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Life (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023The aim of this review was to describe the uterine microbiome composition that has been analyzed so far and describe potential pathways in the carcinogenesis of the... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to describe the uterine microbiome composition that has been analyzed so far and describe potential pathways in the carcinogenesis of the endometrium. The microbiome in the uterine environment is involved in apoptosis and proliferation during the menstruation cycle, pregnancy maintenance, and immune system support. However, bacteria in the uterus could stimulate inflammation, which when chronic results in malignancy. An altered gut microbiota initiates an inflammatory response through microorganism-associated molecular patterns, which leads to intensified steroidogenesis in the ovaries and cancers. Moreover, intestinal bacteria secreting the enzyme β-glucuronidase may increase the level of circulating estrogen and, as a result, be influential in gynecological cancers. Both the uterine and the gut microbiota play a pivotal role in immune modulation, which is why there is a demand for further investigation from both the diagnostic and the therapeutic perspectives.
PubMed: 38137870
DOI: 10.3390/life13122269 -
Zhonghua Fu Chan Ke Za Zhi Jul 2023To investigate the familial heritability of endometriosis and to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with or without a family history of endometriosis....
To investigate the familial heritability of endometriosis and to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with or without a family history of endometriosis. From January 2020 to June 2022, 850 patients with endometriosis confirmed by laparotomy or laparoscopy in Peking University Third Hospital were included in this study. Clinical data were collected, family history was followed up, and the differences of clinical indicators between patients with and without family history of endometriosis were compared. A total of 850 patients were enrolled, with an average age of (33.8±7.0) years old, 315 (37.1%, 315/850) patients in stage Ⅲ and 496 (58.4%, 496/850) patients in stage Ⅳ. There were 100 patients with family history of endometriosis, accounting for 11.8% (100/850). Most of the 113 relatives involved were mothers, daughters and sisters (76.1%, 86/113), 81.5% (22/27) of the second and third degree relatives were maternal relatives. The median ages of patients with and without family history of endometriosis were 30 and 33 years old respectively at the time of diagnosis. The unmarried rate of patients with family history was higher [42.0% (42/100) vs 26.3% (197/750)]. The percentage of dysmenorrhea patients with family history was higher [89.0% (89/100) vs 55.5% (416/750)]. The medians of dysmenorrhea score in patients with and without family history were 6 and 2, and the median durations of dysmenorrhea were 10 and 1 years. There were significant differences in age, marital status, percentage of dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhea score and duration (all <0.001). The median levels of serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 in patients with family history and patients without family history at the time of diagnosis were 57.5 and 46.9 kU/L respectively, with a statistically significant difference (<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in nationality, bady mass index, menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstrual period, menstrual volume, serum CA level, cyst location and size, stage, history of adverse pregnancy and childbirth, infertility, adenomyosis and deep infiltrating endometriosis (all >0.05). By comparing the specific conditions of dysmenorrhea patients with and without family history of endometriosis, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the age of onset of dysmenorrhea, duration of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, and progressive aggravation of dysmenorrhea (all >0.05). The difference in the degree of dysmenorrhea in dysmenorrhea patients with family history of endometriosis was significant (<0.001). The incidence of endometriosis has a familial tendency, and most of the involved relatives are the first degree relatives. Compared with patients without family history of endometriosis, endometriosis patients with family history are diagnosed at an earlier age, with higher percentage of dysmenorrhea, had more severe dysmenorrhea and higher serum CA level.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Menstruation; Menstrual Cycle; Adenomyosis
PubMed: 37474323
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112141-20221222-00768 -
Women & Health Mar 2024Women experiencing homelessness are marginalized not only through their housing status but also through their access and ability to manage their menstrual health.... (Review)
Review
Women experiencing homelessness are marginalized not only through their housing status but also through their access and ability to manage their menstrual health. Currently, there are no existing published reviews exploring this topic. This study aimed to begin closing that gap, by systematically reviewing the literature examining women's experiences of menstruation whilst being homeless. In June 2020 (and updated in December 2022), we conducted comprehensive and systematic searches of four electronic databases: Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychINFO, from which nine studies were found. The findings were thematically analyzed, using the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research tools (ENTREQ) guidelines. Three themes related to menstrual experiences were found: (1) challenges in the logistics of managing menstruation while homeless, (2) feelings of embarrassment, shame, and dignity linked to maintaining menstrual health, and (3) making do: how people experiencing homelessness manage challenges related to menstruation. We discuss barriers women face in getting necessary products and in accessing private, safe, and clean facilities to manage menstrual health. The study found that women living with homelessness often abandon other basic needs in favor of managing menstruation (i.e. using unsuitable materials, stealing, etc.), which furthers their risk. The findings highlight the need for future research to investigate the experiences of women who are menstruating while being homeless and what support they would find helpful. Results show that it is high time for commissioners and policy-makers to address the provision of menstrual resources as a basic human right.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ill-Housed Persons; Social Problems; Qualitative Research; Shame; Menstruation
PubMed: 38343133
DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2024.2310716 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Sep 2023To investigate the possibility of conservative management of rudimentary uterine horns associated with vaginal agenesis. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To investigate the possibility of conservative management of rudimentary uterine horns associated with vaginal agenesis.
