Search Results (74)

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, estrogen-dependent gynecological disease in which endometrial-like tissue grows in areas outside the uterus. This condition may significantly influence women’s life course and mental health. Personal, behavioral, social, and environmental factors play a crucial role in predicting these outcomes. The current study aimed to compare the Perceived Life Course Impact (PLCI) and mental health of women with Endometriosis to those without the disease, as well as to explore the factors associated with PLCI and mental health. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 543 Israeli women (270 with Endometriosis, 273 without). Participants completed a validated questionnaire assessing perceptions of life course impact in several life domains (intimacy and relationships, employment, education) and mental health. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PLCI and mental health among participants. Results: Women with Endometriosis reported a significantly greater negative perceived impact on intimacy and relationships, employment, and education, with poorer mental health, as compared to the control group. Women with Endometriosis also experienced higher social negativity and lower social support. Multiple regression analyses indicated social negativity as a strong predictor of negative PLCI. Additionally, menstrual pain, social support, and healthcare accessibility were found to be significant predictors of both PLCI and mental health. Conclusions: Comprehensive care for women with Endometriosis requires a multidisciplinary approach, with interventions focused on improving healthcare accessibility, enhancing social support networks, and mitigating social negativity within interpersonal environments. Full article

This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article

Elite female tennis players are among those at high risk for developing the Female Athlete Triad (Triad), characterized by three interrelated conditions: energy deficiency/low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. From 1996 to 2022, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) developed and implemented prevention, education, and management plans for female athletes at risk for, or exhibiting symptoms of, the Triad. This article reviews the WTA Triad protocol, developed in 2018 and utilized through 2022, in collaboration with subject matter experts in the Women’s Health and Exercise Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University. The WTA Triad protocol (1996–2022) includes prevention and management programs implemented by a multidisciplinary Performance Health Team to include screening for “red flags” during annual physicals or upon clinical presentation of a menstrual problem, bone disorder, or nutritional concern; targeted education for players, coaches, and other support team members with handouts and lectures on nutrition and body image to prevent energy deficiency; and a multidisciplinary protocol to guide treatment and return-to-play decisions. Other sport governing bodies can adopt similar multi-layered programs and practices for their athletes, coaches, and support teams to educate, screen, manage, and help to prevent the development of the Triad. Full article

The increased menstrual disturbances post-vaccination remain unclear. We examined factors, types, frequencies, and emotional challenges. We used a self-administered online questionnaire with the IBM-based SPSSv-24-Windows software for analysis. Of 1372 females, 61.1% (n = 838) were aged 19–29 years, 94.2% (n = 1292) were Saudis, 66.4% (n = 911) were graduates, 70% (n = 965) were single, and 15% (n = 205) had chronic diseases. Moreover, 96.5% (n = 1285/1332) had two vaccine doses, mostly Pfizer’s first- and second doses (82% and 78, respectively), while 3.5% (n = 47) only had one. Vaccine groups significantly differed (Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford, and do not know) after the first (0.047) and second (0.049) doses, while Pfizer vaccines were predictive [OR = 2.09 (0.96–4.10), p = 0.029] at two-doses [OR = 3.21 (1.23–5.21), p = 0.030]. No acute COVID appeared. The majority (77%; n = 1057) had no issues, except, in a subgroup of 23% (n = 315) of participants, 43% (n = 135) experienced worsening issues. However, 47.2% (n = 629) complained only post vaccination. Most issues were (75%; n = 471) cycle-timing disruptions; the rest were minor (decreased blood or bleeding, missed-periods, or pain). Other potential reasons were fear, stress, and mental health problems, which occurred in 51% (n = 674) of the group, while 53% (n = 701) were worried. Intriguingly, the menstrual issues in the remaining 47% (n=631) who were not worried could be due to a direct molecular vaccine interaction, irrespective of any mental issue ([OR = 1.78 (0.76–3.21), p = 0.033]. Age proportionalities were significant (p = 0.05) in the 30–39 year-old group (51%). Postgraduate education [OR = 2.11 (0.98–4.72), p = 0.015) and employment [OR = 2.18 (0.95–4.86), p = 0.049] were also predictors. These findings have significant implications in women’s health and vaccine improvement. Future studies on diverse factors are warranted. Full article

