; P <.001), heavy menstrual bleeding (OR = 12.73; 95% CI, 3.4–82.8; P <.001), and pelvic pain (OR = 3.40; 95% CI, 1.7–7.2; P <.001) increased the likelihood of perceiving the menstrual cycle to disrupt performance. Conclusion: Heavy menstrual bleeding and HC use were low among this cohort of national and international footballers, whereas amenorrhea and oligomenorrhoea were comparable with other football populations. Nearly all players reported menstrual symptoms, and increased symptomatology was associated with greater perceived effects on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 booster vaccine on menstrual cycle characteristics in adolescent girls (aged 13–20) compared to those who did not receive a booster vaccine. This prospective study measured menstrual cycle length for three cycles prior to and four cycles after vaccination (booster group), seven cycles without vaccination (control group). Menstrual flow, menstrual pain, and menstrual symptoms were assessed at baseline and monthly for 3 months. Stress was assessed at baseline using the PROMIS Pediatric Psychological Stress Experiences scale. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to examine the changes in menstrual characteristics. 65 adolescent girls (47 booster; 18 control) were recruited via social media and from ongoing studies in the United States. Girls in the booster group experienced shorter postbooster cycles by an average 5.35 days (p =.03) compared to prebooster cycle lengths, specifically in the second postbooster cycle, while the control group did not show any changes in cycle length pre-to postbooster. Participants who received the booster in the follicular phase had shorter mean postbooster cycle length (p =.0157) compared to their prebooster cycle length. Higher stress was associated with shorter cycles (p =.03) and increased menstrual symptoms (p = <.001), regardless of group. There were no differences in menstrual flow, menstrual pain, or menstrual symptoms in either group. The COVID-19 booster vaccine was associated with shorter cycles in adolescent girls. These data demonstrate the need for further investigation regarding potential mechanisms of these observed changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThis study reports on a translation of the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) into Chinese, a cross-cultural adaptation among Chinese women of reproductive age, and an assessment of its reliability and validity.MethodsPreviously published translation guidelines were followed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English version of MSQ to produce a Chinese version. This Chinese version was then administered to 2800 Chinese women of reproductive age recruited by convenience sampling method. The reliability of the Chinese MSQ was tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The concurrent and construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using correlation and factor analysis.ResultsThe Chinese version of the MSQ showed no linguistic or semantic issues. The internal consistency of the Chinese MSQ Cronbach'α = 0.912, and the test-retest reliability r = 0.911. The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the four factor structure of the Chinese version of the MSQ (Pain Experience, Emotional Changes, Pain Coping Strategies, and Other Physical Symptoms) is reasonable among Chinese women of reproductive age. There was a significant correlation found between these four factors and both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the SF-8 Health Survey.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the MSQ achieved semantic equivalence in translation and demonstrated good reliability and validity among Chinese women of reproductive age. Thus, it can serve as an effective tool to assess the experience of menstrual symptoms among Chinese women.

&Scedil;eyma Zehra Altunkurek,1 Eylül Ye&scedil;ilyurt,2 Samira Hassan Mohamed3 1Department of Public Health Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Türkiye; 2Department of Public Health Nursing, Ufuk University School of Nursing, Ankara, Türkiye; 3Department of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Somalia Mogadishu Recep Tayyip Erdo&gbreve;an Faculty of Health Sciences, Mogadishu, SomaliaCorrespondence: Samira Hassan Mohamed, Email samirahsn1992@gmail.comPurpose: The aim of this study was to compare the menstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea in university students who underwent Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), in Mogadishu, Somalia, and students who did not undergo FGM/C in Ankara, Türkiye.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was used.Results: Among the participants with FGM/C, 88.5% were Type 1 and the age at FGM/C was 8 years. The pain severity was 6.20± 2.54 in women with FGM/C and was higher than that of those without FGM/C (5.97± 2.32), but no significant difference was found. Among those who had FGM/C, 66% had a menstrual duration of 3– 5 days, while 52.0.% of those who did not have FGM/C had a menstrual duration of 6– 8 days (p< 0.05). While 85.1% of those without FGM/C had a menstrual cycle of 21– 35 days, 35% of those with FGM/C had a menstrual cycle of less than 20 days (p< 0.05). It was found that 95% of those who have undergone female circumcision and 90.2% of those who have not had dysmenorrhea (p< 0.05). Painkillers were always used by 28% of women with FGM/C and 26.3% of women without FGM/C (p< 0.05). The total MSS score of those who have not had FGM/C was 3.34± 0.72 and the score of those who have had FGM/C was 2.91± 0.74 (p< 0.05). The negative effects sub-dimension score was found to be higher in the non-FGM/C group with 3.20± 0.75, while the coping methods sub-dimension score was higher in the FGM/C group with 2.91± 1.13 (p< 0.05).Conclusion: FGM/C is still common in Somalia. Our study results showed that having FGM/C may cause differences in dysmenorrhea and menstrual symptoms. Efforts to increase students’ effective coping with menstrual symptoms and dysmenorrhea are thought to be useful.Keywords: female genital mutilation, menstrual symptoms, university students, Somalia, Turkey

Poor awareness and stigmatising experiences influence menstrual attitudes. The study compared menstruators' cognitive attitudes towards menstrual health (MH) in public and private schools. A three-stage sampling identified respondents and outcomes reported by descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05). Negative feelings (20.3% vs. 12.2%), Openness (7.3% vs. 17.2%) and living with menstruation (38.% vs. 63.9%) were significantly different, while positive feelings (36.2% vs 30.6%), menstrual symptoms (22.6% vs. 30.0%) and menarche acceptance (28.% vs. 35.6%) were similar. Negative attitude predominates (87.4%) and is negatively predicted by Yoruba ethnicity (77.9%). Overall, menstruators exhibited negative menstrual attitudes. Puberty education through ethnic constructs is recommended to improve attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurpose To elucidate the impact of long COVID on menstruation and mental health, medical records of patients with long COVID were evaluated.Methods Symptoms of long COVID, QOL, mental health, and related endocrine data were compared between two groups with and without menstrual disturbances.Results Of 349 female patients who visited our clinic between February 2021 and March 2023, 223 patients with long COVID (aged 18–50 years) were included. Forty-four (19.7%) of the patients had menstrual symptoms associated with long COVID. The patients with menstrual symptoms were older than those without menstrual symptoms (42.5 vs. 38 years). The percentage of patients with menstrual symptoms was higher during the Omicron phase (24%) than during the Preceding (13%) and Delta (12%) phases. Cycle irregularity was the most frequent (in 63.6% of the patients), followed by severe pain (25%), heavy bleeding (20.5%), perimenopausal symptoms (18.2%), and premenstrual syndrome (15.9%). Fatigue and depression were the most frequent complications. Scores for fatigue and for QOL were significantly worse in long COVID patients with menstrual symptoms. Results of endocrine examinations showed significantly increased cortisol levels in patients with menstrual complaints.Conclusion Long COVID has an impact on menstrual conditions and on QOL related to menstrual conditions.

