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Objectives: With the considerable increase of female participation in youth sports, it has become crucial for medical professionals, coaches and parents to improve their competitiveness by understanding the conditions for which these females are at elevated risk and mitigating possible health consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect competitive sports have on the disorders of the menstrual cycle, to investigate the frequency of PMS (premenstrual syndrome)/PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric order) in professional female athletes and to identify risk factors predisposing for PMS and PMDD. Additionally, the levels of selected hormones such as serum estradiol, FSH, LH and prolactin were investigated to identify any hormonal perturbances that might have influence or be the risk factors for menstrual dysfunctions. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 75 professional athletes (girls and young women at the age of 16–22) who lived on the territory of Silesia. The control group consisted of 50 girls and young women at the same age, who did not practice any sport. The research tools included daily diary of PMS symptoms created in line with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommendations and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria, daily diary of PMDD symptoms created according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and premenstrual symptoms screening tool (PSST). Results: The analysis of menstrual cycle disorders showed statistical significance for heavy menstrual bleeding (p = 0.01) and longer breaks between menstrual bleeds (p = 0.01). PMDD was diagnosed in 8% and PMS in more than 42% of respondents. The incidence of PMDD was not at significant variance between the groups (9.33% in contrast to 6.0%), while incidence of PMS was statistically different in both groups (p = 0.045) (49.33% vs 32.0%). A significant correlation between PMS, average age (p = 0.00001) and menarche age (p = 0.03) in young active athletes has been shown. The risk of PMS increased with age (by 1.71 with each year) (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: A number of other risk factors predisposing for PMS and PMDD has also been identified. The findings of these researches will enable the athletic care network to provide better care for young female athletes.

Objectives: Both somatic and psychosocial factors influence women’s sexual functioning. The main objective of the conducted research was to determine the risk factors of sexual dysfunctions in women during the postmenopausal period. Material and methods: The researcher studied 666 women between the ages of 45–65 (M = 54.96 } 5.42), who had their last period no later than 12 months prior. Standardised questionnaires were used to study: sexual functions (FSFI), intensity of menopausal symptoms (KI), level of depression (BDI), body esteem (BES), health behaviours (HBI). Results: Sexual dysfunctions were diagnosed in 33.03% of the studied women. The respondents with dysfunctions differed from the respondents without dysfunctions in terms of: age (p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001), material standing (p < 0.01), relationship status (p < 0.001), body weight (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.05), self-assessment of health state (p < 0.001), presence of chronic diseases (p < 0.05), sexual functioning (p < 0.001), intensity of menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), level of depression (p < 0.001), body self-esteem (p < 0.001), health behaviours (p < 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated (R2 = 0.24) that the higher the sense of sexual attractiveness, the lower the probability of sexual dysfunctions (B = –0.13; p < 0.001). In turn, the risk increases with age (B = 0.06; p < 0.001), intensity of menopausal symptoms (B = 0.04; p < 0.01) and concern about one’s own body weight (B = 0.04; p < 0.05). Living without a partner (as compared with living in an informal relationship) increases the risk of occurrence of sexual dysfunctions by as much as 129%. Conclusions: Crucial risk factors of sexual dysfunctions in women during the postmenopausal period include: age, relationship situation, intensity of menopausal symptoms, sense of sexual attractiveness and concern about body weight.

