Articles tagged with Menstruation
Experts argue that digital menstrual tracking apps and cycle syncing practices have weak evidence bases and pose risks to health, privacy, and wellbeing. Despite their potential benefits, these apps require critical interrogation and resistance due to their potential for widespread impact on women's health.
Researchers at Lund University found that heavy menstrual bleeding, skipping meals, and daily nicotine use are linked to higher levels of self-reported tiredness in teenage girls. Iron deficiency was not found to be a cause of fatigue in the study.
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 10 million adults in the US and 2 billion people worldwide, with up to 70% of cases missed among high-risk populations. ASH's new guidelines provide higher ferritin thresholds to help clinicians identify iron deficiency earlier and more accurately.
Researchers found that higher progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle are linked to less distinct patterns of activity in brain areas involved in controlling emotions. Participants with clearer emotional control patterns reported better mood, accounting for 7% of the variation in mood scores.
A new hypothesis proposes that women's reproductive resilience is key to understanding longevity, with menopause representing an important inflection point in the loss of reproductive resilience. This framework challenges traditional views on aging and fertility, highlighting the importance of studying women in longevity research.
A new global report highlights opportunities to strengthen diagnosis, treatment, and education for women and girls with hematological conditions. The report calls for earlier diagnosis, more consistent treatment, and stronger research and education to improve outcomes globally.
Researchers from University of Missouri-Columbia investigated mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in the uterus, a process where cells rebuild the uterine lining after shedding. MET helps restore the uterine lining quickly, but its dysregulation can lead to inflammation, lesions, or cancer, potentially affecting fertility.
A new study found that intranasal davunetide reaches the brain in higher amounts in female mice when estrogen peaks, with similar results seen in healthy adults. The findings suggest earlier trials mixing males and females may have obscured the true effects of the drug.
A study of 211 million supermarket transactions found that 26.7% of customers who bought menstrual products also purchased pain relief, a trend linked to income level. The analysis highlights the need for greater awareness and policy interventions to address menstrual pain disparities.
Researchers developed an AI-driven wearable skin sensor patch to track reproductive hormones and detect hidden endocrine dysfunction, which can improve conception. The study found that men with normal testosterone levels may still have disrupted hormone rhythms associated with reproductive dysfunction.
A nationwide cohort study found a bidirectional association between premenstrual disorders and psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for sex- and menstrual cycle–informed care in psychiatry. The study's findings emphasize the importance of considering menstrual cycles when diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions.
The Yōni.Fit device is FDA-cleared for temporary management of stress urinary incontinence and also collects menstrual fluid and/or vaginal discharge. Clinical trials show a 96% clinically significant reduction in SUI bladder leaks.
Two new studies from Aarhus University reveal that endometriosis is often difficult to recognize in its early stages, requiring a systematic approach even when symptoms are diffuse. The studies highlight the need for improved knowledge, collaboration with specialists, and referral pathways to reduce diagnostic delays.
A new study from Aarhus University identified nearly 200 proteins that change during the menstrual cycle, influencing conditions like endometriosis and bleeding disorders. The study provides a comprehensive picture of biological changes over a full cycle.
A new study of 462 college students in the University of Hawai’i system found that half of Native Hawaiian students experience period poverty, with significant mental health and academic consequences. The findings also highlight unequal outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status.
A nationwide study found that periods can trigger severe pain in many women and girls with sickle cell disease, leading to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study's authors recommend a routine menstrual history screening as part of annual sickle cell care and connecting patients with reproductive health specialists.
A study from China finds that testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) can detect cervical cancer with high accuracy, comparable to clinician-collected samples. The non-invasive method allows women to collect samples at home, enhancing feasibility for large-scale implementation.
A new consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for female athletes. The updated report includes a first-of-its-kind adolescent model of the Female Athlete Triad, addressing energy deficiency in growing adolescents.
A single dose of IV iron dextran is the most cost-effective treatment option for women with heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. The study found that IV iron dextran improves quality of life and reduces costs compared to oral ferrous sulfate.