This study aimed to investigate the association between psychological distress (PD) at age 16 and menstrual symptoms experienced across women's life. Up to 2584 females from the 1970 British Cohort Study, a study of individuals born within one week in 1970, were included. PD at age 16 was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Three categories were derived: low PD (<11), moderate PD (11–15), and severe PD (>15). Five menstrual health symptoms were self-reported at each age (16, 30 and 42 years). Binomial logistic regressions examined associations between PD at age 16 and each individual symptom, adjusted for age of menarche, sleep and appetite problems, physical activity levels and socioeconomic position. The most prevalent symptoms were "pain" (61 %), "painful period" (10 %) and "heavy period" (33 %) at ages 16, 30 and 42, respectively. At age 16, those with severe PD were more likely to experience depression (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.31, 3.70)), irritability (1.67; 1.33, 2.11), menstrual pain (1.34; 1.01, 1.80), and headaches (1.29; 1.02, 1.63). A weak association was found between severe PD at age 16 and pre-menstrual tension at age 30 (1.72; 1.01, 2.83). At age 42, those with severe PD at age 16 were more likely to experience pre-menstrual tension (1.89; 1.46, 2.44), painful periods (1.64; 1.27, 2.11), and heavy periods (1.28; 1.00, 1.62). Menstruating females with higher levels of PD in adolescence have an increased risk of menstrual symptoms across adolescence, early and mid-adulthood. Our findings suggest the need to consider early-life psychological interventions to improve women's menstrual experiences across their reproductive years. • We investigated associations between psychological distress (PD) and menstrual symptoms. • PD at 16y was strongly associated with menstrual symptoms at ages 16, 30 and 42. • Associations were strongest for mood-based symptoms (e.g. depression, irritability). • Study highlights links between emotional and menstrual health over a 25-year period. • Exploration of early-life psychological interventions for menstrual health is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstrual cycle symptoms are very common in female athletes. However, more evidence about the association between menstrual cycle characteristics and symptoms with sleep and mental health in athletes needs to be gathered. This study aimed to examine this association in German exercising women and athletes. 322 women (mean age: 23.13 ± 4.36) participated in a cross-sectional study. The survey included the Menstrual Symptom index (MSi), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Athletes Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ). Additionally, demographic, sport-specific data and further menstrual cycle characteristics were examined. Multiple regression models were used for the statistical analyses. The MSi score demonstrated a highly significant (p < 0.001) positive association with Depression , Anxiety , Stress , PSQI, and ASBQ. The most prevalent menstrual cycle symptoms were cravings/increased appetite, mood changes/anxiety, and tiredness/fatigue. A difference between individual and team sport athletes could not be found. Moreover, there was no association between the constructs and menses length, irregularity, or heaviness of bleeding. Menstrual cycle symptoms occur very frequently in female athletes. In this study, they were related to mental health, sleep quality, and sleep behavior, regardless of the cycle phase. This evidence demonstrates the relevance of considering the menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms in future studies with female athletes and in sport practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most typical gynecological issue affecting women is dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by lower abdominal cramping that happens either before or during menstruation. Nearly half of women who experience dysmenorrhea skip work or school at least once each cycle. In the north-eastern region of India, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea has not yet been thoroughly examined. Dysmenorrhea affects 16.8 to 81% of women, according to the WHO. Aims/Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and the factors asssicated with it among female students. We also looked for correlations between the intensity and duration of the menstrual period and its association with socio-demographic data and menstrual characteristics. Methods and Materials: In 2022, 202 healthy females between the ages of 18 and 26 who were selected through purposive sampling technique from the female hostel, Sikkim, for the study. To gather pertinent information, standardized selfreporting questionnaires were used. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (VAS) was used to measure the severity of the pain and a five-point menstrual symptoms scale was used to measure the duration of the symptoms. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data. Results: The findings indicated that dysmenorrhea was 77% prevalent. Additionally, it was discovered that there were more students with dysmenorrhea in the 18-23 year age group than in any other, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) across all age groups. Back pain and abdominal pain both showed a significant positive connection between pain severity and the length of menstrual symptoms (P <0.001 and P <0.05, respectively). Both the age at which dysmenorrhea first appeared (P< 0.001) and the use of antidysmenorrhea medication (P< 0.001) were associated to the condition. Conclusion: Female students in the research area had a significant prevalence of dysmenorrhea. Younger age, prolonged menstrual flow, age of onset of dysmenorrhea, and usage of painkillers were associated with dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is an etiological cyclic pelvic pain related to the menstrual period; it can negatively impact women’s quality of life and productivity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of PD and analyze associated symptoms in Brazilian women. Methods An online cross-sectional study was carried out in Brazil, with a structured questionnaire regarding dysmenorrhea and associated symptoms. PD intensity was measured with the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain and classified as mild (1–3), moderate (4–7) and severe (> 8). The association between qualitative variables was performed using Pearson’s Chi-Square Test. The quantification of this association was measured using multinomial logistic regression models, with calculation of Odds Ratio and confidence interval. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results A total of 10,070 women were included. Most participants classified PD intensity as moderate (40.4%, 41.9% and 49.7%) and severe (21.2%, 24.8% and 28.4%) in the previous month, 3 months and 5 years, respectively. The most common symptoms associated with PD were irritability, abdominal distension sensation, anxiety and feeling more emotional. The increased of the risk (OR > 1.0) for moderate and severe PD-related pain intensity is related to age, nulliparity and presence PD since adolescence. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of PD among Brazilian women, and the most common symptoms reported were irritability, abdominal distension sensation, anxiety and feeling more emotional.

