Altered extracellular matrix dynamics is associated with insulin resistance in adolescent children with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that abdominal and gluteal adipocyte turnover, lipid dynamics, and fibrogenesis are dysregulated among insulin-resistant (IR) compared with insulin-sensitive (IS) adolescents with obesity. METHODS: Seven IS and seven IR adolescents with obesity participated in a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test and a multi-section magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdominal region to examine body fat distribution patterns and liver fat content. An 8-week 70% deuterated water (2 H2 O) labeling protocol examined adipocyte turnover, lipid dynamics, and fibrogenesis in vivo from biopsied abdominal and gluteal fat. RESULTS: Abdominal and gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) turnover rates of lipid components were similar among IS and IR adolescents with obesity. However, the insoluble collagen (type I, subunit α2) isoform measured from abdominal, but not gluteal, SAT was elevated in IR compared with IS individuals. In addition, abdominal insoluble collagen Iα2 was associated with ratios of visceral-to-total (visceral adipose tissue + SAT) abdominal fat and whole-body and adipose tissue insulin signaling, and it trended toward a positive association with liver fat content. CONCLUSIONS: Altered extracellular matrix dynamics, but not expandability, potentially decreases abdominal SAT lipid storage capacity, contributing to the pathophysiological pathways linking adipose tissue and whole-body IR with altered ectopic storage of lipids within the liver among IR adolescents with obesity.

Ovarian Leydig Cell Tumor Associated with Recurrent Torsion and Virilization in an Adolescent Patient.

Ovarian tumors are rare in children; however, their incidence increases with age. Of these ovarian tumors, Leydig cell tumors are some of the rarest, accounting for less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors across all ages. Leydig cell tumors predominantly occur in postmenopausal women and are characterized by nodular proliferation of Leydig cells in the ovarian hilum with intracytoplasmic Reinke crystals. These tumors secrete androgens, which can disrupt ovarian function, clinically presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and virilization. Although they are generally benign, current recommendations are for treatment with a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In adolescents, hyperandrogenism is most commonly caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); however, the differential for hyperandrogenism is broad. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with a history of primary amenorrhea who presented with a Leydig cell tumor associated with recurrent ovarian torsion and virilization. This case reviews the challenges with diagnosis, management, and future implications of a rare androgen-secreting tumor in young patients.

Assessment of a Novel Interactive Website to Inform Adolescent and Young Adult Decision-Making about Contraception.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) rely on internet resources for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information. Interactive tools are promising in health education, yet existing SRH websites do not contain validated resources to support AYAs in contraception decision-making. "Teen Health" is an original, interactive educational website designed for AYAs that includes a novel contraception education tool (CET). METHODS: A convenience sample of pregnancy-capable patients aged 13-25 years were recruited during scheduled appointments at outpatient clinics affiliated with a tertiary children's hospital from January to June 2022. Electronic surveys evaluated participants' contraception preferences before and after website exposure. CET results were reported in the post-website exposure survey. Written feedback was solicited after website exposure. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight participants with a mean age of 15.95 years (SD 1.93) participated in this study. Participant demographic characteristics were notable for diverse representation of gender identities and sexual preferences. Contraception preferences before and after website exposure differed significantly (P < .001). Oral contraceptive pills were the most commonly selected contraception method both before and after website exposure. There was a significant relationship between CET results and post-website contraception preference. Many participants asked for additional topics in adolescent health to be featured on "Teen Health." CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasible implementation and utility of an interactive, teen-friendly SRH educational tool for AYAs. Further study of this website's utility may include broadening the research population to include other languages, clinical institutions, and educational settings; non-contraceptive uses for this resource; and contraception selection outcomes after exposure to this website.

Alterations in adipose tissue distribution, cell morphology and function mark primary insulin hypersecretion in youths with obesity.