This study aimed to clarify the menstrual experiences and perceptions of women with visual impairments in Japan. An anonymous web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions was administered to female Riryouka Kyouin (visually impaired teachers who provide instruction in traditional Japanese therapeutic practices—such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage—to students with visual impairments) employed at prefectural schools for the blind. The multiple-choice responses suggested several difficulties in menstrual management, including challenges in detecting menstrual blood, limited access to information, and concerns related to embarrassment. The open-ended responses revealed that participants, as individuals with visual impairments who also serve as educators and healthcare professionals, expressed efforts to manage menstruation appropriately in social contexts. These findings highlight the practical experiences of visually impaired women who are actively engaged in society and suggest the importance of support approaches that respect individual autonomy in managing menstruation—a bodily practice imbued with social meaning. Full article

Objectives: This scoping review aims to fill research gaps by exploring four guiding research questions. First, we aim to understand the major barriers encountered by U.S. menstruating college students in accessing menstrual health products at their educational institutions, households, and community. Second, we aim to identify social determinants of health (SDoH) that significantly influence and contribute to menstrual health inequities experienced by U.S. college students. Third, we aim to explore the measurement tools that have been used to assess menstrual health inequities experienced by U.S. menstruating college students. Lastly, we aim to determine the lessons learned and recommendations to improve overall menstrual health outcomes in U.S. menstruating college students. Study Design: This scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework (2005) and incorporated recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results. Methods: The four databases searched were PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (Medline). Included articles were (1) published between 2000 and 2023, (2) focused on menstruating college students in the United States, (3) addressed menstrual health, menstrual equity, and period poverty in college campuses in the U.S., and/or (4) explored challenges encountered by menstruating college students in accessing menstrual health products. Results: A total of seven studies were retained for assessment. The most frequently cited Healthy People 2030 categories were economic stability (n = 5) and social and community context (n = 5). The most-cited barriers were sorted into the “Financial Constraints and Accessibility” (n = 13) theme category. Conclusions: Our study highlights practical applications and several recommendations for the future design, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of effective evidence-based interventions to address period poverty and subsequent barriers imposed by menstruating college students specific SDoH. More research is needed to further explore the health implications of menstrual health on mental, physical, and socioeconomic outcomes of menstruating individuals, particularly young adults experiencing different challenges as they venture into college and build their careers. Full article

Background: The global mHealth market is growing at an unprecedented rate and is expected to reach an estimated value of $187.7 billion by 2033, with many apps now addressing women’s health and the menstrual cycle. This scoping review (ScR) aimed to comprehensively assess and describe the existing peer-reviewed literature on motivations for use, user experience, and reproductive health app quality. Methods: The protocol and review were conducted according to the JBI methodology and PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Studies published in English since 2010 were included and searched in MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid platform), Scopus (Elsevier), ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Xplore. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers and the data explored through charting and synthesis. Results: Data were extracted from 58 papers published in English between 2014 and 2023. Several major themes related to motivations for app use, user experience, and app quality were identified and are reported on. Conclusions: Users were motivated to engage in reproductive health apps for education, contraception, and conception. This ScR identified several benefits, such as improving menstrual health literacy. We also identified limitations of current reproductive health apps that adversely affect user experience. Recommendations for future studies include increasing diversity, exploring perspectives of different user groups, and investigating the role healthcare providers may have in app development and patient education. Full article

Research data on menstrual health in Honduras are limited, particularly in rural and ethnic minority areas. This pilot study aimed to assess women’s perceptions of menstrual healthcare in rural Honduran communities, focusing on menstrual health education, access to menstrual products and healthcare, and community attitudes towards menstruation. This study was conducted at a 3-day medical clinic set up by Global Brigades in the rural Potrerillos community. Seventy-three female participants (aged 18–55 years) completed a paper-based survey on menstrual health using a Likert scale. Results are reported as descriptive statistics, including median with interquartile range, and 95% confidence intervals. Main findings were that 73.9% of the participants received menstrual health education predominantly at home, with 25% receiving insufficient education before menarche. Additionally, 52.8% of participants reported a lack of and an inadequate range of menstrual products, while 52.9% experienced menstruation anxiety. These findings suggest that community educational initiatives and increased access to menstrual products could significantly improve the menstrual health of rural Honduran women and help reduce negative menstruation experiences. Full article

