Mechanisms of probiotic modulation of ovarian sex hormone production and metabolism: a review.

Sex hormones play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the skeletal, neurological, and reproductive systems. In women, the dysregulation of sex hormones can result in various health complications such as acne, hirsutism, and irregular menstruation. One of the most prevalent diseases associated with excess androgens is polycystic ovary syndrome with a hyperandrogenic phenotype. Probiotics have shown the potential to enhance the secretion of ovarian sex hormones. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Furthermore, comprehensive reviews detailing how probiotics modulate ovarian sex hormones are scarce. This review seeks to shed light on the potential mechanisms through which probiotics influence the production of ovarian sex hormones. The role of probiotics across various biological axes, including the gut-ovarian, gut-brain-ovarian, gut-liver-ovarian, gut-pancreas-ovarian, and gut-fat-ovarian axes, with a focus on the direct impact of probiotics on the ovaries via the gut and their effects on brain gonadotropins is discussed. It is also proposed herein that probiotics can significantly influence the onset, progression, and complications of ovarian sex hormone abnormalities. In addition, this review provides a theoretical basis for the therapeutic application of probiotics in managing sex hormone-related health conditions.

The impact of "long COVID" on menstruation in Chinese female college students and the intervention of acupuncture.

This study aimed to explore the potential application value of acupuncture in alleviating the impact of long COVID on women's menstrual cycles, by investigating the occurrence of long COVID among female college students, its effects on menstruation, and the intervention of acupuncture. This cross-sectional study surveyed female college students with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before April 10, 2023. A questionnaire was used to analyze demographic characteristics, post-COVID sequelaes, duration of symptoms, and treatments received during that period. Among the 731 participants enrolled in the survey, 468 were female undergraduate students who met the analysis criteria. Among them, 85 individuals fit the definition of "Long COVID" (18.16%). Within the group of patients with long COVID, 69 individuals experienced changes in their overall menstrual patterns compared to the 6 months prior to contracting the novel coronavirus (81.18%). Additionally, 17 individuals opted for acupuncture treatment following the onset of COVID-19 (20.00%), which resulted in less impact on their menstrual cycle (41.18% vs 64.71% without receiving acupuncture, OR = 2.62), menstrual period duration (41.18% vs 64.71%, OR = 2.62), menstrual flow (47.06% vs 69.18%, OR = 2.52), and the color of menstrual blood (41.18% vs 63.24%, OR = 2.46) among these patients. Long COVID had a certain impact on menstruation. Acupuncture potentially alleviates the clinical symptoms of long COVID and reduces its impact on women's menstrual cycle, thus having potential therapeutic value in the treatment of long COVID.

Obesity and menstrual disorders.

Obesity is a growing public health concern and is associated with a range of menstrual disorders, including heavy menstrual bleeding, oligomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and endometrial pathology. Investigations may be more logistically challenging in those in the population with obesity, and because of the heightened risk of endometrial malignancy, there should be a low threshold for biopsy to exclude endometrial hyperplasia. Although treatment modalities for women with obesity are broadly similar to those with a normal BMI, additional consideration must be given to the risks associated with estrogen in obesity. Outpatient management of heavy menstrual bleeding is a developing field and outpatient treatment modalities are preferable in the population with obesity to avoid the morbidity associated with anesthetics.

Adolescent PCOS: a postpubertal central obesity syndrome.

Adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent, reversible, endocrine-metabolic mode essentially driven by ectopic fat, which, in turn, often results from a mismatch between early adipogenesis and later lipogenesis, or between prenatal and postnatal weight gain. The key features of adolescent PCOS are menstrual irregularity and androgen excess (hirsutism, acne, and/or high testosterone). Adolescent PCOS is frequently preceded by rapid maturation (early variants of adrenarche/pubarche and puberty/menarche, also accelerated by ectopic fat) and is diagnosed between 2 and 8 years after menarche, thus during late adolescence or early adulthood. Treatment of adolescent PCOS should not only focus on symptoms, but also reduce the amount of ectopic fat, thereby aiming for an overall state of preconception health.