The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health has partnered with NUS Medicine to host the Women’s Health Impact Tracking (WHIT) platform, which measures progress on closing the women’s health gap across a set of conditions and countries. The platform provides clear, comparative insights to support decision-making and inform policies.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that over half of teenage girls experience heavy bleeding and 40% have iron deficiency. A simple questionnaire, known as the SAMANTA questionnaire, has been found to accurately identify young girls at risk of iron deficiency, who may also be at risk of anaemia.
Research found that menstrual cycle fluctuations do not increase injury incidence but can lead to more severe and longer-lasting injuries. Female athletes may need to adapt their training schedules according to their menstrual cycle to reduce injury risk.
A landmark UK study reveals that around £13 million is spent annually on hospital admissions and post-discharge care for acute heavy menstrual bleeding. The study suggests that many cases can be managed in the community or by outpatient services, reducing the need for expensive hospital admissions.
Researchers found that inadequate characterization of the menstrual cycle in studies contributes to conflicting results. A new study aims to investigate the relationship between hormonal fluctuations and physical exercise, seeking to broaden understanding of women's immunity.
A cross-sectional study found that adolescent girls experiencing heavy menstruation and following a meat-restricted diet have nearly 14 times higher odds of iron deficiency. This risk is significantly higher than those with normal menstruation who consume an omnivorous diet.
A Spanish study involving over 4,000 participants found that 4 out of 10 perceive menstruation as a stigmatised topic. The research highlights the persistence of stigma and its consequences on self-esteem and emotional well-being.
A new study found that cognitive performance peaks during ovulation, while physical activity level has a greater influence on brain function. Reaction times are faster and errors are lower when active compared to inactive women, with a difference of around 70 milliseconds.
A new program called Period Prepared provides hands-on menstruation curriculum for students in grades 3-12. The curriculum aims to educate adolescents about menstrual hygiene, stigma, and cycle monitoring, promoting confidence and reducing distress associated with lack of knowledge.
Research team led by Charlotte Förster found that synchronization with the moon has decreased significantly since LED introduction and widespread smartphone use. Menstrual cycles now mostly align only in January when gravitational forces are at their highest.
Indian adolescents are starting their periods at an average age of 12.8 years, 1.3 years earlier than 25 years ago. Improved education and potential climate change are likely contributing factors.
A new study by University College London researchers suggests that lessons on periods in British schools should be more comprehensive, covering the impact on well-being and academic performance. The study also recommends involving boys in menstruation education to promote better understanding and support for friends and future partners.
Girls who go through puberty before age 11 have double the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obesity, while women who give birth before 21 have quadruple the risk. Later puberty and childbirth are associated with longer lifespan, lower frailty, and reduced disease risk.
The Menstrual Equity Summit brought together over 200 NYC teens to educate themselves on menstrual health literacy, advocacy strategies, and intersectional approaches. The event celebrated gender equity and expanded access to menstrual products, while also connecting participants with local organizations championing reproductive justice.
Researchers have identified PFAS in reusable period products, including underwear and pads, which may leach into wastewater and be absorbed through skin contact. Most products lacked intentional PFAS, but the study suggests these chemicals are unnecessary components.
A study using anonymized patient records from UC health centers found over 600 correlations between endometriosis and other conditions, including infertility, autoimmune disease, and certain cancers. The research supports the growing understanding of endometriosis as a multi-system disorder.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that women with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment were over four times more likely to have PMDD, emphasizing the need for screening in females with ADHD. The findings high...
A research team has designed a chatbot system to simulate group therapy for managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common disorder among women. The system provides simultaneous support for understanding, coping, and connections with peers, improving engagement and language convergence with participants.
A one-year study of 53 healthy women with regular ovulatory cycles found that mild breast tenderness and swelling before menstruation are common and expected. The study suggests that these symptoms may occur more frequently during normal ovulation than previously thought, contradicting previous assumptions about premenstrual syndrome.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.
