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Cureus Dec 2023Background There is no sound evidence for the association of blood groups with the risk of endometriosis, and no studies from Saudi Arabia have examined this...
Background There is no sound evidence for the association of blood groups with the risk of endometriosis, and no studies from Saudi Arabia have examined this association. Therefore, the primary aim was to determine whether there is an association between the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups and the incidence of endometriosis in a cohort from Saudi Arabia and also to evaluate the potential risk factors related to endometriosis among the population. Methods This case-control study included women diagnosed with endometriosis (n = 44) who presented to King Abdulaziz University Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2010 and 2021. Women from the blood donors database of King Abdulaziz University Hospital were included as a control group (n = 184). The total sample size was 228. Demographic data, diagnosis method, ABO blood type, and Rh blood type were obtained from hospital records. In addition, data were collected from self-reported questionnaires, which included family history, dysmenorrhea, age of menarche, age of childbearing, number of children, history of abortion, parity, number of children, use of oral contraceptives for alleviating dysmenorrhea, iron deficiency, duration of menstrual flow, and volume of bleeding during menses. Odds ratio, Pearson chi-squared test (χ2), and independent t-test were used to analyze the associations between variables. Results Most of the participants had blood type O (n = 117, 51.3%), which was followed by blood type A (n = 59, 26.0%), and the majority were Rh+ (n = 215, 94.3%). There was no significant difference in the risk of endometriosis according to ABO (P = 0.237) and Rh (P = 0.283) blood types. However, endometriosis was found to have a significant relationship with dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding during menses, history of abortion, long duration of menstrual flow, lower number of children, late pregnancy, and use of oral contraceptive pills to relieve dysmenorrhea (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions The present results indicate that ABO and Rh blood types are not associated with the risk of endometriosis. However, there was a strong, significant association between endometriosis and other factors.
PubMed: 38283422
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51268 -
Research and Practice in Thrombosis and... Jan 2024The effects of antiplatelet therapy on menstrual bleeding have not been well characterized.
BACKGROUND
The effects of antiplatelet therapy on menstrual bleeding have not been well characterized.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the effects of antiplatelet therapy on menstrual bleeding.
METHODS
A literature search was performed for studies of reproductive-aged women who received antiplatelet therapy. Characteristics of menstrual bleeding both before and after initiation of antiplatelet therapy and from comparison groups were collected. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias in individual studies.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with a total of 611 women who received antiplatelet therapy were included. Types of antiplatelet drugs used were aspirin ( = 8), aspirin and/or clopidogrel ( = 2), prasugrel ( = 1), and not specified ( = 2). Risk of bias was assessed at moderate ( = 1), serious ( = 8), critical ( = 2), and no information ( = 2). Three studies reported changes in menstrual blood loss volume. One of these showed no increase during antiplatelet therapy; the other 2 studies suggested that aspirin may increase menstrual blood loss volume. In 3 studies that assessed the duration of menstrual bleeding, up to 13% of women reported an increased duration of menstruation. In 5 studies that reported the intensity of menstrual flow, 13% to 38% of women experienced an increase in the intensity of flow. Five studies reported the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who received antiplatelet therapy, with estimates ranging from 7% to 38%.
CONCLUSION
There is lack of high-quality data on the effects of antiplatelet therapy on menstrual bleeding. Aspirin may increase menstrual blood loss, at least in a minority of women, whereas the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors are unknown.
PubMed: 38268520
DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102295 -
Fertility and Sterility Apr 2024To study whether the menstrual cycle has a circaseptan (7 days) rhythm and whether it is associated with the lunar cycle (also defined as the synodic month, it is the...
OBJECTIVE
To study whether the menstrual cycle has a circaseptan (7 days) rhythm and whether it is associated with the lunar cycle (also defined as the synodic month, it is the cycle of the phases of the Moon as seen from Earth, averaging 29.5 days in length).
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
SUBJECTS
A total of 35,940 European and North American women aged 18-40 years.
EXPOSURE
Data were collected in real-life conditions.
INTERVENTION
No intervention was performed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The onset of menstruation was assessed in prospectively measured menstrual cycles (311,064 cycles) over 3 full years (2019-2021). Associations were calculated between the onset of menstruation and the day of the week, and between the onset of menstruation and the lunar phase.
RESULTS
In this large data set, a circaseptan (7-day) rhythmicity of menstruation was observed, with a peak (acrophase) of menstrual onset on Thursdays and Fridays. This circaseptan rhythm was observed in every age group, in every phase of the lunar cycle, and in all seasons. This feature was most pronounced for cycle durations between 27 and 29 days. In winter, the circaseptan rhythm was found in cycles of 27-29 days, but not in other cycle lengths. A circalunar rhythm was also statistically significant, but not as clearly defined as the circaseptan rhythm. The peak (acrophase) of the circalunar rhythm of menstrual onset varied according to the season. In addition, there was a small but statistically significant interaction between the circaseptan rhythm and the lunar cycle.