The purpose of this study was to examine the menstrual cycle (MC) characteristics, explore the impact on performance, and identify barriers to and facilitators of MC‐related communication among high‐performance female adolescent athletes in Singapore. Ninety athletes (15.4 ± 1.8 years) from multiple sports completed an online questionnaire. Eighty‐four athletes were postmenarcheal (menarcheal age 11.9 ± 1.3 years), including two who were using an oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Secondary amenorrhea, current or history of, was self‐reported in 16% of athletes. Sixty‐two percent and 67% of non‐OCP athletes perceived that the MC affected their ability to train and compete, respectively. Athletes preferred speaking to a parent (85%) and a female figure (67%) about MC‐related concerns. Through thematic analysis, three barriers to communication were constructed: (1) pervasive menstrual stigma, (2) constraints of the training environment, and (3) the low value placed on MC‐related conversations. Two facilitators of communication were constructed: (1) respect athletes' individual experiences as menstruating girls and (2) foster a safe space for MC‐related conversations. Findings demonstrated that menstrual irregularities are common in adolescent athletes and screening for MC disorders, particularly primary amenorrhea should be undertaken in this population, with clear support pathways for management including symptom mitigation. To support athletes in raising MC‐related concerns when needed, structured communication pathways that consider individual preferences and involve a (female) point of contact should be established within the training environment. Improving menstrual health literacy among adolescent athletes before any misinformation or negative perceptions are firmly established may contribute to longevity in their athletic careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the prevalence of self-reported menstrual flow intensity among college students and the impact of differences in self-reported menstrual flow intensity on menstruation experiences and daily activities of college students. College students completed an online survey about menstrual flow intensity and symptoms, impact of menstruation on daily activities, and menstruation-related stress. Individuals with self-reported heavy menstrual flow were more likely to have missed class and work and canceled social activities compared to individuals with a light or moderate menstrual flow. Providing education about options to improve management of heavy menstrual flow is critical to mitigating negative menstruation experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gümüshane Üniversitesi Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Gumushane University, Faculty of Health Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: It is an art and skill to surgically remove large and difficult fibroid & hysterectomies. This case series mentions variety of fibroids at different ages including pregnancy & numerous ways of surgically handling them successfully. Objectives: To study various surgical challenges and ways to overcome them in fibroids. Method: Total 10 cases with challenging surgeries were studied at Govt Medical College Hospital, Aurangabad from May 2018 to May 2019. Demographic details, presenting complaints, clinical examination findings, imaging techniques, investigations and operative difficulties and measures to prevent complications were studied. Results: Some presurgical techniques like preoperative use of GNRH analogue, preoperative stenting of ureter, anaemia correction and intraoperative techniques like hemi section of uterus, enucleating the fibroid using correct surgical plane, identifying ureter and surgical expertise helped to avoid all complications in surgery. Conclusions: Knowledge of altered anatomical structures, meticulous surgery by an expert following all surgical principles in fibroid surgery prevent injuries to the urinary tract, reduce blood loss and make surgery successful.

The number of Japan’s international students has rapidly increased in the last decade. This study examines the relationship between menstrual abnormalities in cycle and symptoms, stress level, and lifestyle of female international students in Japan across three time periods, namely pre-arrival, difficult, and current time periods. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), between December 2022 and February 2023. The questionnaire was distributed to 56 female international students from two universities in Japan, and a total of 29 valid responses were collected. We found varying menstrual cycle abnormalities and severity of menstrual symptoms across three time periods, with the difficult period after arrival in Japan displaying the highest symptom severity. Higher stress levels were significantly associated with more severe menstrual symptoms. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption were also linked to menstrual symptoms. The current study emphasizes the importance of providing menstrual education, support, and resources to address international students’ unique challenges in managing their menstrual health while studying abroad. By promoting awareness, education, and access to healthcare services, universities may contribute to international students’ well-being and academic success.

Objective: This study reports on a translation of the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) into Chinese, a cross-cultural adaptation among Chinese women of reproductive age, and an assessment of its reliability and validity. Methods: Previously published translation guidelines were followed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English version of MSQ to produce a Chinese version. This Chinese version was then administered to 2800 Chinese women of reproductive age recruited by convenience sampling method. The reliability of the Chinese MSQ was tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The concurrent and construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using correlation and factor analysis. Results: The Chinese version of the MSQ showed no linguistic or semantic issues. The internal consistency of the Chinese MSQ Cronbach'α = 0.912, and the test-retest reliability r = 0.911. The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the four factor structure of the Chinese version of the MSQ (Pain Experience, Emotional Changes, Pain Coping Strategies, and Other Physical Symptoms) is reasonable among Chinese women of reproductive age. There was a significant correlation found between these four factors and both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the SF-8 Health Survey. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the MSQ achieved semantic equivalence in translation and demonstrated good reliability and validity among Chinese women of reproductive age. Thus, it can serve as an effective tool to assess the experience of menstrual symptoms among Chinese women.