Background/Objectives: an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate, and many face difficulties managing. Young adults often encounter stigma, exclusion, and a lack of resources to manage menstruation comfortably. A review of studies on college students revealed that menstrual symptoms and stigma lead to absenteeism, poorer performance at work and school, and decreased quality of life. This study examines the multifaceted perceptions of a diverse group of young adults aged 18–25 to gain a deeper understanding of the menstrual experience, including cultural stigma, to advocate for personalized care and policy change. Methods: we used snowball sampling and employed a qualitative research methodology integrating a Qualtrics survey (n = 620) and focus groups (n = 50). We used an interpretive phenomenological approach to thematically code participants’ lived experiences by assigning codes to text segments and grouping them by broader themes using the Nvivo 14.23.3 software to understand the underlying meaning and significance of the data. Results: a diverse group of young adults completed the study. Key themes include difficulties attending work/school/social activities related to the physical and mental health challenges associated with menstruation, a cultural stigma, and a lack of access to healthcare and care products during menstruation. Quality of life could be improved with decreased stigma and improved self-care strategies. Limitations include the small sample size and the qualitative study design. Conclusions: this study highlights the need for a holistic approach to supporting menstruation. Recommendations include increasing access to menstrual healthcare, an understanding of cultural differences, and consideration of policy accommodations such as paid time off by workplaces and educational institutions related to menstruation. Full article

Background: Dysmenorrhea, categorized as primary (PD) or secondary (SD), significantly affects females during their reproductive years, impairing quality of life, performance, and social relationships. Alongside medical treatment, exercise and probiotics are complementary measures for managing PD and promoting health. This study examined the impact of probiotic supplementation and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on PD severity, physiological modulation, and physical fitness. Methods: Participants, recruited according to the primary dysmenorrhea criteria, were divided into non-PD (control) and PD groups, with the PD group further classified into dysmenorrhea (Dysmen), dysmenorrhea with probiotics (DysmenPro), dysmenorrhea with exercise (DysmenEx), and dysmenorrhea with both (DysmenExPro). Interventions included 10 weeks of HIIT and probiotics. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included questionnaires on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, physical fitness evaluations, and blood sample analyses for biochemical, hormonal, and prostaglandin levels. Results: HIIT significantly reduced premenstrual symptoms, menstrual distress, and pain severity, likely due to hormone (estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, cortisol) modulation and decreased inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, PGE2, PGF2α). Cardiovascular endurance and explosive strength showed improvement through high-intensity interval training (HIIT), whereas probiotics had no significant effect on these aspects of physical fitness. While probiotics reduced premenstrual and menstrual distress symptoms, they had no notable impact on pain, inflammation, or hormone levels. Dysmenorrhea-related discomforts were correlated significantly with inflammation and hormones. Conclusions: The intervention strategy involving probiotics and HIIT exercise may be utilized as an alternative and complementary treatment to alleviate PD symptoms. Furthermore, this strategy could also be incorporated into educational health plans to promote women’s health and potentially prevent gynecological disorders in the adolescent population. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the field of sports science by providing unprecedented insights and tools that enhance training, performance, and health management. This work examines how AI is advancing the role of sports scientists, particularly in team sports environments, by improving training load management, sports performance, and player well-being. It explores key dimensions such as load optimization, injury prevention and return-to-play, sports performance, talent identification and scouting, off-training behavior, sleep quality, and menstrual cycle management. Practical examples illustrate how AI applications have significantly advanced each area and how they support and enhance the effectiveness of sports scientists. This manuscript also underscores the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are context-specific and communicated transparently. Additionally, it calls for academic institutions to update their curriculums with AI-focused education, preparing future sports professionals to fully harness its potential. Finally, the manuscript addresses future challenges, such as the unpredictable nature of team sports, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, including clear communication and mutual understanding between sports scientists and AI experts, and the critical balance between AI-driven insights and human expertise. Full article

