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International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2023Period poverty is a global issue that needs to be addressed as a public health crisis. It is directly related to Sustainable Health Goals three, four, five, six, and... (Review)
Review
Period poverty is a global issue that needs to be addressed as a public health crisis. It is directly related to Sustainable Health Goals three, four, five, six, and eight. Period poverty adversely affects the health of anyone capable of menstruating, which is nearly half of the world population, at the physiological, emotional, and psychosocial level. Biases, cultural beliefs, ethical reproductive justice issues, social stigma, and systemic factors contribute to period poverty. Every month, certain menstruators are disproportionately impacted by period poverty and struggle to access basic hygienic necessities. Important stakeholders include not only the individual who experiences menses but also educators and school systems, healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health officials, and researchers. Everyone has a role in addressing period poverty by voting for officials that proactively support legislation, policy, and programs at all levels to effectively advocate for menstrual equity and address barriers contributing to period poverty. This includes policies that increase access to menstrual hygiene products, safe menstrual management methods, and reproductive and women's health education. Programs globally that focus on capacity building and sustainability strategies can be used as models to reduce period poverty, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and menstruators' sense of autonomy, dignity, and equality.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menstruation; Public Health; Hygiene; Schools; Poverty; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38063548
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237118 -
International Journal of Public Health Mar 2019This study presents a scoping review of evidence relating to knowledge and experiences of puberty and menstruation among females aged 10-14 years in low- and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This study presents a scoping review of evidence relating to knowledge and experiences of puberty and menstruation among females aged 10-14 years in low- and middle-income countries.
METHODS
Forty-four items from 12 countries were identified from a systematic scoping review and screening of 8083 items. Included studies were quality assessed.
RESULTS
A majority (40/44) of studies used school-based samples, and fifteen studies reported on interventions. Girls had inadequate knowledge about menstruation; menarche as a trigger for girls learning about menstruation was common. Adolescents struggled with menstrual hygiene. Negative emotions were associated with menarche and menstrual management. A minority of studies dealt explicitly with puberty. Most girls obtained information about menstruation and/or puberty from their mothers, although mothers were not necessarily girls' preferred source for learning about these topics.
CONCLUSIONS
Young adolescent girls are under-prepared for puberty and menstruation. Predominantly school-based studies mean we know little about young out-of-school adolescents. The evidence base lags behind the rise in interest from practitioners as well as the development (and evaluation) of puberty and/or menstruation interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Income; Menarche; Menstruation; Poverty; Puberty
PubMed: 30740629
DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01209-0 -
Molecular Medicine Reports Dec 2020Abnormal menstruation may result in several pathological alterations and gynaecological diseases, including endometriosis, menstrual pain and miscarriage. However, the... (Review)
Review
Abnormal menstruation may result in several pathological alterations and gynaecological diseases, including endometriosis, menstrual pain and miscarriage. However, the pathogenesis of menstruation remains unclear due to the limited number of animal models available to study the menstrual cycle. In recent years, an effective, reproducible, and highly adaptive mouse model to study menstruation has been developed. In this model, progesterone and oestrogen were administered in cycles following the removal of ovaries. Subsequently, endometrial decidualisation was induced using sesame oil, followed by withdrawal of progesterone administration. Vaginal bleeding in mice is similar to that in humans. Therefore, the use of mice as a model organism to study the mechanism of menstruation and gynaecological diseases may prove to be an important breakthrough. The present review is focussed ond the development and applications of a mouse model of menstruation. Furthermore, various studies have been described to improve this model and the research findings that may aid in the treatment of menstrual disorders in women are presented.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Endometrium; Estrogens; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Mice; Ovary; Progesterone
PubMed: 33174022
DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11567 -
Global Health Action Jul 2020The transition from childhood to adolescence is a critical transitional period for girls, and as they experience these changes, having knowledge of, and being able to...
BACKGROUND
The transition from childhood to adolescence is a critical transitional period for girls, and as they experience these changes, having knowledge of, and being able to practice, good menstruation hygiene management is crucial. The objective of this study was to understand in and out of school adolescents' menstrual hygiene management practice, sources of information and attitudes towards menstruation.