Menstrual disorders in adolescents and young adults with eating disorders.

Although amenorrhea is no longer a specific criterion required to make the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), the relationship between restrictive eating and menstrual status remains important in the diagnosis, treatment, and consequences for patients with eating disorders. Clinicians should understand the relationship between menstrual irregularities and malnutrition due to eating disorders, as it may be possible to intervene sooner if the diagnosis is made earlier. Treatment of AN (in those who are underweight) and atypical AN (in those who are not underweight) is aimed at cessation of restrictive thoughts and behaviors, restoration of appropriate nutrition and weight, and normal functioning of the body. While eating disorder thoughts and behaviors are helped by both therapy and nutrition, regular functioning of the body, including regular menstruation, is linked to both appropriate nutrition and weight. Patients who are not underweight based on their body mass index (BMI) may still have oligo/amenorrhea due to their caloric restriction; thus any patient who has irregular menses should have a detailed dietary evaluation as part of their workup. Timely diagnosis and treatment of patients with eating disorders and amenorrhea is important due to the impact on bone mass accrual for adolescents who have prolonged amenorrhea. Menstrual abnormalities may also be seen in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN).

Effect of visceral manipulation on menstrual complaints in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

CONTEXT: Research is lacking regarding osteopathic approaches in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the prevailing endocrine abnormalities in reproductive-aged women. Limited movement of pelvic organs can result in functional and structural deficits, which can be resolved by applying visceral manipulation (VM). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the effect of VM on dysmenorrhea, irregular, delayed, and/or absent menses, and premenstrual symptoms in PCOS patients. METHODS: Thirty Egyptian women with PCOS, with menstruation-related complaints and free from systematic diseases and/or adrenal gland abnormalities, prospectively participated in a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. They were recruited from the women's health outpatient clinic in the faculty of physical therapy at Cairo University, with an age of 20-34 years, and a body mass index (BMI) ≥25, <30 kg/m2. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups (15 patients); the control group received a low-calorie diet for 3 months, and the study group that received the same hypocaloric diet added to VM to the pelvic organs and their related structures, according to assessment findings, for eight sessions over 3 months. Evaluations for body weight, BMI, and menstrual problems were done by weight-height scale, and menstruation-domain of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), respectively, at baseline and after 3 months from interventions. Data were described as mean, standard deviation, range, and percentage whenever applicable. RESULTS: Of 60 Egyptian women with PCOS, 30 patients were included, with baseline mean age, weight, BMI, and menstruation domain score of 27.5 ± 2.2 years, 77.7 ± 4.3 kg, 28.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2, and 3.4 ± 1.0, respectively, for the control group, and 26.2 ± 4.7 years, 74.6 ± 3.5 kg, 28.2 ± 1.1 kg/m2, and 2.9 ± 1.0, respectively, for the study group. Out of the 15 patients in the study group, uterine adhesions were found in 14 patients (93.3%), followed by restricted uterine mobility in 13 patients (86.7%), restricted ovarian/broad ligament mobility (9, 60%), and restricted motility (6, 40%). At baseline, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in any of demographics (age, height), or dependent variables (weight, BMI, menstruation domain score) among both groups. Poststudy, there was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.000) in weight, and BMI mean values for the diet group (71.2 ± 4.2 kg, and 26.4 ± 0.8 kg/m2, respectively) and the diet + VM group (69.2 ± 3.7 kg; 26.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2, respectively). For the improvement in the menstrual complaints, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the menstruation domain mean score was shown in diet group (3.9 ± 1.0), and the diet + VM group (4.6 ± 0.5). On comparing both groups poststudy, there was a statistically significant improvement (p=0.024) in the severity of menstruation-related problems in favor of the diet + VM group. CONCLUSIONS: VM yielded greater improvement in menstrual pain, irregularities, and premenstrual symptoms in PCOS patients when added to caloric restriction than utilizing the low-calorie diet alone in treating that condition.

