Search Results (416)

Background/Objectives: Increasing training demands in women’s football have heightened interest in female-specific health characteristics, including menstrual health. The aim of this study was to describe menstrual-cycle characteristics and injury history in adult amateur female football players using selected items of the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), with particular focus on prolonged absence of menstrual bleeding and training-associated menstrual changes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 118 adult amateur (non-elite) female football players (mean age 24.41 ± 4.50 years). Participants reported mean weekly training hours of 4.88 ± 2.45, consistent with amateur-level competitive and recreational participation. Selected items of the LEAF-Q were used, rather than the complete questionnaire; therefore, findings should be interpreted as descriptive indicators of menstrual health and injury history rather than a comprehensive LEA screening. Results: Most participants reported normal menstruation (95.76%), and menarche most commonly occurred between 12 and 14 years of age (92.37%). A history of ≥3 consecutive months without menstrual bleeding (clinically meaningful amenorrhea) was reported by 12.71% of players, while 4.24% reported such an episode at the time of the survey. Training-associated changes in menstrual bleeding were reported by 52.54% of participants, most commonly shorter and lighter bleeding; less frequently, cessation of bleeding (8.93%) or heavier and prolonged bleeding (1.79%) was reported. Injuries in the preceding 12 months were common, with 71.19% reporting one or two injuries and 28.81% reporting three or four injuries. Conclusions: Despite a high prevalence of self-reported regular menstrual cycles, a notable proportion of adult amateur female football players reported episodes of prolonged absence of menstrual bleeding and training-associated changes in bleeding characteristics. These findings highlight the variability of menstrual-cycle characteristics in the context of football training and support the inclusion of routine, confidential menstrual-health monitoring as part of broader athlete health management in women’s football. Football-related injuries were common over the preceding 12 months, reflecting the substantial musculoskeletal demands of the sport. Full article

Background/Objectives: Precocious puberty in girls currently appears to be one of the main problems in pediatric endocrine gynecology. Early onset of menstruation (EOM) means that the age at which the first menstruation occurs is lower than the average/median for the population, which ranges from 12 to 13 years and depends primarily on ethnic origin. Depending on age and severity of symptoms, these disorders negatively affect girls’ quality of life in many areas, including school life, family relationships, and everyday life. Methods: This article provides a scoping review summarizing scientific evidence from human studies on the association between substances derived from green tea (flavanols) and soy (isoflavones) and precocious puberty in girls. Results: Despite the relatively small number of girls enrolled in the studies, available scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that polyphenols from decaffeinated green tea (DGTP) may contribute to lowering the age of first menstruation in girls living with obesity. The effect of soy isoflavones or soy in the context of premature menstruation in girls is unclear. Most studies report that it may have no effect on the age of first menstruation, while individual studies suggest that very early exposure to soy (< 4 months of age) may result in earlier puberty, and others suggest that higher consumption of soy isoflavones delays this process. Conclusions: Further well-designed intervention studies in humans are needed to better understand the endocrine and metabolic relationships regarding the role and importance of specific polyphenols in the pathogenic mechanisms of the development and treatment of precocious puberty in girls. Full article

This systematic review examined the influence of menstrual cycle phases on lower-limb muscle activation patterns in eumenorrheic women. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus using the keywords: (menstrual cycle OR menstrual phase* OR menstruation) AND (neuromuscular activation OR muscle activation OR muscle activity OR neuromuscular control patterns) AND (electromyography OR EMG). Inclusion criteria required participants to be eumenorrheic women with regular menstrual cycles, verified through blood analysis and other physiological confirmation methods, and without menstrual disorders or hormonal contraceptive use. Additionally, eligible studies had to assess lower-limb muscle activation using electromyography. Seven studies met the criteria, comprising a total of 116 eumenorrheic women. Most studies reported no statistically significant differences in muscle activation patterns across menstrual cycle phases. Overall, hormonal fluctuations may influence muscle activation depending on the nature of the task performed (dynamic vs. static; fatiguing vs. non-fatiguing). Future research should incorporate larger sample sizes, longer monitoring periods, and more standardized methodological approaches. Full article

