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BMC Women's Health May 2024This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the risk of premenstrual syndrome among college students. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the risk of premenstrual syndrome among college students.
METHODS
Eligible studies were searched from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The link between physical activity and the risk of premenstrual syndrome was evaluated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity of the included studies was tested and their sources were explored by subgroup analysis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of a single study on the pooled results. The included studies were evaluated for publication bias. Five moderate-quality studies were included in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Physical activity levels were negatively associated with risk of premenstrual syndrome among college students (OR [95%CI] = 1.46 [1.09, 1.96], P = .011). The pooled results were not influenced after being stratified by the study region and whether multi-factor correction was performed or not. Publication bias was not observed in the included studies.
CONCLUSION
A high level of physical activity is dramatically associated with a reduced risk of premenstrual syndrome among female college students.
Topics: Humans; Premenstrual Syndrome; Female; Students; Exercise; Universities; Young Adult; Risk Factors; Adult
PubMed: 38783362
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03147-3 -
BMC Public Health May 2024Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition causing severe emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms before menstruation. It greatly hinders daily...
Determinants of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among regular undergraduate students at Hawassa University Southern, Ethiopia, 2023: institution-based cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition causing severe emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms before menstruation. It greatly hinders daily activities, affecting academic and interpersonal relationships. Attention is not given to premenstrual disorders among female students in higher education. As a result, students are susceptible to stress, and their academic success is influenced by various factors, including their menstrual cycle, and the long-term outcomes and consequences are poorly researched. Even though PMDD has a significant negative impact on student's academic achievement and success limited research has been conducted in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, especially in the study setting. Therefore, a study is needed to assess premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among regular undergraduate students at Hawassa University.
METHODS
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 regular undergraduate female students at Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. A self-administered structured premenstrual symptoms screening tool for adolescents was used to assess premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The collected data were loaded into a statistical package for the social science version 25 and analyzed using it. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Each independent variable was entered separately into bivariate analysis, and a variable with a p-value less than 0.25 were included in the multivariate analysis to adjust the possible confounders. Statistically significant was declared at a 95% confidence interval when variable with a p-value less than 0.05 in the multivariate analysis with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
RESULTS
The magnitude of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in this study was 62.6% (95% CI 57.4-67.5). Having severe premenstrual pain (AOR = 6.44;95%CI 1.02-40.73), having irregular menstrual cycle (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.32-3.70), students who had poor social support (AOR = 5.10;95%CI, (2.76-12.92) and moderate social support (AOR = 4.93;95%CI (2.18-11.18), and students who used contraception (AOR = 3.76;95%CI, 2.21-6,40) were statistically significant factors with the outcome variable.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was high as compared to other studies. There was a strong link between irregular menstrual cycle, severe menstrual pain (severe dysmenorrhea), poor social support, and contraception use with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This needs early screening and intervention to prevent the complications and worsening of the symptoms that affect students' academic performance by the institution.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Students; Universities; Young Adult; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Adolescent; Adult; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38783237
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18798-y -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated global prevalence of 47.8%, with severe symptoms occurring in... (Review)
Review
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated global prevalence of 47.8%, with severe symptoms occurring in 3-8%, significantly affecting daily functioning. GABA conductance and changes in neurosteroid levels, particularly allopregnanolone, are suspected to play a substantial role in the disorder's etiology. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent reports on the etiology and recognized therapeutic approaches, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Our examination includes studies on SSRIs, hormonal agents, neurosteroids, supplementation, and therapeutic roles. We aim to determine the most favorable treatment regimen by comparing medication effects and alternative methods. The treatment of PMS is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for affected women. Medications used in PMS treatment should be individually selected to achieve the best therapeutic effect, considering the clinical situation of the patients.
PubMed: 38716118
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1363875 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth May 2024Reproductive health literacy and menstrual health awareness play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of women and people who menstruate. Further,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Reproductive health literacy and menstrual health awareness play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of women and people who menstruate. Further, awareness of one's own menstrual cycle patterns and associated symptoms can help individuals identify and manage conditions of the menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Digital health products, and specifically menstrual health apps, have the potential to effect positive change due to their scalability and ease of access.
OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of this study was to measure the efficacy of a menstrual and reproductive health app, Flo, in improving health literacy and health and well-being outcomes in menstruating individuals with and without PMS and PMDD. Further, we explored the possibility that the use of the Flo app could positively influence feelings around reproductive health management and communication about health, menstrual cycle stigma, unplanned pregnancies, quality of life, work productivity, absenteeism, and body image.
METHODS
We conducted 2 pilot, 3-month, unblinded, 2-armed, remote randomized controlled trials on the effects of using the Flo app in a sample of US-based (1) individuals who track their cycles (n=321) or (2) individuals who track their cycles and are affected by PMS or PMDD (n=117).