Efficacy and safety of moxibustion for menstrual irregularities: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual irregularities (MI) is 1 of the most common clinical gynaecological diseases, with abnormal menstrual cycles, abnormal bleeding, and abdominal pain before or during menstruation as the main clinical manifestations. In modern medicine, abnormalities in the function of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and ovaries can affect menstruation. Currently, hormone levels in the body are mostly regulated by hormonal drugs, but these drugs can lead to hormonal imbalance, which can lead to adverse reactions. Many clinical studies have reported that moxibustion has a good effect on MI treatment, but there is no relevant systematic review. So the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion in treating MI. METHODS: The following 8 electronic databases will be searched, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literatures Database from their inception to 1 December 2020 without any restrictions. Researchers retrieve the literature and extracted the data, evaluation of research methods, quality of literature. The outcomes will include total effective rate, incidence of any adverse events. We use the Cochrane Risk of a bias assessment tool to evaluate methodological qualities. Data synthesis will be completed by RevMan 5.3.0. RESULTS: We will show the results of this study in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis will provide reliable evidence for treatment of menstrual irregularities. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120042.

Pubertad en pacientes con hiperplasia adrenal congénita por déficit de 21hidroxilasa y asignación femenina / Puberty in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to a 21-hydroxylase deficit and female assignment

RESUMEN Introducción: En la hiperplasia adrenal congénita el aumento de los niveles de andrógenos suprarrenales en las pacientes no tratadas o mal controladas, puede alterar el inicio y/o la progresión puberal (progresión puberal/progresiones puberales?). Objetivos: Describir las características puberales de pacientes con hiperplasia adrenal congénita asignadas como femeninas e identificar si existe asociación entre elementos relacionados con la enfermedad y el inicio y progresión puberales. Métodos: Se incluyeron todas las pacientes con diagnóstico de hiperplasia adrenal congénita asignadas como femeninas, que fueron atendidas en el INEN de enero 2000 a mayo 2019. Resultados: Fueron estudiadas 47 pacientes, con una media de edad de 14,76 ± 7,04 años. Se comprobó un predominio de las formas clínicas clásicas en 25 pacientes (53,19 por ciento), de ellas 11 (23,40 por ciento) fueron formas virilizantes simples, 14 (29,78 por ciento) perdedoras de sal y 22 (46,80 por ciento) formas no clásicas. El inicio del vello pubiano fue a una edad promedio de 7,78 ± 3,2 años. El comienzo de la telarquia resultó en una media de 10,09 ± 2,4 años y la menarquia a los 12,2 ± 2,3 años como promedio. De las 29 pacientes que ya habían menstruado 16 (55,2 por ciento) presentaban irregularidades menstruales. El tiempo entre el inicio puberal y la menarquia fue de 3,4 años en las formas no clásicas, 5,6 años en las perdedoras de sal y 7,0 años en las virilizantes simples. La edad al diagnóstico, la edad de inicio del tratamiento y la dosis de esteroides empleada se relacionaron con algunos aspectos puberales. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico oportuno y el ajuste cuidadoso del esquema esteroideo, constituyen pilares importantes en el inicio y progresión puberales, y en la consecución de ciclos ovulatorios regulares que aseguren desde la adolescencia, un inicio y desarrollo puberales normales y en edades reproductivas, la optimización de la fertilidad(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the increased levels of adrenal androgens in patients untreated or poorly controlled can alter the start and/or pubertal progression (pubertal progression/pubertal progressions). Objectives: To describe the pubertal characteristics of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia assigned as females and to identify whether there is an association between elements related to the disease and the pubertal onset and progression. Methods: There were included all patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia assigned as females that were attended at the National Institute of Endocrinology from January 2000 to May 2019. Results: 47 patients were studied, with an average age of 14.76 ± 7.04 years. It was found a predominance of classic clinical forms in 25 patients (53.19 percent, of which 11 (23.40 percent) had simple virilization forms, 14 (29.78 percent) were salt-losers and 22 (46.80 percent) had non-classical forms. The onset of the pubic hair was at an average age of 7.78 ± 3.2 years. The beginning of the thelarche resulted in an average of 10.09 ± 2.4 years and menarche at the 12.2 ± 2.3 years on average. Of the 29 patients who had menstruated, 16 (55.2 percent) presented menstrual irregularities. The time between the puberty onset and menarche was 3.4 years in the non-classical forms, 5.6 years in the salt-losers, and 7.0 years in the simple virilizations. The age at initial diagnosis treatment and the dose of steroids used were related to some pubertal aspects. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and careful adjustment of the steroid scheme are important pillars in the pubertal onset and progression, the achievement of regular ovulatory cycles, and with it, in the optimization of fertility(AU)

Resveratrol enhances decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells.