The number of Japan's international students has rapidly increased in the last decade. This study examines the relationship between menstrual abnormalities in cycle and symptoms, stress level, and lifestyle of female international students in Japan across three time periods, namely pre-arrival, difficult, and current time periods. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including the menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), between December 2022 and February 2023. The questionnaire was distributed to 56 female international students from two universities in Japan, and a total of 29 valid responses were collected. We found varying menstrual cycle abnormalities and severity of menstrual symptoms across three time periods, with the difficult period after arrival in Japan displaying the highest symptom severity. Higher stress levels were significantly associated with more severe menstrual symptoms. Lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption were also linked to menstrual symptoms. The current study emphasizes the importance of providing menstrual education, support, and resources to address international students' unique challenges in managing their menstrual health while studying abroad. By promoting awareness, education, and access to healthcare services, universities may contribute to international students' well-being and academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AlJohara AlQuaiz,1,2 Muneerah Albugami,3 Ambreen Kazi,1,2 Fahdah Alshobaili,2 Fawzia Habib,1,4 Ellen B Gold5 1Princess Nora Bent Abdullah Chair for Women’s Health Research, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Family & Community Medicine, King Saud University Medical city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Taibah University, Madinah al Munawara, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USACorrespondence: Ambreen Kazi, Princess Nora Bent Abdullah Research chair for Women’s Health Research, King Saud University Medical city, PO Box 231831, Riyadh, 11321, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 1 4692714, Fax +966 1 4691127, Email akamran@ksu.edu.saPurpose: To measure the associations of diet, psycological distress, and lifestyle factors with premenstrual symptoms (PMSx) in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Patients and Methods: An interview-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 1831 women aged 18– 50 years seen in primary healthcare centers and teaching institutes in Riyadh from December 2015 to June 2016. Question topics included sociodemographics, physical activity, smoking, and dietary habits information. PMSx were assessed using a symptom checklist with 6 domains: anxiety/mood changes; abdominal/back/joint pain; increased appetite/weight gain, breast pain/tenderness, severe headache, and ≥ 3 PMS symptoms (any). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to provide adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with each PMSx domain.Results: Except for breast pain, drinking > 5 cups of Arabic coffee was associated with increased odds of anxiety/mood [aOR 2.44 (95% CI 1.44, 4.12)], pain [1.83 (1.13, 2.98)], appetite/weight gain [1.66 (1.10, 2.50)], headache [1.57 (1.00, 2.56)] and ≥ 3 symptoms [1.50 (1.07, 2.11)]. A significant association was noted between sugar intake and anxiety/mood symptoms [1.53 (1.07, 2.19)] and abdominal/back pain symptoms [1.84 (1.17, 2.88)]. Increased severity of psychological distress was associated with all symptom domains: anxiety/mood [2.75 (1.92, 3.94)]; pain [1.45 (0.92, 2.28)]; appetite/weight gain [2.01 (1.53, 2.65)]; breast pain [2.19 (1.68, 2.88)]; headache [1.86 (1.37, 2.54)] and ≥ 3 symptoms [3.52 (2.49, 4.95)]. Low physical activity was significantly associated with odds of breast pain symptoms [1.29 (1.04, 1.59)]. Smokers were 3.41 (1.19, 9.77) times as likely to report any ≥ 3 symptoms compared to nonsmokers.Conclusion: Several potentially modifiable factors, such as diet and stress, were positively associated with PMSx. Thus, we suggest that increasing women’s awareness of healthy lifestyles, particularly diet and stress reduction, may help to reduce the occurrence of premenstrual symptoms.Keywords: mental distress, coffee, diet, women, premenstrual symptoms

Copyright of Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences (OTJHS) / Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Oguz KARABAY and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The literature on the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of investigating its impact on mental health during this sensitive period, also in relation to the female menstrual cycle. To this end, interceptive sensibility has emerged as a fundamental construct for studying the mind-body interaction among psychosomatic and pain symptoms, particularly through the distinction between two attentional styles (namely, a “mindful” and a “non-mindful” sensibility). The aim of the following study is to verify the role of mental health and interoceptive sensibility on menstrual symptoms in women of childbearing age, during the pandemic, as well as to identify the specific contribution of the existing dimensions of interoceptive sensibility in the prediction of symptoms' severity. Data were collected through an online survey, for which 5294 women responded on demographic information, menstrual history, symptoms' disturbance, and completed the Italian versions of the GHQ-12 and the MAIA. The analyses showed that symptoms were strongly correlated to either the GHQ-12 and the MAIA subscales Noticing, Emotional Awareness, Trusting and Not-Worrying. This result was further verified via a hierarchical regression, which revealed that the same interoceptive dimensions and mental health strongly predicted the intensity of menstrual symptoms (R2 = 0.177, ΔR2 = 0.143) compared to other considered dimensions (R2 = 0.180, ΔR2 = 0.002). Results are partially in line with the premises but suggest that mental health has a strong impact on the experience of the menstrual cycle and that only a few interoceptive dimensions may be relevant in explaining the severity of menstrual symptoms. It is here suggested that noticing internal bodily signals and being aware of emotional states might become dysfunctional if not reconciled with a good ability to self-regulate internal states, but may rather contribute to the perpetuation of the ‘vicious cycle’ of heightened affective and attentional reactions to interoceptive sensations.

Background and aims: This study was planned to examine the effects of tele-yoga training on menstrual symptoms, quality of life, anxiety-depression level, body awareness, and self-esteem in healthy women. Methods: Thirty-two healthy premenopausal women between the ages of 18 and 45 were included in the study. The women were randomly divided into two groups as tele-yoga training (n: 16) and the control group (n: 16). The tele-yoga training was performed on the Zoom software for 6 weeks, 2 times a week and 45 min a day. No intervention was made in the control group. Menstrual pain and symptoms by Menstrual Symptom Scale (MSS), quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), depression levels by Beck Depression Scale (BDS), anxiety levels by State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI), body awareness by Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), and self-esteem by Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were determined. Results: In the tele-yoga training group, statistically significant improvements were observed in the MSS total (p = 0.001), negative effects (p = 0.003), menstrual pain symptoms (p = 0.003), coping methods (p = 0.001) sub-parameters, BDS score (p = 0.000), NHP sleep (p = 0.021), energy (p = 0.002), emotional (p = 0.000), and isolation (p = 0.039) sub-parameters. In the control group, there was statistically significant worsening in the NHP total score (p = 0.000). As regards the differences in values between the two groups, there were statistically difference in favor of the training group in sub-parameters of MSS, NHP sleep, energy, emotional, and isolation sub-parameters, and BDS and BAQ scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that tele-yoga training may be a safe and effective method in reducing menstrual symptoms and depression, increasing quality of life, and body awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sports Sciences Research / Spor Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Sport Sciences Researches / Spor Bilimleri Arastirmalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Uterine malformations can result from various alterations in the normal development of Mullerian ducts that make up a diverse category of congenital anomalies. In most cases, the defect remains undiagnosed and exhibits the normal number of chromosomes. Very few malformations require any intervention after thorough investigations. The most frequently used classification by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine is comprehensive, but does not include cervical or vaginal malformations. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has postulated a consensus that precisely shows independent cervical malformations.