METHODS
A cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted between November 2018 and May 2019. The sampling included adolescent girls aged 11-19 years in higher secondary schools in Khammouane and Champassak provinces and out-of-school adolescent girls. Out of the total number of 433 participants enrolled in the study, only 343 girls had reached menarche and were included in the study. Factors associated with menstruation hygiene management practice were examined with bivariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Out of 343 subjects who had reached menarche, 44% reported good menstrual hygiene management practice. Over half of the participants, however, were unable to access the tools of good menstruation hygiene management practice, including having somewhere to dispose of used sanitary pads in private. Being older (16-19 years) (AOR:2.4; 95%CI 1.4 to 3.9), and having primary education (AOR 0.4; 95%CI 0.2 to 0.9) were associated with good practice as was fathers' level of education (AOR 2.1; 95%CI 1.0 to 4.1) and mother-girl discussion about menstruation (AOR 2.2; 95%CI 1.0 to 5.0). No significant differences were found between in- and out-of-school adolescents.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, not all participants were able to practice optimal menstruation hygiene management. This is important as good menstrual hygiene management is associated with better health and being able to participate fully in education and work. Further education is needed, but it is also important to ensure that all adolescent girls have access to the necessary tools for effective menstruation hygiene management.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Hygiene; Laos; Menarche; Menstruation; Students; Young Adult
PubMed: 32741349
DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1785170 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2021: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of both physical activity, such as running and dancing, and the personal characteristics of the studied women on the...
: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of both physical activity, such as running and dancing, and the personal characteristics of the studied women on the occurrence and progression of premenstrual disorder (PMD). : We surveyed 414 women aged 22-48 who were experiencing the menstrual cycle but not using hormonal contraception. There were two physically active groups, runners ( = 215) and Argentine tango dancers ( = 94), and there was one group not undertaking any physical activity-the control group ( = 104). The research was conducted using the researchers' own questionnaire. : The number of days of PMD symptoms in the tango vs. runner vs. control groups are as follows: pre-bleeding (mean: 4.14 vs. 4.86 vs. 4.85; = 0.024), after the onset of bleeding (mean: 1.76 vs. 2.39 vs. 2.16; = 0.001), and in total (mean: 5.94 vs. 7.25 vs. 7.01; < 0.001). The regression analysis results without grouping results are as follows: the number of days of symptoms before bleeding and menarche (B: -0.16; 95% CIs: from -0.29 to -0.04; = 0.011), the total duration of symptoms and menarche (B: -0.17; 95% CIs: from -0.32 to -0.01; = 0.036), lower abdominal pain and age (B: -0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; = 0.002), diarrhoea (B: -0.08; 95% CIs: 0.88-0.97; < 0.001), tearfulness, depressive states and age (B: -0.06; 95% CIs: 0.91-0.97; < 0.001), skin problems and age (B: -0.05; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; = 0.004), joint pain and age (B: -0.09; 95% CIs: 0.86-0.96; = 0.001), pain in the lumbar spine (B: -0.06, 95% CIs: 0.91-0.98; = 0.001), water retention and BMI (B: 0.09; 95% CIs: 0.92-0.98; = 0.007), and water retention and menarche (B: -0.19; 95% CIs: 0.73-0.94; = 0.003). : generally there is one regression model, we have several here, we have a bit the description. : Physical activity such as dancing (tango) shortens the duration of PMD symptoms but does not completely eliminate them. Running does not have as beneficial an effect on symptom relief as dancing. Current age, age when menstruation began (menarche), and BMI were revealed to be important factors influencing the symptoms of premenstrual disorders.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menarche; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Menstruation Disturbances; Premenstrual Syndrome; Running
PubMed: 34360242
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157946 -
JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical... Jul 2021Menstrual migraine is a condition in females, where headaches are linked with menstruation and may be debilitating. Hormonal fluctuations could have a key role in...
Menstrual migraine is a condition in females, where headaches are linked with menstruation and may be debilitating. Hormonal fluctuations could have a key role in migraine etiopathogenesis, as several women experience that their migraine attacks correlate with their menstrual cycle. Estrogen withdrawal appears to have a significant role in migraine associated with menstrual cycles, despite the fact that its pathophysiology is not well known. The treatment method can also vary from that used to treat nonmenstrual migraines. However, with proper identification and management of the condition, it can be bearable. This article highlights some portions of what is known about migraine, its triggers including the experience of a sufferer and aims to provide readers with a better understanding of migraine in women by understanding these aspects of the condition.
Topics: Female; Headache; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Migraine Disorders
PubMed: 34508410
DOI: 10.31729/jnma.6332 -
African Health Sciences Mar 2022in the ten (10) regions of Ghana. The findings showed that most girls in Public Senior High Schools in Ghana had prior knowledge about menstruation from their mothers...
in the ten (10) regions of Ghana. The findings showed that most girls in Public Senior High Schools in Ghana had prior knowledge about menstruation from their mothers and sisters prior to menarche. It was revealed that majority of the girls mentioned hormones as the cause of menstruation, whilst others mentioned the uterus, bladder, vagina, and other parts of the female reproductive system. A few of them had no idea what causes menstruation. The findings again revealed that most girls use sanitary pads, while some use other materials during menstruation. Less than half of the sample of girls in this study were able to change their pads twice daily or more. About half of the girls cleansed their genital parts only when bathing during menstruation using soup and water mostly. Half of the schools used pblic tap/standpipe as their main source of water and the rest used other sources of water. Also, most schools have toilet facilities. Some useful recommendations are proffered with the aim of improving MHM in public high schools in Ghana.