The differentiation of endometrial stromal cells (ESC), named decidualization, is essential to regulate trophoblast invasion and to support pregnancy establishment and progression. Decidualization follows ESC proliferation and it has been described that cell cycle arrest contributes to a proper decidualization. Interestingly, resveratrol, a natural compound derived from grapes with antioxidant properties, has been widely studied in relation to endometrial health. However, little is known about the effect of resveratrol supplementation during decidualization. Therefore, in this study we evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplementation during decidualization. We used primary and immortalized human ESC and we decidualized them in vitro with a decidualization cocktail containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, estradiol and 8-Bromo-cyclic AMP. Pre-decidualized cells were further treated with the decidualization cocktail supplemented with resveratrol. Our results show that resveratrol supplementation increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of prolactin and IGFBP1 (RT-PCR and ELISA), indicating an enhanced in vitro decidualization of human ESC. This enhanced decidualization was accompanied by a decrease in cell proliferation (crystal violet and CellTiter proliferation assay) and by changes in the mRNA levels of key cell cycle regulators (RT-PCR). Furthermore, resveratrol supplementation seemed to enhance decidualization by reinforcing the effect of the decidualization cocktail. We believe that resveratrol could to be an effective supplementation to reinforce hormone action during human ESC decidualization and that further insights into resveratrol action and its interaction with estradiol and progesterone signaling pathways could facilitate the identification of new therapeutic strategies for the improvement of women's health.

Development and Effects of College-Based Lifestyle Modification Program for Menstrual Health of Young Adult Women with Irregular Menses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop the 'College-based Lifestyle Modification Program' (College-based LMP) for young adult women with irregular menstruation and examine its effects after intervention. Methods: The College-based LMP consisted of small group education, individual physical exercise counseling/training, individual diet counseling, and feedback and support. Participants were comprised of 38 females who reported less than 10 irregular menstruations in a year and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The primary outcome variables consisted of menstrual cycle index (MCI), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and androgenic profile (testosterone-T, free androgen index-FAI), while the outcome variables included premenstrual symptoms (PMS), menstrual volume, body composition parameters, glycemic parameters (fasting blood sugar-FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR), sleep duration, perceived stress, and nutrient intake.. Results: There were no significant differences in primary outcome variables (MCI, SHBG, T, and FAI). In the variables, there were no significant differences except for the partial domain of PMS (symptoms of depression and anxiety) and sleep duration. Conclusions: The study was significant in that it demonstrated the importance of lifestyle, which could provide ordinary young adult women with healthy menstruation. The College-based LMP needs to be elaborated with further studies.

Unintended Consequences of mHealth Interactive Voice Messages Promoting Contraceptive Use After Menstrual Regulation in Bangladesh: Intimate Partner Violence Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones for health (mHealth) hold promise for delivering behavioral interventions. We evaluated the effect of automated interactive voice messages promoting contraceptive use with a focus on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) among women in Bangladesh who had undergone menstrual regulation (MR), a procedure to "regulate the menstrual cycle when menstruation is absent for a short duration." METHODS: We recruited MR clients from 41 public- and private-sector clinics immediately after MR. Eligibility criteria included having a personal mobile phone and consenting to receive messages about family planning by phone. We randomized participants remotely to an intervention group that received at least 11 voice messages about contraception over 4 months or to a control group (no messages). The primary outcome was LARC use at 4 months. Adverse events measured included experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers recruiting participants and 1 analyst were blinded to allocation groups. All analyses were intention to treat. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02579785). RESULTS: Between December 2015 and March 2016, 485 women were allocated to the intervention group and 484 to the control group. We completed follow-up on 389 intervention and 383 control participants. Forty-eight (12%) participants in the intervention group and 59 (15%) in the control group reported using a LARC method at 4 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] using multiple imputation=0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.49 to 1.83; P=.22). Reported physical IPV was higher in the intervention group: 42 (11%) intervention versus 25 (7%) control (aOR=1.97; 95% CI=1.12 to 3.46; P=.03) when measured using a closed question naming acts of violence. No violence was reported in response to an open question about effects of being in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not increase LARC use but had an unintended consequence of increasing self-reported IPV. Researchers and health program designers should consider possible negative impacts when designing and evaluating mHealth and other reproductive health interventions. IPV must be measured using closed questions naming acts of violence.