Background and Objectives: The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) define abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) as “bleeding from the uterus that is abnormal in regularity, volume, frequency, or duration and occurs in the absence of pregnancy”. The impact of AUB on the physical and psychosocial well-being of adolescent girls can be significant. In this study, we aim to investigate the menstrual cycle characteristics in adolescent Sudanese schoolgirls and the prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Almatamah locality, Sudan. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and menstrual cycle parameters. Weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and hemoglobin levels were determined. Logistic regression was also performed. Results: Of the 162 girls in the study, 27.2% had frequent cycles, 3.7% had infrequent cycles, 2.5% had prolonged menses duration, 44.4% had irregular cycles, and 21.0% had heavy menstrual bleeding. The overall prevalence of AUB in the study was 64.8%. None of the investigated factors (chronological age, maternal education or occupation, gynecological age, BMI, and hemoglobin level) were associated with AUB. Conclusions: In conclusion, the prevalence of AUB was high among the study participants, with irregular cycles, frequent cycles, and heavy menstrual bleeding being the most common types. Full article

While moderate exercise supports regular menstrual cycle (MC) function, many female athletes experience MC symptoms that negatively influence their training and performance. Hereby, knowledge and communication about this topic are important to promote an athlete’s health and wellbeing. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and communication surrounding the MC among Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts, ballerinas, and dancers. In total, 116 rhythmic gymnasts, ballerinas, and dancers aged ≥ 16 years training ≥ 3 days per week completed an electronic questionnaire. Of these, 63% (n = 73) reported a lack of knowledge about the MC’s influence on physical fitness and performance, and 39% (n = 45) rated their coaches’ or pedagogues’ knowledge as low. With only 32% of participants discussing the MC with their coaches/pedagogues, communication was found to be limited. Seventy-three percent felt uncomfortable during training or competition due to their attire and recommended darker colors and more options in size and layering. The study highlights a significant gap in knowledge and communication about the MC among female athletes and coaches/pedagogues in aesthetic sports. It also recommends improving athletes’ choice of attire for greater comfort and confidence. Full article

In a period globally known as long COVID, several post-acute infection sequelae and vaccination effects have been discussed. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the effects of COVID-19 infection and vaccines on the menstrual cycle of adolescents attending higher education and to verify the association between personal health factors and changes in their menstrual cycle after contact with the virus SARS-CoV-2 via infection or via the vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire for data collection, applied online to Portuguese higher education adolescents aged between 18 and 24. The sample included 401 individuals. The statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS. Results: More than half of the sample had a COVID-19 infection only once and took two doses of the vaccine. The mRNA Comirnaty 30 µg BioNTech vaccine was administered to 73.1%. The most common menstrual changes were an increase in blood clots, the blood becoming darker, shorter menstrual cycles, scarcer blood flow, and more irregular cycles. Menstrual changes correlated significantly with vaccination but not with infection. Conclusions: This study showed a lower percentage of women affected than other studies carried out closer to the pandemic period, which could mean that the effects are diminishing over time. Thus, adolescents’ menstrual health should be monitored. Full article

This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation among adolescent high school boys in the Volta region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 434 adolescent boys from five senior high schools. Logistic regression was used to test factors associated with adequate knowledge and Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the relationships between knowledge, perceptions and cultural beliefs. Most (63.4%) participants demonstrated adequate knowledge. Being in Form 2 (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.30–3.38) or Form 3 (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.08–9.04) was associated with higher odds of having adequate knowledge, while being aged 18–19 years (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.01–0.96) was associated with lower odds of having adequate knowledge. While 73.5% of participants rejected menstrual discourse as taboo, 64.9% acknowledged culturally prescribed norms for menstruating women. Positive but small correlations were observed between knowledge scores and both family/cultural belief scores (ρ = 0.19, p = 0.0001) and perception scores (ρ = 0.26, p < 0.0001). The study shows the need for comprehensive menstrual health education for adolescent boys, addressing both factual knowledge and cultural misconceptions. By improving understanding and challenging negative perceptions, we can foster a more supportive environment for menstrual health and hygiene. Full article