CONCLUSION
Although relatively small in amplitude, the weekly rhythm of menstruation was statistically significant. Menstruation occurs more often on Thursdays and Fridays than on other days of the week. This is particularly true for women whose cycles last between 27 and 29 days. Circalunar rhythmicity was also statistically significant. However, it is less pronounced than the weekly rhythm.
Topics: Female; Humans; Moon; Cross-Sectional Studies; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Seasons; Circadian Rhythm
PubMed: 38206269
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.009 -
Cureus Dec 2023Background The rollout of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines has significantly enhanced immunity against coronavirus disease 2019...
Background The rollout of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines has significantly enhanced immunity against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to a reduction in the severity of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. While various side effects of the vaccine have been reported, its impact on the menstrual cycle remains unclear. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving university students who had received either partial or full vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Data was gathered through a questionnaire designed to assess the relationship between menstrual changes and the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Results A total of 773 participants, with a mean age of 20.6 ± 1.7 years, were included in this study. The participants reported a significant increase in the irregularity of the menstrual cycle. We observed a slight increase in the length of the menstrual cycle, from 30.0 ± 4.0 days (pre-vaccination) to 30.5 ± 5.6 days (post-vaccination), which was statistically significant (p<0.001). The duration of menstruation also increased, from 4.9 ± 1.7 days (pre-vaccination) to 5.0 ± 1.7 days (post-vaccination). However, this increase in menstrual length due to vaccination was not statistically significant (p = 0.898). Notably, there was a significant increase in pain reported by the participants after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (p = 0.004). Conclusion The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination significantly impacted the regularity of the menstrual cycle, length of the menstrual cycle, and pain during menstruation, though temporarily. Our study found no significant differences in menstrual changes or the type of vaccine administered (Covishield and Covaxin).
PubMed: 38186546
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50025 -
Cureus Dec 2023Background After COVID-19 vaccination, females reported irregularities and changes in their menstrual cycle. We aimed to explore the menstrual irregularities following...
Background After COVID-19 vaccination, females reported irregularities and changes in their menstrual cycle. We aimed to explore the menstrual irregularities following COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi women of childbearing age. Methodology The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who had no history of menstrual irregularities before receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The participants filled out an online self-administered questionnaire via Google Form about any menstrual irregularities they experienced after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Results A total of 535 participants completed the survey. The study found that 41.7% (223) of women experienced menstrual changes after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, increasing to 44.1% (236) after the second dose. The incidence of these changes varied between the first and second doses. For example, the incidence of changes in period duration decreased from 51.6% to 48.3% after the first and second doses, respectively. Similarly, the incidence of delayed periods decreased from 48.4% to 47.9%, while dysmenorrhea increased slightly from 30.9% to 32.2% after the two doses. The incidence of heavier menstrual flow increased from 26.9% to 30.5%, while the incidence of lighter menstrual flow decreased from 26.9% to 24.6% after the first and second doses, respectively. Conclusions There is an increased incidence of changes in menstrual cycle after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in menstrual cycle length, menstrual pain, and the flow of menstruation. Future studies are needed to investigate the potential underlying biological mechanisms.
PubMed: 38164312
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49841 -
International Journal of Women's Health 2023To evaluate the dynamically impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the female reproductive system.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the dynamically impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the female reproductive system.
METHODS
An online survey was shared to women of reproductive age who had been infected with COVID-19 and recovered in China between January and March 2023.
RESULTS
In total, 610 women of childbearing age completed the menstrual component of the survey and 82.6% (n=504) women self-purchased medications without hospitalization. 254 women were menstruating during COVID-19 infection. 66.9% of them reported changes in menstruation, including cycle length (64.7%), menstrual flow (72.4%), and duration (53%), compared to pre-COVID-19. COVID-19-related chest tightness (OR: 9.5; 95% CI: 1.9-46.3), COVID-19-related stress (OR: 18.4; 95% CI: 1.4-249.7), and COVID-19-related low mood (OR: 6.2; 95% CI: 1.4-28.2) were associated with these menstrual changes. However, over 73% of women who menstruated during and after COVID-19 regained their pre-infection menstrual cycle (73%), duration (79.6%), and flow (75.2%) during their first menstruation after COVID-19 recovery. Compared to pre-infection, 19.7% (n=124) women reported changes in lower reproductive tract during COVID-19, including volume and color of vaginal discharge, vulvar pruritus, and vaginitis. These changes were significantly increased in those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (OR: 12.1; 95% CI: 3.1-48.2), ovarian cysts (OR: 4.9; 95% CI: 1.2-19.4), and vaginitis (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 2.1-14.4) prior to COVID-19. However, 52.4% reported that their lower reproductive tract health had returned to its pre-infection within the first month after recovery from COVID-19, while 73.5% reported a return to the pre-infection within 2 months.