Gynaecology problems in puberty.

With the onset of puberty a range of problems may be encountered by the young girl. Some of these include a range of gynaecological issues relating to delayed onset of puberty, delayed menarche, atypical pubertal changes and the identification of anomalies of the genital tract. The distinction between physiological events and pathological problems is important to avoid unnecessary distress and anxiety. The onset of cyclic hormonal changes also provokes a number of "non-gynaecological" problems - where the link to cyclic hormonal events is often overlooked and an important opportunity to potentially intervene and assist is missed. From a global perspective there are a range of problems that are particularly encountered with the onset of puberty including the risks of sexual violence, which in the setting of having achieved the age of reproductive potential result in unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and adolescent pregnancy all of which pose life threatening risks. Sex education in its broadest sense is important for all young people. Access to contraception for adolescents is vital, such that clinicians across all streams of health care who are involved in the care of young people should take the opportunity to educate and provide this care.

The Role of the General Practitioner in Evaluation and Treatment of Girls with Menstrual-Related Complaints.

A common scenario a pediatrician or general practitioner may encounter in the care of adolescent girls is menstrual concerns. A frequent complaint may be of irregular periods that may be coming twice a month or possibly only every other month. Sometimes the teenage patient may complain of heavy bleeding or prolonged periods lasting longer than 7 days. The typical patient with this complaint could be a 14-year-old girl with periods that started at age 13 years who has had no periods for 3 months after onset of menarche. However, once the second period comes, the patient complains of periods happening often, lasting for 5 days, and with the need to change feminine products about 3 times per day. She is otherwise healthy with no medical issues and no surgeries. The family may question if this is considered normal or if something is potentially wrong with the adolescent's pubertal development. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(5):e187-e189.].

Diagnosing and managing common genital emergencies in pediatric girls.

The presentation of genital injuries and emergencies in pediatric girls can sometimes be misleading. A traumatic injury with excessive bleeding may be a straddle injury that requires only conservative management, while a penetrating injury may have no recognizable signs or symptoms but require extensive surgery. This issue reviews the most common traumatic genital injuries in girls presenting to the emergency department, including straddle injuries, hematomas, and impalement injuries. Nontraumatic emergencies, including hematocolpos and urethral prolapse, are also discussed. Evidence-based recommendations are presented for identifying and managing these common genital injuries and emergencies in pediatric girls.

Menarche and menstrual problems are associated with non-suicidal self-injury in adolescent girls.

Menstrual problems and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are common in adolescent girls. This study examined whether onset of menstruation and menstrual problems were related to NSSI in Chinese female adolescents. A total of 5696 adolescent girls participated in the baseline survey of Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort (SABHC) study in Shandong, China. A structured questionnaire was used to ask about participants' lifetime and last-year NSSI, age at menarche, menstrual cycle interval, menstrual flow length, menstrual irregularity, period pain, body weight and height, and demographics. Impulsivity was assessed by the Eysenck I7 impulsiveness scale. Internalizing and externalizing problems were measured by the Youth Self-Report of Child Behavior Checklist. The mean age of the sample was 15.0 years (SD = 1.4). The prevalence of lifetime and last year NSSI were 28.1% and 21.4% in Chinese adolescent girls. After adjusting for adolescent and family covariates (age, body mass index, impulsivity, internalizing and externalizing problems, paternal education, and family economic status), onset of menstruation was significantly associated with increased risk of lifetime NSSI (OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.20-2.20) and last year NSSI (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.37-2.67). Among adolescent girls who had menarche, often irregular menstruation and period pain were significantly and independently associated with lifetime NSSI (OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.03-1.79; OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.05-1.58) and last year NSSI (OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.07-1.98; OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.03-1.61). Our findings suggest that onset of menarche, irregular periods, and period pain appear to be associated with increased risk of NSSI. These findings highlight the importance of menstruation hygiene education and treatment of menstrual problems to reduce the risk of NSSI among adolescent girls.