DESIGN
Observational study on cohort of consecutive cases treated with the same criteria from 2008 to 2021.
SETTING
Two academic institutions and teaching hospitals in Milan, Italy.
PATIENTS
Eight patients with vaginal agenesis associated with rudimentary cavitated uterine horns treated by the same team and postoperatively followed.
INTERVENTIONS
All the subjects underwent the same standardized surgical procedure: laparoscopy, intraoperative ultrasound, and horn-vestibular direct anastomosis. Postoperatively vaginoscopy was performed every 6 months.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The postoperative course was generally uneventful and the mean hospital stay was 4.3 ± 2.5 (SD) days. All the patients began to menstruate a few months after the operation. Menstrual flows were light but regular. All patients had a neovaginal length > 4 cm at 1 year postoperatively, reaching approximately 6 cm at 2 years. During the follow-up period, 5 patients were sexually active without dyspareunia. In all cases, surgery restored the continuity of the neovagina and uterine horn through the creation of a "vaginal-horn fistula tract."
CONCLUSION
In patients with vaginal agenesis associated with the presence of a uterine cavitary horn, it is possible to recover not only sexual activity but also menstrual function. The horn-vestibular anastomosis may be considered a valid, safe, and effective therapeutic option but requires accurate preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of rudimentary uterine structures.
Topics: Female; Humans; Abnormalities, Multiple; Congenital Abnormalities; Laparoscopy; Mullerian Ducts; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Uterus; Vagina; Vaginal Fistula
PubMed: 37172890
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2023.05.002 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Observational studies have demonstrated associations between menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it remains unclear whether...
BACKGROUND
Observational studies have demonstrated associations between menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it remains unclear whether these associations are causal. This study is to investigate whether menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea causally affect the risk of CVD.
METHODS
The summary data for menstrual disorders (excessive menstruation and irregular menses) and dysmenorrhea were obtained from FinnGen study, summary data for CVD were obtained from UK Biobank and meta-analysis. The inverse-variance-weighted method was mainly used in the Mendelian randomization for causality analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed by several methods under different model assumptions.
RESULTS
Genetic liability to excessive menstruation was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio (OR), 1.078 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.015-1.145]; =0.014), but a lower risk of hypertension (OR, 0.994 [95% CI: 0.989-0.999]; =0.016). Irregular menses was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.095 [95% CI: 1.015-1.182]; =0.02), hypertension (OR, 1.007 [95% CI: 1.000-1.013]; =0.047), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.172 [95% CI: 1.060-1.295]; =0.02), ischemic heart disease, (OR, 1.005 [95% CI: 1.000-1.010]; =0.037) and coronary heart disease (OR, 1.004 [95% CI: 1.001-1.008]; =0.026). Dysmenorrhea was associated with higher risk of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.052 [95% CI: 1.014-1.092]; =0.008) and Ischemic stroke (cardioembolic) (OR, 1.122 [95% CI: 1.002-1.257]; =0.046). After Benjamini-Hochberg correction, irregular menses was associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction.
CONCLUSION
We confirmed a causal relationship of excessive menstruation, irregular menses and dysmenorrhea on cardiovascular outcomes independent of sex hormone levels, with an emphasis on the link between irregular menses and myocardial infarction. These clinical features can be utilized as markers to identify women at higher risk of developing CVD in the future, recommending early clinical intervention of menstrual diseases.
