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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 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 -
Human Reproduction Update 2015Each month the endometrium becomes inflamed, and the luminal portion is shed during menstruation. The subsequent repair is remarkable, allowing implantation to occur if... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Each month the endometrium becomes inflamed, and the luminal portion is shed during menstruation. The subsequent repair is remarkable, allowing implantation to occur if fertilization takes place. Aberrations in menstrual physiology can lead to common gynaecological conditions, such as heavy or prolonged bleeding. Increased knowledge of the processes involved in menstrual physiology may also have translational benefits at other tissue sites.
METHODS
Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched for all original and review articles published in English until April 2015. Search terms included 'endometrium', 'menstruation', 'endometrial repair', 'endometrial regeneration' 'angiogenesis', 'inflammation' and 'heavy menstrual bleeding' or 'menorrhagia'.
RESULTS
Menstruation occurs naturally in very few species. Human menstruation is thought to occur as a consequence of preimplantation decidualization, conferring embryo selectivity and the ability to adapt to optimize function. We highlight how current and future study of endometrial inflammation, vascular changes and repair/regeneration will allow us to identify new therapeutic targets for common gynaecological disorders. In addition, we describe how increased knowledge of this endometrial physiology will have many translational applications at other tissue sites. We highlight the clinical applications of what we know, the key questions that remain and the scientific and medical possibilities for the future.
CONCLUSIONS
The study of menstruation, in both normal and abnormal scenarios, is essential for the production of novel, acceptable medical treatments for common gynaecological complaints. Furthermore, collaboration and communication with specialists in other fields could significantly advance the therapeutic potential of this dynamic tissue.
Topics: Embryo Implantation; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Menstruation; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Regeneration
PubMed: 26253932
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv038 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Feb 2021The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay between endometrial epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sex hormones. To communicate, cells...
INTRODUCTION
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay between endometrial epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and sex hormones. To communicate, cells secrete cytokines that have multiple and diverse effects on recipient cells. Knowledge of how these cells interact in the uterus is insufficient. Menstrual blood is easily accessible and provides a source to study menstrual cycle physiology. This study aimed to determine the cytokine profile in menstrual blood plasma and investigate the differences in cytokine profiles between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma. Several previous studies indicate an improved chance of embryo implantation after endometrial scratching. Consequently, our secondary aim was to compare the menstrual blood cytokine profile before and after luteal phase endometrial scratching.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Nineteen healthy donors collected menstrual blood for the first 24 hours of menstruation in two sequential cycles. Matched peripheral blood was taken at the same time. An endometrial biopsy was performed at cycle day 7-9 post ovulation in between the two collection times. A Luminex multiplex assay was performed in one batch analyzing a predetermined group of cytokines in plasma.
RESULTS
Peripheral blood plasma and menstrual blood plasma showed substantial significant differences in cytokine profile. In menstrual blood plasma, C5/C5a, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and CXCL8 were detected in high concentrations, whereas IL-2, IL-12p70, XCL1/Lymphotactin, and interferon-γ were low. The most pronounced median differences between menstrual and peripheral blood plasma were found for IL-6, IL-1β, and CXCL8. The cytokine profiles of menstrual blood plasma were similar between the individual donors and did not differ over two subsequent cycles. None of the cytokines analyzed in menstrual blood plasma differed significantly before or after luteal phase endometrial scratching (P < .01).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that the menstrual blood cytokine profile is distinctly different from peripheral blood plasma and that the inter-individual difference in menstrual blood cytokine profile in healthy donors is limited and stable over time. The small injury caused by an endometrial biopsy does not change the cytokine profile in the subsequent menstrual cycle. Our study provides new insights into menstrual cycle physiology.
Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Cytokines; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Luteal Phase; Menstruation; Young Adult
PubMed: 32892344
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13990 -
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics 2023In the twenty-first century, there is still a taboo on frank discussion of menstruation in Indian society, particularly with men. This inadvertently widens the...
In the twenty-first century, there is still a taboo on frank discussion of menstruation in Indian society, particularly with men. This inadvertently widens the gender/equity gap in families and in society. Even men in the healthcare sector are uncomfortable talking about this because the societal norms often overpower professional knowledge. Indian society needs to move forward and normalise menstruation in the perceptions of boys and men in all settings. We highlight below some salient points on the orientation of men regarding menstruation.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Taboo; India
PubMed: 38374679
DOI: 10.20529/IJME.2023.047 -
Hormones (Athens, Greece) 2011To highlight the recent developments in the field of menstrual function in sports and to provide an overview of our current understanding in regard to the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the recent developments in the field of menstrual function in sports and to provide an overview of our current understanding in regard to the pathophysiology, evaluation and management strategies of exercise-related reproductive dysfunction.