In Côte d’Ivoire, parent–child communication (PCC) about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is often hindered by cultural and social norms. We aimed to explore parental communication on sexual and reproductive health in the Haut-Sassandra region, Côte d’Ivoire. We used an interpretive description approach. Participants were parents (mothers and fathers), recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual interviews. We performed a thematic analysis. Overall, 63 parents participated in the study. The mean age of parents was 41.2. Sexuality remains a taboo subject. Sociocultural factors that hinder PCC are tradition, the need for intergenerational respect, and the fear of incitement. Reasons that explain the gap between intention and actual practice are the young age of the child, low parental self-efficacy, child gender, shame and intergenerational respect. Parents who communicate address the following topics: relationships (e.g., stay away from boys); values, rights, culture and sexuality (e.g., don’t date someone else’s husband); skills for health and well-being (e.g., sex has advantages and disadvantages); the human body and development (e.g., menstruation management); sexuality and sexual behaviour (e.g., practice abstinence); and sexual and reproductive health (e.g., protect oneself against disease). This study highlights the need to support parents in their educational role. Full article

Objectives: The peritoneal cavity is a cavity outside the bloodstream, with a specific hormonal, immunological and microbiological micro-environment distinct from plasma. The mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity react within seconds to minor trauma, such as blood, with retraction, acute inflammation and later inflammation. This mesothelial cell retraction exposes the basal membrane, facilitating the implantation of tumour cells. Acute inflammation enhances adhesion formation after surgery and causes pain. The aim of the review was to check the hypothesis that retrograde menstruation, occurring in most women, is sufficient to cause some peritoneal irritation. Design: A systematic review of menstrual C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, a non-specific marker of peritoneal inflammation (PROSPERO ID 536306). Results: All articles (n = 8) showed a variable increase in CRP concentrations during the menstrual and early follicular phase of 80 ± 36%. Conclusions: CRP concentrations are slightly increased during menstruation and the early follicular phase. This increase is likely due to retrograde menstruation, causing mesothelial cell retraction and acute pelvic inflammation. It seems logical that mesothelial cell retraction facilitates endometrial cell implantation and accounts for the anatomical distribution of endometriosis lesions. Acute pelvic inflammation may enhance postoperative adhesion formation. Full article

Menstruation, a biological phenomenon experienced by more than half of the global population, remains stigmatized and poorly addressed in the context of research and public discourse. One overlooked issue is that of “period pollution,” the waste generated by millions of feminine hygiene pads (menstrual pads) that end up in landfills or the environment. Simultaneously, Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), a non-native invasive plant which disrupts native species, leads to the disruption of ecological systems. This experimental study assesses the Japanese knotweed plant for its potential to serve as the absorbent core in a sustainable menstrual pad, helping to address both environmental challenges in tandem. As control groups, commercial pads (Natracare and Saathi) were tested for their performance as absorbent materials, as defined by the absorbency ratio (AR) test. All preliminary studies were done using normal saline solutions dyed with red food coloring. Saathi pads demonstrated significantly higher levels of AR compared to Natracare and knotweed pads due to the presence of superabsorbent polymers, making it an unreliable benchmark. Because Japanese knotweed is composed of cellulosic fibers that absorb water through hydrogen bonding to hydroxyl groups and capillary imbibition within porous fiber networks, lignin removal via alkaline processing was employed to enhance absorbency prior to experimental testing. The inner lumen of the knotweed was selected and delignified using a sodium hydroxide bath, later being shaped into an absorbent core akin to the measurements of the commercial pads and inserted into Natracare shells for proof-of-concept testing. Although knotweed-based pads exhibited lower AR values than Natracare, the testing places the knotweed prototype at approximately 40% of the fluid capacity, indicating a strong starting point for a natural fiber. To further evaluate the processing feasibility of Japanese knotweed beyond laboratory-scale pad prototyping, Japanese knotweed biomass was subjected to conventional Kraft pulping, which helps to remove lignin and increase absorbency. The Kraft pulping produced a moderately delignified brown pulp with a Kappa number of 20. Due to limiting factors, the absorbency of the pulp was not tested. However, the pulp’s fiber dimensions were comparable to hardwood pulps that are commonly used in absorbent applications, suggesting feasibility for future development into bleached fluff pulp and sustainable menstrual hygiene products. Full article