The aim of this prospective study was to clarify the associations of psychological status in the early postpartum period with resumption of menstruation and degree of menstruation-related symptoms. This study was conducted from February in 2017 to July in 2018 in Japan. We conducted self-administered questionnaire surveys for 229 postpartum women at 3 days postpartum, 2 weeks postpartum, one month postpartum, 3 months postpartum and 6 months postpartum. The proportion of women who resumed menstruation in the period up to 6 months postpartum was 38.8%. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score at 6 months postpartum in women who resumed menstruation in the period up to 6 months postpartum was significantly higher than that in women who did not resume menstruation. EPDS scores during the postpartum period in women in whom menstruation-related symptoms became worse than those before pregnancy were significantly higher than those in women in whom menstruation-related symptoms did not change compared to those before pregnancy. In multiple regression analysis, there was no significant difference between EPDS score at 6 months postpartum and degree of menstruation-related symptoms. Additional research is needed to clarify the association of psychological condition during the postpartum period with resumption of menstruation. What is already known on this subject? Postpartum psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety during the postpartum period may affect degrees of menstruation-related symptoms after resumption of menstruation, and there also may be a bidirectional relationship between psychological symptoms and menstrual pain. What do the results of this study add? Resumption of menstruation occurred in 38.8% of 121 women within 6 months postpartum, and poor psychological condition during the postpartum period was associated with early resumption of menstruation. The psychological condition in women with earlier resumption of menstruation might affect menstruation-related symptoms. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Management of a stable psychological status during the early postpartum period should be implemented for women's health care in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate the impact of long COVID on menstruation and mental health, medical records of patients with long COVID were evaluated., Methods: Symptoms of long COVID, QOL, mental health, and related endocrine data were compared between two groups with and without menstrual disturbances., Results: Of 349 female patients who visited our clinic between February 2021 and March 2023, 223 patients with long COVID (aged 18-50 years) were included. Forty-four (19.7%) of the patients had menstrual symptoms associated with long COVID. The patients with menstrual symptoms were older than those without menstrual symptoms (42.5 vs. 38 years). The percentage of patients with menstrual symptoms was higher during the Omicron phase (24%) than during the Preceding (13%) and Delta (12%) phases. Cycle irregularity was the most frequent (in 63.6% of the patients), followed by severe pain (25%), heavy bleeding (20.5%), perimenopausal symptoms (18.2%), and premenstrual syndrome (15.9%). Fatigue and depression were the most frequent complications. Scores for fatigue and for QOL were significantly worse in long COVID patients with menstrual symptoms. Results of endocrine examinations showed significantly increased cortisol levels in patients with menstrual complaints., Conclusion: Long COVID has an impact on menstrual conditions and on QOL related to menstrual conditions.

Abstract Background Menstrual symptoms have been identified as a substantial burden among women of reproductive age, affecting their health status and quality of life globally. A range of menstrual symptoms have been studied as they affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), showing variations across specific menstrual symptoms and study settings. A major concern is demonstrated due to menstrual symptoms in women’s professional and social life, and consequently societal and economic loss for women and the society at large. Yet evidence is scarce that estimates the index form HRQoL score related to menstrual symptoms that is needed for health economic evaluations. Methods This study aims to investigate the association between menstrual symptoms and the HRQoL among working women in Japan in an index form, using a self-reporting questionnaire (n = 6048). The EQ-5D-3L (EuroQoL 5-dimension 3-level) is used that is a widely used tool to measure health outcomes for health economic evaluations globally. Multivariate regression analysis is conducted to assess the association between the HRQoL score and specific nineteen physical and mental conditions related to menstruation (e.g., pain, heavy bleeding, concentration, negative affect). Results The index form HRQoL score for menstrual symptoms is estimated as 0.682 in the study population (where a score one suggests perfect health). The association of the HRQoL score varies substantially across the menstrual symptoms. Several of the physical conditions and disorders show a substantial negative association with the HRQoL score. Also, most of the mental and psychological issues are significantly and negatively related to the HRQoL score. Conclusions This study suggests that HRQoL is substantially and negatively affected by menstruation among working women in Japan. Distinct variations of negative influences across menstrual symptoms underscore the multi-dimensional nature of menstruation and consequently the need of collective interventions to address these difficulties. The evidence of HRQoL continues to be an important area for future research on women’s health and health economic evaluations to inform effective and efficient resource allocations for relevant health policies and financing strategies.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of using Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) plant on menstrual and menopausal symptoms in district where VAC is commonly used. The menstrual and menopausal symptoms of a total of 225 women aged between 18-65, living in Aydın province, Turkey, and its districts, who either used VAC or not were compared, following purposive sampling method. The research data were collected with an online survey form between March and December 2021. The data collected from the women in the VAC group (n=104, 46.2%) and the women in the non-VAC (n=121, 53.8%) group were compared in this study. It was found that the rate of experiencing symptoms before menstruation was higher in women who did not take VAC compared to the women who took VAC (P < 0.05). Almost all of those who experienced menopausal symptoms were in the group that did not take VAC. The type, duration and time of VAC use were associated with the effect of menstruation on daily life, but not with menopausal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The menstrual cycle often presents barriers to participation in daily life activities, including physical activity (PA), which is a cornerstone of health and well-being. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore and summarize the impact of symptoms, experiences, and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on recreational PA (RPA), including sports, exercise and active recreation, in the general population. Six databases were searched for studies that investigated the impact of the menstrual cycle on PA among individuals who were cyclically menstruating, healthy, and not involved in professional sports training. The search yielded 3025 studies that were screened for relevance and eligibility, resulting in 25 eligible studies, which were found to be of moderate-to-high quality following a quality and risk-of-bias assessment. Thematic synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data from the selected studies, constituting 16,557 adults and 3715 adolescents, identified the impact of menstrual symptoms on the physical and psychological capability to participate in RPA, social opportunity barriers to RPA (e.g., social pressure due to the sociocultural taboo against menstruation), as well reflective (knowledge) and automatic (habit) motivation on RPA behaviours. The variability in menstrual symptoms and corresponding experiences suggested the need for an individualized approach to RPA promotion. Furthermore, this review highlighted the need to address the sociocultural taboo against menstruation, as well as improve the provision of knowledge and resources related to the menstrual cycle and RPA, in order to promote and facilitate RPA for cyclically menstruating individuals throughout the menstrual cycle. • Pain and discomfort due to menstrual symptoms impact continuity of RPA routines. • Individuals anxious of revealing menstruation signs during RPA owing to social taboo. • Valuing PA and low menstrual symptom severity related to continued RPA participation. • Individualized approach required to manage variability in symptoms and experiences. • Need for relevant and relatable PA guidelines for individuals who menstruate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is a physical and mental burden for women, negatively affecting health-related quality of life (HRQL) and work productivity. However, data on HRQL and work productivity of Japanese women are scarce. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 397 Japanese women received low-dose estrogen/progestin (LEP) or non-LEP treatment (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or Chinese herbal medicines) for primary/secondary dysmenorrhea and completed survey questionnaires online regarding menstrual symptoms, HRQL, and work productivity. Regression analysis was performed to compare the groups and evaluate outcomes over time using the paired t test. Subgroup analysis was performed using stratification by patient background, and correlations between improvement in menstrual symptoms/HRQL and work productivity were investigated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: Significant reductions in the modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (mMDQ) total score were shown in the LEP group (n = 251) (P < 0.01), but not the non-LEP group (n = 146). Significant improvements in HRQL, measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey v2.0 (SF-36v2.0), were shown in the LEP group, but not the non-LEP group. Improvements were seen in mental component summary and 7/8 domains (role physical, bodily pain, general health, role emotional, mental health, vitality, and social functioning) in the LEP group, but not the non-LEP group. There were no differences in the physical component summary and role functioning in either group. Improvements in work productivity, measured by the modified Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (mWPAI), were greater in the LEP group vs. non-LEP group. Regression analysis showed differences in improvements between the groups in the mMDQ total score, SF-36v2.0, and mWPAI. A correlation between mMDQ or HRQL and work productivity was seen. Conclusion: In Japanese women, dysmenorrhea is associated with reduced HRQL and work productivity. In real-world clinical practice, improvements in physical and mental menstrual symptoms, HRQL, and work productivity were observed with LEP treatment. Trial Registration: NCT04607382 (ClinicalTrials.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menstrual cycle and menstrual symptoms can affect the physical, mental and exercise performance of female athletes. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the associated symptoms of premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual periods in female judo athletes by weight class. Methods: The participants were 169 female judo athletes aged between 18 and 21 years (age 19.5 ± 1.1 years, height 1.6 ± 0.1 m, body mass 64.8 ± 12.1 kg). Weight class and physical characteristics were measured using a questionnaire. Associated menstrual symptoms were measured using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). For the purposes of this study, athletes of < 48 kg, < 52 kg, and < 57 kg weight were defined as "lightweight," athletes of < 63 kg and < 70 kg as "medium weight," and athletes of < 78 kg and > 78 kg as "heavyweight." Results: In the postmenstrual MDQ score, the scores for "lack of autonomic nervous system coordination" (P = 0.037), "poor concentration" (P = 0.046) and "water conservation" (P = 0.030) were higher in the lightweight ranks than in the medium and heavyweight ranks (P < 0.05). Scores for negative postmenstrual effects tended to be higher in the lightweight ranks than in the medium and heavy weight ranks (P = 0.053). For other items, there were no significant differences between the medium and heavy weight ranks and the lightweight ranks before, during, or after menstruation. Conclusions: This study shows that the degree of postmenstrual symptoms in female judo athletes varies with weight class. These results will contribute to support the condition of female judo athletes based on their menstrual cycle by weight class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, is one of the most frequently performed gynecological surgeries, with approximately six hundred thousand women undergoing this procedure annually in the United States. Indications of hysterectomy vary from benign conditions to malignancies of the genital tract. Hysterectomy is also associated with intraoperative and postoperative complications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the current study was to analyze indications, complications, duration of hospital stay, blood loss during surgery and correlation of preoperative diagnosis with final histopathology report of all abdominal hysterectomies performed at a teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This study involved all patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal over a span of 18 months (from 1st January, 2018 to 31st June, 2019). It was a retrospective study. All the patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy during the study period were taken without any exclusion criteria. Results: There were 101 cases of abdominal hysterectomies performed during the study period. Majority of the patients were from urban areas than rural areas (67.3% vs 32.7%). Mean age of patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy was 45.48 years with 2 standard deviation (SD) of 8.75. The youngest patient aged 26 years and the eldest aged 67 years. Mean parity was 2.50 with 2 SD of 1.197. Majority of the patients presented with pain abdomen (49.5%) and menstrual disorders (38.6%). The most common indication for hysterectomy was uterine fibroids (51.5%) followed by ovarian pathology (16.8%). The histopathology report of the patients showed that majority of the patients had fibroid uterus (51.4%) and ovarian pathology (16.8%). Mean intraoperative blood loss was 239.60 ml with 2 SD of 197.144. Mean hospital stay was: 7.29 days with 2SD of 3.144. The maximum hospital stay was 18 days in two patients and most patients had hospital stay between 5 to 8 days. The commonest complication was surgical site infection (9.9%) needing resuturing followed by urinary tract infection (7.9%). Conclusion: Wide spectrums of lesions were encountered during the surgery. The preoperative diagnosis, duration of hospital stay, average blood loss, surgical complications and histopathological reports correlated with various others studies.