A cohort study found that vaccination against influenza alone or with COVID-19 was associated with a small but temporary change in menstrual cycle length. This finding may help clinicians confirm the utility of vaccination for patients concerned about menstrual side effects.
A study found that open-label placebos alleviated symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women, with effects greatest when provided with additional information. The placebo effect played a significant role, accompanied by improved self-efficacy and reduced symptom intensity.
New research from McMaster University challenges the popular notion that women can build more muscle by syncing their workouts with their menstrual cycles. The study found no difference in muscle protein synthesis regardless of cycle timing, contradicting long-held advice and internet trends.
A randomized controlled study among NYC girls found that reading a book on puberty can lead to increased knowledge and positive attitudes towards physical activity during periods. The study, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that targeted puberty education can have significant impacts on young girls' health outcomes.
Researchers found a strong link between depression and menstrual pain in a new study published in Briefings in Bioinformatics. Depression may be a cause of dysmenorrhea, rather than a consequence, according to the findings.
A study found that increasing ketones through a keto diet or supplements can change menstrual frequency and intensity in pre-menopausal women. The research suggests that the presence of ketones, rather than weight loss, may regulate women's health.
A study of 793 girls found significant variation in height growth after their first period, with most not reaching the expected 6-8 cm. Early onset of menstruation is linked to greater growth, while late onset is associated with shorter final height. Childhood BMI also plays a role in determining menarche age and subsequent growth.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that high-level collegiate sports stress can lead to unhealthy attitudes about eating and inadequate caloric intake. Athletes, especially female ones, are at risk for energy deficiency, eating disorders, and bone loss if they don't consume enough calories.
A new study reveals that the menstrual cycle plays a role in spreading mutant cells within mammary tissue, leading to large fields prone to tumor formation. Researchers observed that the growth and removal of extra milk ducts during the menstrual cycle can contribute to this process.
Researchers created a mouse model to study relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), revealing the syndrome impacts the entire body and affects males and females differently. REDs leads to hormonal and reproductive issues, insomnia and fatigue, bone weakness and injury, and anxiety and depression.
The atlas contains data for around 626,000 cells from 121 people, including individuals with and without endometriosis. Researchers found two types of immune cells and two types of stromal cells potentially involved in endometriosis, highlighting new avenues for future research.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.
Hormonally.org provides free-to-access, evidence-based resources on women's hormonal health, empowering women to seek care, treatment, and support. The nonprofit addresses stigmas and misinformation surrounding women's hormonal issues, fostering a supportive online community for connection and shared decision-making.
Researchers investigated how stigma affects women's menstrual health practices in Bangladesh. A study on group discussions found that normalizing the topic of menstruation empowers women to access better menstrual products. Women were willing to pay more for pads and showed increased interest in alternative products after open discussi...
A new study found that average age at menarche has decreased by nearly a year over the past five decades, especially among Black, Hispanic, Asian, or mixed-race participants. The study also revealed that time to menstrual cycle regularity is increasing, particularly among lower-income individuals.
A study found female health apps exposing users to unnecessary privacy and safety risks through poor data handling practices. Researchers discovered apps coercing users into entering sensitive information that could put them at risk.
Researchers found a strong bidirectional relationship between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression among over 900,000 women. Women with perinatal depression were more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
A nationwide Swedish study reveals a bidirectional link between premenstrual disorders (PMS/PMDD) and perinatal depression. Women with PMS/PMDD are five times more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression are twice as likely to develop PMS/PMDD.
Women experience disruptions in sleep patterns and heightened feelings of anger before their period, with reduced sleep efficiency and increased emotional distress. The study highlights the importance of considering hormonal fluctuations when addressing sleep disorders and emotional distress in women.
A new study calls on pediatric primary care to prioritize menstrual health, highlighting barriers that limit clinician engagement and patient guidance. Researchers offer practical solutions to improve access to menstrual health services for adolescents.
Research has identified common issues homeless women face when experiencing periods, including practical challenges and feelings of embarrassment. The study highlights the need to address menstrual health resource provision as a basic human right.