Background/Objectives: The scientific community is still divided between supporters of the implantation theory and researchers who advocate the theory of coelomic metaplasia/embryonic cell remnants to explain the initiation of endometriosis. A frequently cited argument in favor of the coelomic metaplasia/embryonic cell remnants theory is the occurrence of endometriosis in the Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, since retrograde menstruation is not possible without endometrium. However, nearly all women with uterovaginal agenesis have uterine remnants that harbour islets of endometrium. Methods: To verify the validity of the coelomic metaplasia/embryonic cell rests theory, we analysed all reports of endometriosis in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome without endometrium, published between 1980 and 2025. Three criteria had to be met in order to clearly demonstrate the absence of endometrium and the presence of endometriosis: (i) preoperative imaging, (ii) surgical visualization, and (iii) histological examination. Results: None of the nine reports fully met all three criteria, and the presence of endometrium could never be ruled out. In addition, we used ten characteristics to assess the ‘goodness’ of a theory: testability, logical coherence, conceptual clarity and comprehensibility, external consistency, empirical validity, predictive power, parsimony, broad applicability, practical utility, and heuristic value. Conclusions: Overall, the implantation theory appears to fully satisfy all criteria to explain the onset of endometriosis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. In contrast, the coelomic metaplasia/embryonic cell rests theory satisfies eight criteria only partly and does not satisfy two of them. Therefore, the null hypothesis that endometriosis can be present in the absence of endometrium in patients with utero-vaginal agenesis can be reasonably rejected. Full article

Background: In young women with cervical cancer, fertility preservation remains challenging, as chemoradiotherapy can severely compromise ovarian reserve and endometrial function. Although ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radiotherapy is well established in early-stage disease, evidence regarding ovarian and endometrial outcomes in advanced stages, particularly in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC1, remains extremely limited. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 31-year-old nulliparous woman with a histopathologically confirmed FIGO IIIC1 cervical squamous cell carcinoma who underwent a lateral ovarian transposition followed by external beam radiotherapy (ERBT) of the pelvis and interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy combined with five cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A detailed dosimetrical analysis demonstrated extremely low ovarian radiation exposure (mean dose < 2 Gy bilaterally). Menstruation resumed seven months after treatment completion, with regular 27–30-day cycles. A day-3 hormonal assessment showed a partial preservation of the ovarian reserve, and the pelvic ultrasound confirmed a thickness of 7 mm in the proliferative phase, implying endometrial function despite full-dose pelvic irradiation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is a very unique case of preserved menstruation after ovarian transposition and chemoradiotherapy for FIGO IIIC1 cervical carcinoma. This case challenges the conventional assumptions regarding ovarian failure and endometrial destruction in such cases, suggesting that reproductive potential may occasionally be retained. Although fertility remains a challenging point, this case report underscores the need for individualized counseling and prospective oncofertility research. Full article

(1) Background: Menstruation is subject to stigma worldwide, which has led to restrictive cultural norms and taboos rooted in religion, customs, and patriarchal systems. The resulting ‘cultural stigma’ associated with menstruation exacerbates health inequities, restricts access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs), and undermines girls’ and women’s participation in educational, economic, social, and spiritual activities. This scoping review examines interventions to address menstrual stigma experienced by girls and women in India (2) Methods: We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. After systematic searches on 14 March 2024 across six databases (Academic Search complete, APA PsycInfo, Womens Studies International, Web of Science Core collection, MEDLINE, and Index Medicus-SEAR), we screened 1323 records. (3) Results: Findings from 13 unique study reports reveal diverse approaches to addressing menstrual stigma, including income generation initiatives, sexual education, peer training, technological tools, and arts-based approaches. While the interventions initiated dialogue among girls and women in India, they often lacked broader community engagement, leaving structurally embedded patriarchal norms unchallenged. Additionally, most programs targeted adolescent schoolgirls, with limited attention to waged girls and adult women. (4) Conclusions: Addressing menstrual stigma is critical to advancing gender equality and health equity in India. More research is needed to understand effective ways to galvanize community-wide support in dismantling the deeply rooted patriarchal structures that shape interconnected stigma processes leading to health inequities among girls and women in India. Full article

Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils, is increasingly recognized as a complementary approach to women’s mental health, particularly during hormonally sensitive life stages such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Concerns about the side effects of pharmacological treatments during these periods have driven interest in non-pharmacologic interventions. This narrative review synthesizes current clinical evidence on the efficacy of aromatherapy in alleviating psychological distress in women. A comprehensive literature review between 2000 and 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 47 studies focusing on essential oils for anxiety, depression, or stress in female populations. The most substantial evidence supports the use of lavender, bergamot, rose, chamomile, clary sage, and ylang-ylang, with inhalation and massage as the most frequently studied delivery methods. Outcomes include reductions in cortisol, heart rate, and subjective stress, along with improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Aromatherapy demonstrates particular promise in postpartum and perimenopausal care. However, methodological heterogeneity and variability in oil composition limit generalizability. Despite these challenges, the evidence suggests that aromatherapy may serve as a safe, low-cost adjunct for managing mood disorders and stress in women, particularly when integrated into personalized, holistic care strategies. Full article

Daoist female alchemy (nüdan 女丹) texts articulate a bodily paradigm in which humans and nature mutually enfold one another, and in which yin and yang interact in harmonious complementarity. Through an analysis of three key dimensions, the yin-yang cosmology embedded in these texts, the ways menstruation, desire, and the female breasts are reconceived in the course of cultivation, and the ideal of gestating an a priori (xiantian 先天) embryo, this article argues that nüdan writings present a gender-symmetrical, pre-sexual symbolic culture. This culture both acknowledges gender difference and ultimately transcends it, seeking a return to the undifferentiated, yin-yang combined condition of primordial Dao. These texts reveal that women and men possess complementary yin and yang attributes that must be reintegrated in order to return to the a priori state and attain infinite vitality. They likewise suggest that both women and men harbor active, originary desire, and that only through equivalent processes of bodily transformation, reverting the sexualized, adult bodies into the unsexualized bodies of the girl and boy, can practitioners acquire the power to gestate the inner elixir, symbolizing inexhaustible vitality. In this sense, nüdan writings develop a pre-sexual narrative centered on vitality, offering a resonant response to concerns within postmodern feminism regarding how to dismantle centralized, phallogocentric narratives while enriching non-gender-centralized symbolic cultures. They thus provide a special path to reconsider gender not by advancing forward, but by stepping back into a more primordial, integrated ideal. Full article

Disposable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) contain plastics that are challenging to recycle and not biodegradable, making a significant contribution to landfill. Decreasing the nonbiodegradable mass of products could reduce this burden. Despite this, public data on how AHP design and material selection relate to performance is limited. In this work, fifteen commercial AHPs were characterised using dimensional measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and imaging. Simulated urination, air permeability, and moisture management testing were used to assess expected leakage and user comfort. Sustainable materials currently in use were identified, and their performance compared to typical plastics, informing opportunities to replace or reduce nonbiodegradable materials. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate-based leakproof layers replaced polyolefins. Commercial alternatives to polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with comparable absorption, were not seen. Although absorbency correlated with the mass of absorbants, SAPs reduced surface moisture after absorption and are known for high absorption capacity under pressure, preventing rewetting. Channels and side guards were observed to prevent side leakage and guide fluid distribution, potentially reducing the need for nonbiodegradable nonwoven and absorbant content by promoting efficient use of the full product mass. While synthetic nonwovens typically outperformed cellulosics, apertured and layered nonwovens were associated with improved moisture transport; polylactic acid rivalled typical thermoplastics as a bio-derived, compostable alternative. Although the need for biopolymer-based SAPs and foams remains, it is hoped that these findings will guide AHP design and promote research in sustainable materials. Full article