WstępW ostatnich latach znacznie wzrosła świadomość kobiet w różnym wieku na temat zdrowego stylu życia. Okres menopauzy i związane z nim zmiany hormonalne mają wpływ na jakość życia, a odpowiedni poziom aktywności fizycznej może znacząco zmniejszyć negatywne skutki tego okresu. Celem pracy była ocena poziomu aktywności fizycznej kobiet w okresie menopauzy oraz jej wpływu na jakość życia.Materiał i metodyBadania zostały przeprowadzone u 567 kobiet w wieku 50–60 lat, które włączono do 2 grup. Grupa A obejmowała 223 kobiet, uczestniczek Uniwersytetu Trzeciego Wieku, a Grupa B – 334 kobiety, które były pacjentkami oddziałów ginekologicznych i poradni dla kobiet. Poziom aktywności fizycznej został oceniony z użyciem kwestionariusza aktywności fizycznej IPAQ w wersji krótkiej. Do oceny jakości życia badanych kobiet wykorzystano SF-36.WynikiPoziom aktywności fizycznej badanych kobiet określono jako umiarkowany w 52,9% w Grupie A oraz 70,2% w Grupie B. Wysoki poziom aktywności fizycznej odnotowano u 44,8% kobiet z grupy A i w 27,8% z grupy B. Stwierdzono istotne statystycznie różnice pomiędzy kobietami z Grupy A a kobietami z Grupy B w domenach zsumowanej składowej fizycznej (p < 0,0004) oraz zsumowanej składowej psychicznej (p < 0,0004). Wielkość składowej fizycznej korelowała z wiekiem badanych kobiet. Stan fizyczny, ogólny stan zdrowia i funkcjonowanie w społeczeństwie poprawiały się wraz ze wzrostem poziomu aktywności fizycznej.WnioskiU kobiet w okresie menopauzalnym przeważa umiarkowany pozom aktywności fizycznej. Wysoki poziom tej aktywności koreluje z lepszą jakością życia.

Cel pracyCelem pracy była ocena poziomu aktywności fizycznej kobiet przed i w trakcie ciąży oraz ustalenie, czy aktywność fizyczna wpływa na trwanie porodu i okres połogu.Materiał i metodyBadania przeprowadzono na 63 kobietach w ciąży w wieku 19–36 lat bez przeciwwskazań do aktywności fizycznej, u których odnotowano przyrost ciężaru ciała pomiędzy 7–27 kg. Poziom aktywności fizycznej mierzono trzykrotnie: przed i w trakcie ciąży oraz podczas połogu. W tym celu użyto kwestionariusza IPAQ – wersji siedmiodniowej oraz dodatkowo autorskiego kwestionariusza ankiety składającego się z 26 pytań.WynikiPoziom aktywności fizycznej przed ciążą był u większości badanych kobiet umiarkowany (60,3%), tylko 12,7% kobiet deklarowało niski poziom aktywności fizycznej. W trakcie trwania ciąży poziom tej aktywności obniżył się w 25,4% przypadków i istotnie zmniejszył w 11%. Kobiety, które były nieaktywne przed ciążą, pozostały nieaktywne również w okresie jej trwania. Średni czas II etapu porodu u kobiet o średnim i wysokim poziomie aktywności fizycznej wynosił 43,61 min. Długość okresu połogu była krótsza u kobiet aktywnych i twała średnio 4 tygodnie.WnioskiAktywność fizyczna przed ciążą i w trakcie jej trwania ma wpływ na fazy porodu oraz długość okresu połogu.

The quantity and quality of interpersonal relations (including participation in University of the Third Age&mdash, U3A) play an important role for women during menopausal changes. Women who have a social network are found to be more positive about menopause, and are less likely to be depressed. This case-control study aimed to analyze the relationship between participating in formal social groups and health status related to physical activity and climacteric and depressive symptoms. The study was conducted among 621 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 50&ndash, 64 years. The women were classified into two groups: U3A and controls. The participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. The IPAQ (The International Physical Activity Questionnaire), Kupperman Index (KI), and Beck Depression Inventory were used for data collection. Significant differences between the groups were confirmed in the area of professional work (p &lt, 0.001), free time (p &lt, 0.001), and sitting (p &lt, 0.05). The average KI score in the U3A group was higher (t-Student = 2.12, p &lt, 0.05). Depressive symptoms were found in 43.49% of U3A women vs. 51.15% in controls (p &lt, 0.01). We conclude that participation in formal social groups is associated with higher level of physical activity and reduced severity of both climacteric and depressive symptoms.