Topics: Female; Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dysmenorrhea; Hypertension; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Menstruation Disturbances; Myocardial Infarction
PubMed: 38375191
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1302312 -
Clinical Science (London, England :... Feb 2024The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people... (Review)
Review
The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people who menstruate should receive in relation to the expected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID or COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation. Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to these reported menstrual changes are poorly understood. This review evaluates the published literature on COVID-19 and its impact on menstrual bleeding, discussing the strengths and limitations of these studies. We present evidence consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID having an association with changes in menstrual bleeding parameters and that the impact of COVID vaccination on menstruation appears less significant. An overview of menstrual physiology and known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is provided before discussing potential mechanisms which may underpin the menstrual disturbance reported with COVID-19, highlighting areas for future scientific study. Finally, consideration is given to the effect that menstruation may have on COVID-19, including the impact of the ovarian sex hormones on acute COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and reported variation in long COVID symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the current evidence and addressing gaps in our knowledge in this area are essential to inform public health policy, direct the treatment of menstrual disturbance and facilitate development of new therapies, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and improve quality of life for those experiencing long COVID.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometrium; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Quality of Life; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Menstruation; Uterine Hemorrhage; Menstruation Disturbances
PubMed: 38372528
DOI: 10.1042/CS20220280 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Poor menstrual hygiene practices during menstruation increases the risk of reproductive tract infections, absenteeism, and negative impact on school performance. Despite...
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among early-reproductive aged women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey.
BACKGROUND
Poor menstrual hygiene practices during menstruation increases the risk of reproductive tract infections, absenteeism, and negative impact on school performance. Despite being a global problem, there is a lack of knowledge and misconceptions about menstrual hygiene among women of all ages, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward menstrual hygiene among early reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh to help policymakers and planners take effective initiatives.
METHODOLOGY
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and December 2022 in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Barisal regions of Bangladesh. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to recruit a total of 1,214 participants (100% female; mean age: 22.87 ± 2.64 years). A semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent, socio-demographic information, as well as questions regarding knowledge (6-item), attitudes (7-item), and practices (6-item) toward menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices, was used to conduct the survey. All analyses were performed using the STATA (Version 15.0) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0).
RESULT
The mean scores of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 4.9 ± 1.51 (out of 6), 12.58 ± 1.58 (out of 14), and 8.80 ± 1.87 (out of 12), respectively. The higher scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were significantly associated with several socio-demographic and menstruation-related factors (education, family type, type of menstruation, duration of menstruation, etc.).
CONCLUSION
This study identified several key factors associated with improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene, including higher education levels, student status, younger age, non-alcohol consumption, and regular menstrual cycles. To enhance menstrual hygiene practices among women, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions that address knowledge disparities and tackle social and environmental influences.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Young Adult; Male; Menstruation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hygiene; Bangladesh; Students
PubMed: 38089036
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1238290 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder resulting in irregular menstruation and infertility due to improper follicular development and ovulation. PCOS...
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder resulting in irregular menstruation and infertility due to improper follicular development and ovulation. PCOS pathogenesis is mediated by downregulated follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) expression in granulosa cells (GCs); however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Unkeito (UKT) is a traditional Japanese medicine used to treat irregular menstruation in patients with PCOS. In this study, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of UKT in PCOS by focusing on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) responsiveness.
METHODS
A rat model of PCOS was generated by prenatal treatment with 5α-dihydrotestosterone. Female offspring (3-week-old) rats were fed a UKT mixed diet or a normal diet daily. To compare the PCOS phenotype in rats, the estrous cycle, hormone profiles, and ovarian morphology were evaluated. To further examine the role of FSH, molecular, genetic, and immunohistological analyses were performed using ovarian tissues and primary cultured GCs from normal and PCOS model rats.
RESULTS
UKT increased the number of antral and preovulatory follicles and restored the irregular estrous cycle in PCOS rats. The gene expression levels of FSHR and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-6 were significantly decreased in the ovarian GCs of PCOS rats compared to those in normal rats. UKT treatment increased FSHR staining in the small antral follicles and upregulated and expression in the ovary and GCs of PCOS rats. There was no change in serum gonadotropin levels. In primary cultured GCs stimulated by FSH, UKT enhanced estradiol production, accompanied by increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, and upregulated the expression of genes encoding the enzymes involved in local estradiol synthesis, namely and . Furthermore, UKT elevated the expression of and , involved in progesterone production in cultured GCs in the presence of FSH.