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a major cause of female infertility with limited treatment options, and lifestyle interventions such as supervised, structured exercise therapy may support ovarian function. In this pilot study, we evaluated the effect of a supervised, physiotherapy-based exercise program combined with antioxidant supplementation on ovarian reserve markers and spontaneous pregnancy rates in 24 infertile women aged 20–42 years, with body mass index (BMI) 18.5–30 kg/m², regular menstruation, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) < 1.1 ng/mL, and antral follicle count ≥3 measured on days 2–4 of the cycle. Participants were randomized into two groups of 12: Both groups received standardized oral therapy, while the intervention group additionally participated in a three-month supervised, structured exercise therapy programme. Analysis of covariance was used to adjust for baseline differences in AMH and BMI, as groups differed significantly in BMI at baseline. At post-treatment assessment, AMH levels were significantly higher in the intervention group, whereas FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and TSH levels did not change significantly. Spontaneous pregnancies were recorded both during the intervention period and throughout a follow-up period of up to six months. Spontaneous pregnancy occurred in 7 out of 12 participants in the intervention group versus 1 out of 12 in the control group, resulting in four and one live births, respectively. These findings suggest that combining supervised, structured exercise therapy with antioxidant supplementation may enhance ovarian reserve and improve the likelihood of spontaneous pregnancy in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Full article

An imperforate hymen is a rare congenital genital anomaly causing menstrual blood retention during puberty. Treatment consists of a simple surgical incision of the hymenal membrane. We present a case of a 14-year-old girl who was admitted to the Emergency Department with severe lower abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis. Medical history revealed a lack of menses and several months of cyclic abdominal pain. Imaging diagnostics confirmed an imperforate hymen with hematometrocolpos. Hymenotomy was performed with full recovery without complications. An imperforate hymen should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in adolescent girls, especially without expected menstruation. Early recognition allows for prompt treatment and prevents complications. Full article

Background: Antibiotics are commonly used in gynecology, yet only limited outpatient prescribing data are available in Germany. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions in gynecological practices and to identify patient and diagnostic factors. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using anonymized electronic records from the IQVIA Disease Analyzer, including 344,187 women aged ≥16 years who had at least one gynecological visit in 2024. The primary outcome of interest was the prescription of an antibiotic. Consequently, the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions was calculated overall and stratified by age group. Associations between potential factors and antibiotic prescriptions were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall prescription prevalence was 8.4% (29,007/344,187). Regarding the age distribution within the prescribed sample, the highest percentages were observed among women aged 31–40 years (25.6%) and 16–30 years (25.4%), while those aged 51–60 and >60 made up 12.9% and 19.1%, respectively. The most commonly prescribed agents were fosfomycin trometamol (35.9%), clindamycin (17.6%), and pivmecillinam (10.7%). Mastitis (OR 63.54, 95% CI 55.79–72.38), acute cystitis (OR 43.67, 95% CI 41.63–45.80), and unspecified urinary tract infection (OR 31.58, 95% CI 20.11–33.12) were strongly positively associated with AB prescription. Positive associations were also observed for acute vaginitis (OR 3.44, 95% CI 3.30–3.58), chlamydial infection (OR 6.27, 95% CI 5.77–6.81), and pregnancy (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.85–2.05). Negative associations were observed for dysmenorrhea (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.48–0.56), irregular menstruation (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60–0.71), menopausal disorders (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.48–0.53), and ovarian cysts (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72–0.84). Conclusions: Antibiotic use in gynecology is low and strongly diagnosis-driven, primarily for urogenital infections. Signals of inappropriate prescribing in patients with candidiasis suggest a need for improved diagnostic accuracy and guideline adherence. Full article