RESULTS
The findings revealed significant improvements at the end of the study period compared to baseline for our primary outcomes of health literacy (cycle tracking: D̄=1.11; t=5.73, P<.001; PMS or PMDD: D̄=1.20; t=3.76, P<.001) and menstrual health awareness (D̄=3.97; t=7.71, P<.001), health and well-being (D̄=3.44; t=5.94, P<.001), and PMS or PMDD symptoms burden (D̄=-7.08; t=-5.44, P<.001). Improvements were also observed for our secondary outcomes of feelings of control and management over health (D̄=1.01; t=5.08, P<.001), communication about health (D̄=0.93; t=2.41, P=.002), menstrual cycle stigma (D̄=-0.61; t=-2.73, P=.007), and fear of unplanned pregnancies (D̄=-0.22; t=-2.11, P=.04) for those who track their cycles, as well as absenteeism from work and education due to PMS or PMDD (D̄=-1.67; t=-2.49, P=.01).
CONCLUSIONS
These pilot randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the use of the Flo app improves menstrual health literacy and awareness, general health and well-being, and PMS or PMDD symptom burden. Considering the widespread use and affordability of the Flo app, these findings show promise for filling important gaps in current health care provisioning such as improving menstrual knowledge and health.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
OSF Registries osf.io/pcgw7; https://osf.io/pcgw7 ; OSF Registries osf.io/ry8vq; https://osf.io/ry8vq.
Topics: Humans; Female; Health Literacy; Adult; Pilot Projects; Mobile Applications; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Premenstrual Syndrome; Surveys and Questionnaires; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
PubMed: 38696773
DOI: 10.2196/54124 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) May 2024Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus, is gaining research attention for potential therapeutic applications. Its diverse clinical applications extend to cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
Saffron, derived from Crocus sativus, is gaining research attention for potential therapeutic applications. Its diverse clinical applications extend to cardiovascular health, diabetes management, sleep quality, psychiatric illnesses, and rheumatoid arthritis. Saffron's positive effects on blood pressure, glucose levels, cognitive function, and inflammatory markers contribute to its versatility. Additionally, carotenoids like crocin and crocetin suggest anti-cancer potential. In terms of reproductive health, saffron's impact on male reproductive health shows conflicting findings on semen parameters. However, in female reproductive health, saffron appears promising for managing dysmenorrhoea, reducing menstrual pain, regulating hormonal fluctuations, and improving overall menstrual health. Safety considerations highlight the importance of adhering to specified dosages, as excessive intake may lead to toxicity. Yet, within the therapeutic range, saffron is considered safe, relieving symptoms without serious side effects, according to clinical research. Future trials in 2023 will explore saffron's potential in cancer therapy, diabetes management, mental health, stress response, cardiovascular health, postmenopausal women's well-being, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This ongoing research underscores saffron's adaptability and promise as a natural treatment across various medical applications, emphasizing its efficacy. The current review, therefore, aims to provide up-to-date insights on saffron's role particularly in the realm of reproductive health, contributing to a growing body of evidence supporting its diverse therapeutic benefits.
PubMed: 38694315
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002013 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a multisystem channelopathy characterized by periodic paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval, and facial dysmorphisms...
Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a multisystem channelopathy characterized by periodic paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval, and facial dysmorphisms occurring in the first/second decade of life. High phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance of the genes causing the disease make its diagnosis still a challenge. We describe a three-generation family with six living individuals affected by ATS. The proband is a 37-year-old woman presenting since age 16, with episodes of muscle weakness and cramps in the pre-menstrual period. The father, two brothers, one paternal uncle and one cousin also complained of cramps, muscle stiffness, and weakness. Despite normal serum potassium concentration, treatment with potassium, magnesium, and acetazolamide alleviated paralysis attacks suggesting a dyskalemic syndrome. Dysmorphic features were noted in the proband, only later. On the ECG, all but one had normal QT intervals. The affected males developed metabolic syndrome or obesity. The father had two myocardial infarctions and was implanted with an intracardiac cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). A genetic investigation by WES analysis detected the heterozygous pathogenic variant (NM_000891.2: c.652C>T, p. Arg218Trp) in the gene related to ATS, confirmed by segregation studies in all affected members. Furthermore, we performed a review of cases with the same mutation in the literature, looking for similarities and divergences with our family case.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Alleles; Andersen Syndrome; Mutation; Pedigree; Phenotype; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
PubMed: 38672523
DOI: 10.3390/biom14040507 -
Diabetes Therapy : Research, Treatment... Jun 2024Diabetes mellitus (DM) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are global health challenges. Both disorders are often linked to a range of physical and psychological symptoms... (Review)
Review
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are global health challenges. Both disorders are often linked to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life of many women. Yet, the exact relation between DM and PMS is not clear, and the management of both conditions poses a considerable challenge. In this review, we aimed to investigate the interplay between DM, anti-diabetic drugs, and the different theories and symptoms of PMS. Female sex hormones are implicated in the pathophysiology of PMS and can also impair blood glucose control. In addition, patients with diabetes face a higher susceptibility to anxiety and depression disorders, with a significant number of patients experiencing symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating, which are reported in patients with PMS as well. Complications related to diabetic medications, such as hypoglycemia (with sulfonylurea) and fluid retention (with thiazolidinediones) may also mediate PMS-like symptoms. DM can, in addition, disturb the normal gut microbiota (GM), with a consequent loss of beneficial GM metabolites that guard against PMS, particularly the short-chain fatty acids and serotonin. Among the several available anti-diabetic drugs, those (1) with an anti-inflammatory potential, (2) that can preserve the beneficial GM, and (3) possessing a lower risk for hypoglycemia, might have a favorable outcome in PMS women. Yet, well-designed clinical trials are needed to investigate the anti-diabetic drug(s) of choice for patients with diabetes and PMS.