CONCLUSIONS
UKT stimulates ovarian follicle development by potentiating FSH responsiveness by upregulating BMP-2 and BMP-6 expression, resulting in the recovery of estrous cycle abnormalities in PCOS rats. Restoring the FSHR dysfunction in the small antral follicles may alleviate the PCOS phenotype.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Rats; Animals; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6; Estradiol; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; Menstruation Disturbances
PubMed: 37790609
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1228088 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... Feb 2024Women or people with a uterus are vulnerable to both normal and abnormal bleeding. During the reproductive years, the uterus is prepared physiologically to accept an... (Review)
Review
Women or people with a uterus are vulnerable to both normal and abnormal bleeding. During the reproductive years, the uterus is prepared physiologically to accept an embryo and support its growth and development during pregnancy, or in the absence of implantation of an embryo, recycle through the process of menstruation and accept an embryo a month or so later. If fertilization takes place and an embryo or embryos implant in the uterus, the fetal trophoblast, or outer cell layer of the embryo, invades and dilates the maternal spiral arteries and forms the placenta. No matter when in gestation a pregnancy ends, at the conclusion of pregnancy, the placenta should separate from the wall of the uterus and be expelled. Abnormal bleeding occurs during pregnancy or after delivery when the normal uteroplacental interface has not been established or is interrupted; during miscarriage; during ectopic pregnancy; during premature separation of the placenta; or during postpartum hemorrhage. Heavy menstrual bleeding, a subset of abnormal menstrual bleeding, can be quantitatively defined as >80 mL of blood loss per cycle. Unlike postpartum hemorrhage, heavy menstrual bleeding is significantly associated with an underlying bleeding disorder. While there is other reproductive tract bleeding in women, notably bleeding at the time of ovulation or with a life-threatening ruptured ectopic pregnancy, the unique bleeding that women experience is predominantly uterine in origin. Many of the unique aspects of uterine hemostasis, however, remain unknown.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Menorrhagia; Menstruation; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 37709147
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.08.034 -
BMC Women's Health Jul 2023Despite significant progress in reproductive health, many societies still treat menstruation as disgraceful and shameful process and relate it with negative...
BACKGROUND
Despite significant progress in reproductive health, many societies still treat menstruation as disgraceful and shameful process and relate it with negative consequences. This belief and attitude may increase the incidence of reproductive tract infection, leading to significant negative impact on women's health. To manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, it is essential that women and adolescent girls have sufficient knowledge on menstruation hygiene management. Thus, this study aims to identify the knowledge, associated factors related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and effectiveness of health education on MHM.
METHODS
A school-based study was conducted between August 2021 to April 2022 among 400 secondary school girls. The sampling unit was selected by using systematic random sampling method. Health education was given in the interval between the pretest and posttest of knowledge assessment on MHM. Logistic regression analysis and Wilcoxon rank test were applied to identify predictors and to evaluate the effectiveness of health education.
RESULTS
Overall, 57.7% of the girls had unsatisfactory level of knowledge. Around two third (61.4%) missed school days during the menstrual period. Almost 99.5% had experienced some form of cultural restrictions during the menstrual period. After imparting health education, the level of knowledge on menstruation hygiene had significantly improved (z = 17.129, p = < 0.001) to satisfactory compared to the baseline knowledge level (42.3% vs. 92.5%). During multivariate analysis, factors such as having studied in public schools (AoR = 1.7, p = 0.026), having no or one close female friend (AoR = 2.2, p = 0.011), caste other than Brahmin/Chhetri (AoR = 1.4, p = 0.05) and factors such as living in joint family (AoR = 1.6, p = 0.048) were significantly associated with unsatisfactory level of knowledge on MHM.
CONCLUSIONS
A substantial number of respondents had unsatisfactory level of knowledge on MHM. Factors such as ethnicity status, types of family, number of close female friends, types of schools and mothers' education were associated with unsatisfactory level of knowledge. School absenteeism and cultural restriction were found to be common/frequent. Imparting of health education was found to be an effective measure to enhance knowledge on MHM.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hygiene; Nepal; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Schools; Students
PubMed: 37495966
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02494-x