Study Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the menstrual cycle, menstrual disorders and premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS/PMDD) in girls and young women participating in competitive sports. The impact of PMS/PMDD symptoms on the quality of life was also analyzed. Design The prospective study encompassed 125 girls and young women with the aim to determine the presence of menstrual disorders and the prevalence of PMS/PMDD. Participants The studied group was composed of 75 female athletes aged 16 to 22 years. The control group included 50 healthy girls and young women who did not practice competitive sports. Setting The studied athletes and the controls prospectively evaluated their 2 consecutive menstrual cycles by using a questionnaire. Interventions The research tools were a purpose-built questionnaire, a daily log of PMS symptoms according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines, and a daily log of PMDD symptoms based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnostic criteria. Main Outcome Measures To determine the impact of competitive sports on the menstrual cycle, menstrual disorders, and the prevalence of PMS/PMDD in girls and young women. Results Intensive physical exercise delayed menarche. PMDD was diagnosed in 8% and PMS in 42.4% of all respondents. The prevalence of PMDD did not differ significantly between the groups (9.33% versus 6.00%). PMS was significantly more frequent among athletes than among controls (49.33% versus 32%, P = .045). The prevalence of PMS correlated significantly with mean age (P = .00001) and age at menarche (P = .03) in athletes. PMS was more frequent in older athletes and in girls with older age at menarche. Conclusion Competitive sports, older mean age, older age at menarche, length of sporting career, and intensity of training are conducive to PMS. The prevalence of PMS increases with the duration and intensification of competitive exercises.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anxiety on women’s sexuality during pregnancy. Material and methods: The prospective study involved 520 pregnant women at the age of 18–45. 168 of them were quali¬fied for the final analysis. The research tools were: a self-designed questionnaire for women and standardized STAI scale. Results: The state and trait anxiety in pregnant women was evaluated during all trimesters of pregnancy. State anxiety was stronger among women with a strong tendency to feelings of anxiety. The authors also tried to determine the correlation between women’s assessment of their relationship with the partners and its impact on state and trait anxiety during all three trimesters of pregnancy. Self assessment of relations between partners had statistically significant impact on the increase in state anxiety (p = 0.04) in multiparous women, who reported impairment of their relations with the partner, and had statistically significant impact on the increase in the trait anxiety in primiparous women (p = 0.02) and multiparous (p = 0.05) women, who reported deterioration of partnership especially in the second trimester of their pregnancy. Lower anxiety level in the second trimester contributed to the increased sexual activity. Conclusions: Anxiety level during pregnancy significantly affected the quality of sexual activity. Lower anxiety level in the second trimester contributed to the increased sexual activity.

Introduction : Obesity is one of the most common nutrition-related disorders worldwide and one of the major health problems in menopausal women, which significantly worsens the quality of life and can lead to severe diseases or even premature death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between physical activity in different domains undertaken by menopausal women while performing daily activities and their body mass index (BMI). Material and methods : The study was conducted on a random sample of 400 healthy Polish women aged 45-55. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the respondents’ socio-economic status, medical history and the long format of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Results: Fifty-one percent (50.6%) of women had normal body mass, 43.75% of respondents were overweighed and 5.65% of women were obese. A moderate physical activity level was presented by most midlife women in domestic and garden domain, active transportation and leisure time. Pearson’s correlation showed that such factors as age, education and physical activity level in different domains have a significant correlation with BMI. Conclusions : Most respondents presented a moderate physical activity level in all domains except work, where the respondents had a high physical activity (PA) level. A high PA level especially at work (r = –0.5788) and during leisure time (r = –0.5175) strongly correlate with lower BMI.