Comparison of the Prophylactic Effect Between Acupuncture and Acupressure on Menstrual Migraine: Results of a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare between acupuncture and acupressure for preventing menstrual migraine (MM). METHODS: MM is one kind of migraine associated with menses in female. It is often associated with increased menstrual distress and disability, leading to decreased daily activity and quality of life. A randomized and controlled pilot study was conducted with three groups: verum acupuncture (VA) group, acupressure (AP) group, and control acupuncture (CA) group. The study lasted for 7 cycle-months, with a 1 cycle-month baseline observation (T1), a 3 cycle-month intervention (3 times per cycle-month) (T2-T4), and a 3 cycle-month follow-up (T5-T7). Outcome measures were number of migraine days, average and peak pain, total duration period of MM, and percentage of patients with ≥50% reduction in the number of MM days. RESULTS: A total of 18 participants were included in the analysis (VA, n = 7; AP, n = 6; CA, n = 5). Both VA and AP were significantly more effective than CA for reducing MM days during the intervention period. Both VA and AP tended to be more effective than CA for reducing peak pain during the intervention period. No significant differences for the outcomes were observed among VA, AP, and CA during the follow-up period. No serious adverse events were reported. DISCUSSION: Results of the pilot study suggest that both VA and AP could be considered as alternative and safe prophylactic interventions for MM. Register ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02592681.

The paediatrician and the management of common gynaecological conditions.

Paediatric gynaecology is an emerging discipline. Since 2000, there has been an advanced training programme in paediatric gynaecology available for obstetric and gynaecology trainees; additionally, a set of clinical standards 1 for the care of paediatric and adolescent patients has been developed by The British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (BritSPAG). BritSPAG is a multidisciplinary group of professionals including gynaecologists, paediatricians, paediatric urologists and endocrinologists.Girls with gynaecological conditions are often seen in general paediatric services; it is important that those assessing them are confident in identifying patients who require more specialist care. Despite this, gynaecology does not appear in the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health curriculum. This article aims to increase the knowledge base and confidence of paediatricians in dealing with common paediatric and adolescent gynaecological conditions.

Cyclic Perimenstrual Pain and Discomfort and Australian Women's Associated Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal change in Australian women's prevalence of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort and the association between their symptoms and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). METHOD: Data on endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods, heavy periods, and severe period pain were collected over a 7-year period from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, for women aged 28 to 33 years in 2006, and at 3-year follow-ups. Changes in symptoms and patterns of CAM practitioner and therapy/product use associated with these symptoms were analyzed using longitudinal regression modeling. RESULTS: Over the 7-year period, prevalence rates of PMS and heavy periods increased, while prevalence rates of endometriosis, irregular periods, and severe period pain remained stable. The most common use of CAM longitudinally associated with the perimenstrual symptoms was use of vitamins/minerals, yoga/meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and aromatherapy. Excluding consultation with a naturopath/herbalist, over the 7-year survey women's use of all other CAM practitioners increased as did their use of vitamin/minerals, yoga/meditation, and Chinese medicines, while aromatherapy use declined. CONCLUSION: Only the prevalence of PMS and heavy periods increased with aging in this sample of women. While overall use of CAM practitioner and self-prescribed products/therapies increased over time, CAM was chosen by women mainly to treat endometriosis and PMS. The extent to which this use reflects treatment efficacy is uncertain.