CONCLUSION
Changes in menstruation and lower reproductive tract associated with COVID-19 are transient. Menstruation and lower reproductive tract health will gradually return to pre-COVID-19 status within 2 months of recovery, which can help alleviate excessive concerns about the effects of COVID-19 on the reproductive system.
PubMed: 38152614
DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S433516 -
Medicine Dec 2023Concerns about a possible relationship between vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and menstrual disorders have been raised in the media. In...
Concerns about a possible relationship between vaccination against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and menstrual disorders have been raised in the media. In addition, different studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine may be associated with menstrual changes. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle in women. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between August 16 and September 17, 2021. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire via an online form sent to the participants through social media. Data of 586 women were included in this study. A total of 82.4% (n = 483) of the participants were aged between 31 and 50 years. The BioNTech vaccine (2 doses) was administered to 75.8% (n = 444), Sinovac (3 doses) to 9.0% (n = 53) of the participants. 53.1% (n = 311) of the women experienced changes in their menstrual cycles. The most common menstrual changes after vaccination were delayed menstruation (n = 176; 30.0%) and prolonged menstrual duration (n = 132; 22.5%). Menstrual delay, prolonged menstrual duration, heavy bleeding, and early menstruation were more common in women than prior to receiving the vaccine (P < .05). More than half of the women experienced menstrual cycle changes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Women experienced significantly higher rates of menstruation delay, prolonged menstrual duration, heavy bleeding, and early bleeding compared to before vaccination.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Cross-Sectional Studies; Menstrual Cycle; Turkey
PubMed: 38115291
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036638 -
Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine 2023Premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea are common gynecological complaints that are associated with psychological disorders. There is increasing evidence for the...
OBJECTIVE
Premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea are common gynecological complaints that are associated with psychological disorders. There is increasing evidence for the neuroprotective properties of curcumin, a polyphenolic natural product. This study aimed to assess the effects of curcumin on sleep complications in women with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This triple-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial comprised 124 patients with both premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Participants were randomly assigned to curcumin (n=57) or control (n=60) groups. Each participant received one capsule containing either 500 mg of curcumin plus piperine or placebo, daily, from 7 days before until 3 days after menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Insomnia and sleepiness were assessed using standard questionnaires.
RESULTS
Scores for insomnia and daytime sleepiness were directly correlated with the Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool (PSST) score (p<0.05), but not with the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at baseline (p>0.05). There was a non-significant reduction in insomnia and sleepiness scores in both curcumin and placebo groups after the study intervention. Whilst, improvement rate of insomnia status, daytime sleepiness severity, short sleep duration and difficult sleep initiation was not statistically significant between the curcumin and placebo groups.
CONCLUSION
Curcumin does not significantly affect sleep disorders in young women with premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
PubMed: 38106634
DOI: 10.22038/AJP.2023.21916 -
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 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... 2023Endometrial calcification is an uncommon clinical entity. They can be detected during pelvic ultrasonography or as incidental pathologic findings. Most of the cases are...
Endometrial calcification is an uncommon clinical entity. They can be detected during pelvic ultrasonography or as incidental pathologic findings. Most of the cases are asymptomatic or present with secondary infertility and menstrual anomalies. Its definite etiology is still not known and the pathogenesis is uncertain; its clinical importance is not yet fully validated. Since there is no exact simulating disease to compare this condition in Ayurveda; according to the features involved in its pathophysiology; involvement of Tridosha has been contemplated. Therefore, the management of endometrial calcifications is conducted by considering the specific Dosha involved. Uttara Basti is a minimally invasive procedure that can be easily performed as an outpatient procedure, offering a more convenient and cost-effective approach to enhance the treatment of endometrial calcifications. Here in this case study, the patient had been diagnosed with endometrial calcifications and was subsequently scheduled for an Ayurvedic management protocol. The procedure of Uttara Basti with Kshara Oil and Phala ghrita, was undertaken for a duration of 3 consecutive months, following the cessation of menstrual flow. The patient experienced improvment in scanty menses, her USG showed a reduction in endometrial calcification. Furthermore, she was conceived.
PubMed: 38070240
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100827