Introduction The physiological changes during each trimester of pregnancy have a significant impact on women's sexual behavior. Aim The aim of the work was to assess changes in the sexual function during pregnancy. Methods The prospective study encompassed 520 pregnant women aged between 18 and 45, of whom 168 were qualified for the final analysis. The research tool was a purpose-designed research questionnaire and the standardized Female Sexual Function Index. Main Outcome Measures To assess changes in the sexual function among pregnant women aged 18–45 in the three pregnancy trimesters. Results All the studied parameters, i.e., desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, decreased significantly with the progression of pregnancy. Analyzing the frequency of sexual intercourse in the studied group before and during pregnancy, a statistically significant decrease (P Conclusions Sexual function was compromised and sexual activity decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Changes in the domains of arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were particularly notable in primaparae in the third trimester of pregnancy. Unsatisfying partner relationship was a significant factor affecting the quality of sexual life during pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to analyze the ego-state of obese people in terms of transactional analysis and to determine the relationship between coping with overweight strategies, Ego-structure, global self-esteem, and body self-esteem levels.One-hundred-seventy-one overweight and obese adult females were examined by a general practitioner and a specialist in obesity management. The ego-state, global self-esteem, and body self-esteem were assessed using the Ego State Questionnaire (ESQ), the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Body-Esteem Scale, respectively.Participants were divided into three subgroups: A--no attempts at weight loss currently (35.1%), B--self-attempted weight loss (33.9%), C--professional obesity treatment (31.0%). Age, education level, professional status, marital status, and number of children, along with the onset of being overweight/obese were similar in all subgroups. Subgroups B and C statistically and significantly made frequent attempts at weight loss (p0.001) and experienced yo-yo effect (p0.001) more than subgroup A. Effective weight loss attempts were observed significantly more often in subgroups C (p0.001). Only mean lies scale results were significantly higher in subgroups A and C compared to B (p0.05 and p0.01, respectively). While self-esteem, sexual attractiveness, weight concern, physical condition and ego-states were similar in all study subgroups.Structure of the Ego-states, self-esteem and body-esteem did not influence the strategies of coping with overweight. Self-esteem is related to spontaneous Ego-child and Ego-adult levels, while the sense of sexual attractiveness is affected only by Ego-spontaneous child.

Anovulatory cycles and endometriosis are the main causes of female infertility. The most frequently anovulatory cycles are related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly associated with obesity and hormonal disturbances in the course of obesity. Recently published studies revealed that infertility affects about one in six couples during their lifetime and is more frequent in obese. Obesity is also associated with male infertility related to erectile dysfunction, hormonal disturbances and lower semen quality. Any of these above mentioned disorder is the important risk factor of psychological disturbances and poor quality of life among women and men in the reproductive age. On the other hand the mood disorders may exacerbate the hormonal disturbances and worsen the effectiveness of infertility management. Infertility, its therapy with accompanying psychological disturbances may also significantly affect the partners relationships. The review summarize the results described in the current literature on the association between obesity and infertility and psychological disturbances as well as their impact on quality of life and sexual functioning in women and men. Moreover, the impact of infertility and psychological disturbances on partners relationships is discussed.

The most frequent manner of attending childbirth imposes on midwives assuming poor body position affecting the musculoskeletal system. Long professional experience does not mitigate the negative effects. The adopted movement habit, as well as the type, number and frequency of actions influence the body posture. The aim of the study was to identify ergonomic threats of basic occupational midwives activities and how particular spinal segments arrangements while attending childbirth using the same technique in senior midwives differ from those of junior ones. It was also checked whether pain influences the working position assumed by midwives. Examinations were conducted in 95 midwives aged 21–50 (X = 29.25±9.34): 51 graduates of BSc midwifery who worked 680 h in delivery rooms during obligatory practical classes and apprenticeship and 44 senior midwives with professional experience of 7–27 years (X = 14.84±5.98). The study was threefold. The spinal alignment while performing work activities associated with attending childbirth was assessed using the OWAS system and the SonoSens Monitor, the center of gravity projection on basal plane — using the AccuGait AMTI stabilometric platform. The measurements were taken during a simulation of attending childbirth (on examination model). A survey was conducted aimed at identifying spinal pain. Midwives’ working postures require unnatural body alignments. Postural instability in the working position and no maximal usage of basal plane were observed. The work overload may afflict the musculoskeletal system, which was confirmed by different pain discomforts in 67.3% of the examinees. Spinal alignment while attending childbirth is individually differentiated and in every case non-ergonomic. Identifying explicitly spinal overloads is difficult, but the most prevalent ones affect lumbar and cervical regions altogether. Spinal pain is frequently noted, both in junior and senior midwives, and is characteristic for midwives working in maximal movement ranges.