Background/Aims: There is a lack of information about how premenstrual symptoms and menstrual symptoms affect the quality of life of adolescent girls in Nigeria and the coping strategies they adopt to manage them. The study aimed to identify premenstrual and menstrual symptoms among adolescents, as well as their effect on quality of life and the strategies adolescents adopt to cope with these symptoms. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design using multi-stage sampling was used to recruit 357 adolescent girls. Data were collected in 2019 using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean quality of life score of participants was 41.31. A significant relationship was found between the prevalence of premenstrual and menstrual symptoms and overall quality of life, general health, physical health and psychological domains of quality of life (P<0.01). The most used coping strategy during the menstrual and premenstrual periods was self-care. A significant relationship exists between coping strategies and quality of life (P<0.02). Conclusions: The majority of the participants experienced premenstrual and menstrual symptoms that affected their quality of life. It is recommended that female adolescents are taught how to manage premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to assess female college students’ behavior in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia toward menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and their knowledge regarding the proper use of over-the-counter pain medications. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study that assessed 300 healthy females. The major points in the questionnaire were symptoms experienced during menstruation, pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain management, effects of participants’ menstrual periods on daily activity, locations of pain, menstrual pain severity, and exercise activity. Results: From the 300 participants who participated in the survey, pain was experienced by 256 (85%) of participants. Among those 256, 46.1% felt the pain was severe. The most reported pain was in abdomen (89.2%) and back (70%). Most participants (81.2%) experienced pain during the first 3 days. As for the management method, 69.9% managed their pain by nonpharmacological and 66.8% by pharmacological agents. Approximately 43% reported to practice physical activity during menstruation. Conclusions: Dysmenorrhea is common among female college students and affects their daily activity. Many students are suffering from menstrual pain and treating it with different methods. Most participants are not aware of the proper usage of pain killers. Pharmacists and other health care personnel can instruct on how to use analgesics during menstruation.

Background: Menstrual symptoms have been identified as a substantial burden among women of reproductive age, affecting their health status and quality of life globally. A range of menstrual symptoms have been studied as they affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), showing variations across specific menstrual symptoms and study settings. A major concern is demonstrated due to menstrual symptoms in women's professional and social life, and consequently societal and economic loss for women and the society at large. Yet evidence is scarce that estimates the index form HRQoL score related to menstrual symptoms that is needed for health economic evaluations.Methods: This study aims to investigate the association between menstrual symptoms and the HRQoL among working women in Japan in an index form, using a self-reporting questionnaire (n = 6048). The EQ-5D-3L (EuroQoL 5-dimension 3-level) is used that is a widely used tool to measure health outcomes for health economic evaluations globally. Multivariate regression analysis is conducted to assess the association between the HRQoL score and specific nineteen physical and mental conditions related to menstruation (e.g., pain, heavy bleeding, concentration, negative affect).Results: The index form HRQoL score for menstrual symptoms is estimated as 0.682 in the study population (where a score one suggests perfect health). The association of the HRQoL score varies substantially across the menstrual symptoms. Several of the physical conditions and disorders show a substantial negative association with the HRQoL score. Also, most of the mental and psychological issues are significantly and negatively related to the HRQoL score.Conclusions: This study suggests that HRQoL is substantially and negatively affected by menstruation among working women in Japan. Distinct variations of negative influences across menstrual symptoms underscore the multi-dimensional nature of menstruation and consequently the need of collective interventions to address these difficulties. The evidence of HRQoL continues to be an important area for future research on women's health and health economic evaluations to inform effective and efficient resource allocations for relevant health policies and financing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 12, 2019, an Advisory Board on impact of uterine bleedings on the quality of life of a woman was held in Kyiv, with participation of leading Ukrainian and European experts. According to opinion of international experts (guidelines of the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics from 2018), the choice of patient management tactics is not determined by measuring blood loss, but by the patient’s well-being (distress, decrease of work ability, sexual activity and quality of life). Menstrual inflammation is phisiological and menstrual symptoms are usually mild/minor or absent when three criteria are fulfilled: resolving (normal cytoarchitecture of the tissue is reconstructed, endometrium first); limited in time; adequate and sufficient by intensity to finalize the reconstruction to the histological and functional characteristics of the different tissues involved. At the same time, if local and systemic inflammation associated with menstruation is excessive by intensity and duration, it can cause different pathological symptoms. Severe menstrual symptoms are clinically correlated with local and systemic inflammation, which is not resolving (menstruation is excessive in duration and intensity). Therefore, reducing menstrual inflammation is important to reduce the frequency and intensity of menstrual symptoms and improve the quality of life of women of reproductive age. Women need appropriate stable levels of estrogen and progesterone to optimize their physical and mental health. During combined oral contraceptives selection for healthy women it is reasonable to give preference to contraceptives with short hormonal free interval (24+4, 26+2) compared to the traditional regimen (21+7), since the reduction of this interval provides a more stable level of estradiol, reduces the risk of casual ovulation in case of missed pill, increases contraceptive efficacy in comparison with the traditional regimen and reduce the incidence of hormone-withdrawal associated symptoms.