PubMed: 38668996
DOI: 10.1007/s13300-024-01585-8 -
International Journal of Reproductive... Feb 2024Physical and emotional manifestations of premenstrual disorder cause increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and decreased work-related quality of life.
BACKGROUND
Physical and emotional manifestations of premenstrual disorder cause increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and decreased work-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
Due to the relatively high prevalence of premenstrual disorders in Iran and limited studies on its work-related problems, this study investigated the relationship between premenstrual disorders and work performance in working women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 working women (teachers and industrial workers) in Yazd, Iran, from July 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using premenstrual symptom screening tool, the work productivity and activity impairment (a modified version), and functional work capacity questionnaires. Women were classified into 2 groups: women with and without premenstrual disorders. Productivity, functional capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living were compared between groups.
RESULTS
Among 358 participants, 121 women (33.8%) had premenstrual disorders. The prevalence of premenstrual disorders was significantly higher in teachers than workers (0.41% vs. 24.7%, respectively) (p = 0.002). The work results showed a worse score in the group with premenstrual disorder than the other group and teachers compared to workers (p 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study showed a significant association between premenstrual disorders and worse work productivity, functional work capacity, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Teachers had a higher prevalence of premenstrual disorders and worse work performance than workers, which can be due to higher education levels, work stress, more complex tasks, and increased work responsibility in teachers.
PubMed: 38628782
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v22i2.15712 -
BMC Women's Health Apr 2024Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is prevalent among women of reproductive age, but most do not seek medical advice. We hypothesized that building PMS awareness could promote...
BACKGROUND
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is prevalent among women of reproductive age, but most do not seek medical advice. We hypothesized that building PMS awareness could promote medical help-seeking for PMS and thus reduce menstrual symptoms and improve work productivity.
METHODS
In January 2020, women aged between 25 and 44 years, having paid work, and not currently consulting with an obstetrics and gynecology doctor (n = 3090) responded to the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), the Premenstrual Symptoms screening tool, and the World Health Organisation Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. In addition, they received checklist-based online education for PMS. Of 3090 participants, 2487 (80.5%) participated in a follow-up survey in September 2020. We conducted multiple logistic regression analyses and text analyses to explore factors that encouraged and discouraged medical help-seeking. We also evaluated changes in menstrual symptoms and work productivity, using generalized estimating equations with interactions between the severity of PMS, help-seeking, and time.
RESULTS
During the follow-up period, 4.9% of the participants (121/2487) sought medical help. Those having high annual income (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-3.53) and moderate-to-severe PMS (aOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.49-3.46) were more likely to have sought medical help. Those who did not seek medical help despite their moderate-to-severe PMS reported normalization of their symptoms (36%), time constraints (33%), and other reasons for not seeking medical help. Participants with moderate-to-severe PMS who had sought medical help showed a significant improvement of - 8.44 points (95% CI: - 14.73 to - 2.15 points) in intermenstrual MDQ scores during the follow-up period. However, there were no significant improvements in premenstrual and menstrual MDQ scores or absolute presenteeism.
CONCLUSION
Medical help-seeking alleviated intermenstrual symptoms in women with moderate-to-severe PMS, but only a small proportion of them sought medical help after PMS education. Further research should be conducted to benefit the majority of women who are reluctant to seek medical help, including the provision of self-care information.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN000038917.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Checklist; Japan; Work Performance; Follow-Up Studies; Premenstrual Syndrome
PubMed: 38622575
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03067-2 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Feb 2024Fluctuations in androgenic hormonal levels are noticeable through women's menstrual cycle. Changes in estrogen and progesterone have been shown to affect periodontium....
Fluctuations in androgenic hormonal levels are noticeable through women's menstrual cycle. Changes in estrogen and progesterone have been shown to affect periodontium. Many women report an increase in gingival inflammation and discomfort associated with their menstrual cycle, most commonly before the menstrual period. Approximately 80% of women experience complaints of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 7 to 10 days before menstruation. Therefore, the present study was carried out to check prevalence of PMS and its oral and periodontal manifestations in patients attending dental hospital. For the study, 100 systemically healthy women of reproductive age attending dental hospital were selected. Thorough recording of oral discomfort and associated symptoms during late luteal phase was done. Clinical parameters such as plaque index and gingival index were recorded. Thirty-seven females reported complaints suggestive of PMS. Oral changes during PMS were experienced by 59 females. Halitosis and oral ulcers were more frequent. Findings of the present study showed the possibility of influence of sex hormones on oral manifestations during premenstrual period.
PubMed: 38595611
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_455_23