Topics: Female; Ghana; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Hygiene; Menstruation; Schools; Water
PubMed: 36032493
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i1.11 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Jul 2020The current treatment for Asherman syndrome is limited and not very effective. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence for stem cells in the... (Review)
Review
The current treatment for Asherman syndrome is limited and not very effective. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence for stem cells in the treatment of Asherman syndrome. The advent of stem cell therapy has propagated experimentation on mice and humans as a novel treatment. The consensus is that the regenerative capacity of stem cells has demonstrated improved outcomes in terms of fertility and fibrosis in both mice and humans with Asherman syndrome. Stem cells have effects on tissue repair by homing to the injured site, recruiting other cells by secreting chemokines, modulating the immune system, differentiating into other types of cells, proliferating into daughter cells, and potentially having antimicrobial activity. The studies reviewed examine different origins and administration modalities of stem cells. In preclinical models, therapeutic systemic injection of stem cells is more effective than direct intrauterine injection in regenerating the endometrium. In conjunction, bone marrow-derived stem cells have a stronger effect on uterine regeneration than uterine-derived stem cells, likely due to their broader differentiation potency. Clinical trials have demonstrated the initial safety and effectiveness profiles of menstrual, bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue-derived stem cells in resumption of menstruation, fertility outcomes, and endometrial regeneration.
Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Animals; Biomarkers; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Endometrium; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Female; Gynatresia; Humans; Menstruation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Placenta; Pregnancy; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Umbilical Cord; Uterus
PubMed: 32445154
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01801-x -
Women's Health (London, England) 2021Due to the diversity in profiles associated with the female reproductive cycle and their potential physiological and psychological effects, monitoring the reproductive...
BACKGROUND
Due to the diversity in profiles associated with the female reproductive cycle and their potential physiological and psychological effects, monitoring the reproductive status of exercising females is important from a practical and research perspective. Moreover, as physical activity can influence menstrual function, the effects of physical activity energy expenditure on reproductive function should also be considered.
AIM
The aim of this study was to develop and establish initial face and content validity of the Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) for physically active females, which is a retrospective assessment of menstrual function from menarche (first menstruation) to menopause (cessation of menstruation).
METHODS
Face validity was evaluated qualitatively, and the initial content validity was established through a principal component analysis. The face validity process was completed by 26 females aged 19-67 years and the content validity was established through a survey sent to a convenience sample of 392 females, of which 230 females (57.9% and aged 18-49 years) completed the survey.
RESULTS
The revisions made following the face validation improved the understanding, flow, and coherence of the survey. The principal component analysis indicated that, at a minimum, the survey measures these constructs: menstrual cessation and associated moderators, athletic participation and performance levels (as associated with menstruation change and the menstrual cycle), age and menstrual cessation, hormonal contraception ("birth control"), and menarche and associated moderators.
CONCLUSION
The Health and Reproductive Survey (HeRS) is a partially validated tool that can be used by researchers to characterize the menstrual status of physically active females relative to their physical activity status.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menarche; Menopause; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34348519
DOI: 10.1177/17455065211004814 -
BMJ Open Feb 2021In recent years, there has been a growing desire to address issues related to menstruation, particularly for adolescent girls. In low-income and middle-income countries,...
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, there has been a growing desire to address issues related to menstruation, particularly for adolescent girls. In low-income and middle-income countries, prior literature review of the adolescent menstrual experience suggests the need for further research into the impact and efficacy of interventions with this population. There is evidence to suggest the need for initiatives and research in higher-income countries like the USA. To date, the body of research on adolescent menstrual experience in the USA remains uncharacterised. Therefore, we propose a scoping review of the literature on this subject to better inform on areas for future primary study.
METHODS AND ANALYSES
Using the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and expounded on by Levac and the Joanna Briggs Institute, we will search electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest Public Health Database, Social Science Citation Index, Social Services Abstracts and SocINDEX) and grey literature for relevant studies in consultation with experienced librarians. The abstracts and full-text from each reference will be screened by two independent reviewers for inclusion. Bibliographic data, study characteristics and themes will be extracted from studies selected for inclusion using a rubric created by the research team. Findings will be summarised and a list of subject areas for future primary research will be generated in consultation with stakeholders. The review will be conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items from Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Formal ethics training for this study is not required, as the research team will review publicly available studies. Stakeholders working in adolescent and menstrual health were consulted in designing this review. We will share key findings with stakeholders and in scholarly journals at the conclusion of the review.
Topics: Adolescent; Delivery of Health Care; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Population Groups; Poverty; Research Design; Review Literature as Topic; United States
PubMed: 33602701
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040511