Background: Dysmenorrhea is an important health issue of young adult females that badly affects their quality of life and academic performance. This study aimed to determine prevalence, impact, management practices and factors associated with dysmenorrhea among medical students. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College Lahore from August 2020 to December 2020. Using Cochran's sample size calculator and rounding off, sample size of 400 female students was calculated. Convenience sampling technique was used. A selfconstructed questionnaire was used which was designed after extensive literature search. Pain intensity was estimated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Chi square test was applied to find association between variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Mean age of participants was 21.07 ± 2.58 years. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 79.5%. Statistically significant association was found between dysmenorrhea and participant's age (p value=0.002), marital status(p value=0.001), family income(p value=<0.001), age of menarche (p value=<0.001), days of bleeding (p value=0.009) and regularity of cycle(p value=<0.001). Mostly participants used combinations of remedies. Rest was the most commonly used remedy to relieve pain. Impact of dysmenorrhea included social withdrawal, inability to prepare for exam, difficulty in carrying out daily activities and absence from college. Conclusion. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 79.5%. Statistically significant association was found between dysmenorrhea and participant age, marital status, family income, age of menarche, days of bleeding and regularity of cycle. Alone or together, taking rest was the most commonly used remedy to relieve pain. Dysmenorrhea negatively affected quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to analyse the factors affecting menstrual symptoms and attitudes among adolescent girls and the relationship between them. The sample of the cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical research was composed of 604 adolescent girls studying at a university. Individual Information Form, Menstruation Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) and Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) were used as data collection tool in the research. Average age of the students was 21.22 ± 1.71, and average menstrual cycle length was 29.3 ± 7.85 days. MSQ mean score was 69.84 ± 15.48 and MAQ mean score was 103.10 ± 9.84. These results are important for showing that students perceive menstruation as a natural phenomenon, despite significant menstrual symptoms. What is already known on this subject? The intensity of menstrual symptoms is associated with negative menstrual attitudes. But, there have been few studies on the relationship between menstruation symptoms and attitudes and their impact on menstrual problems in Turkish adolescents. What the results of this study add? Adolescents' menstrual complaints are common, but their attitudes towards menstruation are positive. The lack of a significant relationship between menstrual symptoms and attitudes were more likely to be explained by the fact that young girls perceive menstruation as a natural phenomenon even though they have so many symptoms. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further study should be extended to various cultures and destinations to understand the effect of culture on menstruation that rural areas may be surrounded by taboos and myths which might affect the negative attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, is one of the most frequently performed gynecological surgeries, with approximately six hundred thousand women undergoing this procedure annually in the United States. Indications of hysterectomy vary from benign conditions to malignancies of the genital tract. Hysterectomy is also associated with intraoperative and postoperative complications. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the current study was to analyze indications, complications, duration of hospital stay, blood loss during surgery and correlation of preoperative diagnosis with final histopathology report of all abdominal hysterectomies performed at a teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This study involved all patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal over a span of 18 months (from 1st January, 2018 to 31st June, 2019). It was a retrospective study. All the patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy during the study period were taken without any exclusion criteria. Results: There were 101 cases of abdominal hysterectomies performed during the study period. Majority of the patients were from urban areas than rural areas (67.3% vs 32.7%). Mean age of patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy was 45.48 years with 2 standard deviation (SD) of 8.75. The youngest patient aged 26 years and the eldest aged 67 years. Mean parity was 2.50 with 2 SD of 1.197. Majority of the patients presented with pain abdomen (49.5%) and menstrual disorders (38.6%). The most common indication for hysterectomy was uterine fibroids (51.5%) followed by ovarian pathology (16.8%). The histopathology report of the patients showed that majority of the patients had fibroid uterus (51.4%) and ovarian pathology (16.8%). Mean intraoperative blood loss was 239.60 ml with 2 SD of 197.144. Mean hospital stay was: 7.29 days with 2SD of 3.144. The maximum hospital stay was 18 days in two patients and most patients had hospital stay between 5 to 8 days. The commonest complication was surgical site infection (9.9%) needing resuturing followed by urinary tract infection (7.9%).Conclusion: Wide spectrums of lesions were encountered during the surgery. The preoperative diagnosis, duration of hospital stay, average blood loss, surgical complications and histopathological reports correlated with various others studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether menstrual symptoms are associated with increased risk of hypertension among young women, and whether the relationship is bi-directional.Study Design: We included 7729 women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, aged 22-27 years in 2000 and who were followed up every 3 years until 2015. Premenstrual syndrome, painful (dysmenorrhoea), heavy (menorrhagia), and irregular menstrual periods over the previous 12 months were self-reported and recorded as 'never', 'rarely', 'sometimes', or 'often'. Questions regarding physician-diagnosed hypertension were asked, specifically for other than during pregnancy (defined as chronic hypertension) and during pregnancy (hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, HDP). Longitudinal data were analysed with generalised estimating equation time-lagged models to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for time-varying covariates.Mian Outcome Measures: Chronic hypertension, HDP, and menstrual disorders.Results: Over 15 years of follow-up, 757 women (9.8 %) reported having been diagnosed with chronic hypertension. Among 4473 parous women, 483 (10.8 %) reported a diagnosis of HDP. Women who often experienced heavy periods had an increased risk of incident chronic hypertension (RR 1.53, 1.13-2.09), compared with those who had not experienced heavy periods. We also found that women with chronic hypertension had an increased risk of incident heavy (RR 1.23, 1.02-1.50) and irregular periods (RR 1.42, 1.17-1.72). However, there was no apparent association between any menstrual symptoms and subsequent risk of HDP.Conclusions: The association between heavy periods (menorrhagia) and chronic hypertension may be bi-directional in young women. Chronic hypertension may also be associated with subsequent risk of irregular periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological problems among females but the evidence of alternative methods to cope with it is not enough. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a four-week group aerobic training program on premenstrual symptoms, menstrual symptoms, emotional state, and quality of life in females with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to aerobic exercise group (AEG) (n=18) and control group (CG) (n=19). AEG attended to group aerobic training program, three times a week for four weeks while CG did not participate in a regular physical activity. Premenstrual Syndrome scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI,) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were conducted to the participants. The intensity of menstrual symptoms was assessed with visual analogue scale at seven different times within the first three days of menstruation phase. Initial and final assessments were performed in two consecutive months. Results: Premenstrual symptoms (p=0.012) and some of the menstrual symptoms including low back pain at the beginning of bleeding (p=0.012), and abdominal pain at the second hour decreased (p=0.021) in AEG. Additionally, social aspect domain of SF-36 significantly increased (p=0.044) after exercise while there were no significant differences in BAI, and BDI scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: Four-week group aerobic training program is effective in reducing premenstrual symptoms contributes to reduce menstrual symptoms and improve quality of life in females with primary dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to determine the methods of complementary and alternative (CAM) use for the treatment of perimenstrual symptoms. Methods: The sample of this descriptive and analytical study consists of 198 midwifery students of Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of a public university who voluntarily participated in the study. The study data were collected through questionnaire form prepared by the researchers in accordance with literature and "Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)". Results: It was determined that the average age of the students was 20,01±1,52, 70.7% of the students were experiencing dysmenorrhea, 70.7% were suffering from low back pain, 66.7% were experiencing irritability and unease. When the students with dysmenorrhea were assessed according to VAS, it was determined that 28.9% were exposed to severe and 58.6% to moderate pain. For the treatment of the perimenstrual symptoms, it was determined that that 38.2% of the students were using various analgesics, 61% were using hot application, 42.9% were having massage, 19.7% were drinking herbal tea and 11.6% were applying movement therapies (pilates). Conclusion: It was observed that the prevalence of the perimenstrual symptoms amongst the midwifery students is quite high and it was determined they preferred CAM methods more than medical treatment to treat these symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]