DESIGN
A PUBMED search was carried out and all articles published from 1980 to 2010 with title words related to exercise, athletes, menstrual function and primary and secondary amenorrhea were reviewed. The review structure includes a pathophysiology overview, menstrual dysfunction among different athletic disciplines, clinical manifestations, evaluation and management strategies, with particular emphasis on recent data regarding the use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Exercise-related reproductive dysfunction appears to be multifactorial in origin and remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Recent findings underscore the endocrine role of adipose tissue in the regulation of metabolism and reproduction, providing further data on our understanding of the pathophysiology of exercise-related reproductive dysfunction. Clinical manifestations range from primary amenorrhea or delayed menarche to luteal phase deficiency, oligomenorrhea, anovulation and secondary amenorrhea. Amenorrhea constitutes the most serious clinical consequence and is associated with bone pathology. Early diagnosis, thorough evaluation and individualized management (ranging from diet and exercise, or behavior adjustments to pharmacologic treatment) should be achieved in order to preserve bone mass.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Exercise; Female; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Infertility, Female; Menstruation; Oligomenorrhea; Reproduction; Sports
PubMed: 21724535
DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1300 -
Health & Place Nov 2020A growing literature attests to menstrual management difficulties of girls, women and other people who menstruate. Largely ignored are the menstruation-management needs...
A growing literature attests to menstrual management difficulties of girls, women and other people who menstruate. Largely ignored are the menstruation-management needs of people experiencing homelessness. We explored these realities in New York City through in-depth interviews with individuals living on the street and in shelters (n = 22), key informant interviews with staff at government agencies, shelters and service provider organizations (n = 15), and field audits of public toilets. This paper explores both pragmatic difficulties presented by inadequate access to toilets, bathing spaces, and laundering services, and pervasive menstrual stigma. Amplifying the difficulties was near-constant pressure "to pass," as someone who was not homeless in order to enable increased access to toilets, and as someone who was not menstruating, in order to engage in the activities of daily living. Our findings highlight the need for improved quality and accessibility of bathrooms for sheltered and street-dwelling homeless, and expedited access to bathing and laundering. Such actions are essential given the steady increase in homelessness in NYC and - under the long shadow of COVID - especially timely.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; COVID-19; Female; Ill-Housed Persons; Humans; Menstruation; New York City; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32987242
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102431 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2022An active lifestyle elicits many health benefits. This study’s aim is to understand the actual of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) of female university students...
An active lifestyle elicits many health benefits. This study’s aim is to understand the actual of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) of female university students in Korea who are experiencing stress due to, e.g., study and employment. LTPA is the degree of exercise participation in leisure time; it is cardiovascular and strength-based behavior occurring within recreation, exercise or sport and provides a positive effect on life satisfaction and psychological well-being. LTPA has been recommended as a method of reducing menstrual symptom severity. However, a lack of evidence exists to support a clear relationship between LTPA and menstruation in female university students. Health consciousness (HC) refers to the degree of interest in one’s health, and Korean female university students pay considerable attention to their body shape, diet habits, and LTPA. This study investigated female university students (K University in Gangwon-do, D University in Busan, and U University in Ulsan) in three metropolitan cities in Korea. Specifically, after seeking cooperation from the person in charge of each university, the purpose of this study was explained. In addition, after promising to provide coffee coupons to students who wish to respond to the survey, cooperation was sought in recruiting research subjects through the person in charge of each university. In addition, a total of 36 surveys that did not have contents filled in fully or gave inconsistent answers were excluded among all survey participants. Chi-square test, t-test and univariate one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis were performed for between groups (HC, LTPA, intention to participate in LTPA). The LTPA results in relation to the menstruation patterns of Korean female college students are shown. First, there were no significant differences between menstruation (regular vs. irregular) and general LTPA during non-menstrual time periods (χ2 = 5.828, p < 0.212). However, female university students with regular menstruation patterns had higher LTPA after menstruation compared to female university students with irregular menstruation. Second, there were significant differences in the relationships among HC (p = 0.000), amount of LTPA (p = 0.002), and intention to perform LTPA (p = 0.002), according to the menstruation patterns (regular vs. irregular) of Korean female university students. In other words, those with regular menstruation patterns showed higher HC, amount of LTPA and intention to participate in LTPA than those with irregular menstruations. Third, there were significant differences in the relationship among HC (p = 0.000), amount of LTPA (p = 0.000), and intention to participate in LTPA (p = 0.000) according to LTPA of Korean female university students. Causation cannot be inferred from correlational studies. Therefore, female university students ultimately have different HC and participation in LTPA depending on menstruation regularity.
Topics: Exercise; Female; Humans; Leisure Activities; Menstruation; Republic of Korea; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Universities
PubMed: 35742739
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127492 -
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