Excessive insulin secretion independent of insulin resistance, defined as primary hypersecretion, is associated with obesity and an unfavorable metabolic phenotype. We examined the characteristics of the adipose tissue in youths with primary insulin hypersecretion and the longitudinal metabolic alterations influenced by the complex adipo-insular interplay. In a multiethnic cohort of non-diabetic adolescents with obesity, primary insulin hypersecretors had enhanced model-derived ß-cell glucose sensitivity and rate sensitivity, but worse glucose tolerance, despite similar demographics, adiposity, and insulin resistance measured by both OGTT and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. Hypersecretors had greater intrahepatic and visceral fat depots at abdominal MRI, hypertrophic abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes, higher FFA and leptin serum levels per fat mass, and faster in vivo lipid turnover assessed by a long-term 2H2O labeling protocol. At 2-year follow up, hypersecretors had greater fat accrual and 3-fold higher risk for abnormal glucose tolerance, while individuals with hypertrophic adipocytes or higher leptin levels showed enhanced ß-cell glucose sensitivity. Primary insulin hypersecretion is associated with marked alterations in adipose tissue distribution, cellularity, and lipid dynamics, independent of whole-body adiposity and insulin resistance. Pathogenetic insight into the metabolic crosstalk between ß-cell and adipocyte may help identify individuals at risk for chronic hyperinsulinemia, body weight gain, and glucose intolerance.

The impact of the war in Ukraine on the reproductive health of female military personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the link between mental health, physical well-being, and reproductive system pathology in females who suffered war-related concussions. METHODS: A study was conducted at the Kyiv Center of Reproductive and Perinatal Medicine with 715 participants. The group included 457 female military personnel with concussions (211 with post-concussive syndrome (PCS), 246 without), 208 women from occupied/deoccupied areas (103 with PCS, 105 without), and 50 civilians from safe zones. Average deployment time (mean ± standard deviation) was 60.26 ± 42.21 months, and trauma occurred 18.81 ± 9.221 months ago. Medical history and physical examinations were performed. RESULTS: Female soldiers with PCS had a 1.3 times higher likelihood (P < 0.015) of experiencing longer menstrual periods. Painful menstruation was 1.47 times more frequent (P < 0.001), and heavy periods were 1.64 times more common (P < 0.003). Infertility duration in concussed women was 5.36 ± 0.13 years, whereas those with PCS experienced 1.29 times longer duration (6.02 ± 0.21 years) (P < 0.001) compared with women without PCS (4.69 ± 0.13 years). Among concussed soldiers, 69.27% had endometrial structural pathology, with PCS occurring 1.64 times more often (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The health decline in female veterans and active-duty personnel extends beyond medical implications and has social significance. The well-being of these Ukrainian women affects the country's defense, demographic patterns, socio-political landscape, and social stability.

Diagnostic and surgical approaches to congenital uterine anomalies for the minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) impact the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of affected patients. Managing these conditions depends on the clinical scenario, and in some cases, can involve the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of the diagnosis, perioperative considerations, and treatment of CUAs. RECENT FINDINGS: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) updated the guidelines for classification of CUAs to provide practitioners with a standardized classification system and have created an interactive tool designed for provider use. SUMMARY: Gynecologic surgeons are likely to encounter CUAs during their career. This review provides updated guidance for the workup and treatment of CUAs.

Vulvovaginal Complaints as the First Manifestation of Crohn's Disease in Children: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease, a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory condition, can involve gynecological structures. Rectovaginal or rectovestibular involvement may be the first sign in the pediatric population and may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. CASE: A 9-year-old premenarchal female with chronic constipation and poor growth presented to the pediatric gynecologist for evaluation of persistent vulvovaginal discharge and vulvar irritation. Examination under anesthesia revealed a rectolabial fistula; colonoscopy was diagnostic of Crohn's disease. Immunotherapy resulted in improvement of symptoms and anatomical changes. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: In cases of persistent vulvar complaints in a child without clear diagnosis, a high index of suspicion for a non-gynecologic diagnosis is necessary. Collaboration between pediatric gynecologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons can result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of genital Crohn's disease.

Vaginal bleeding in a newborn as initial presentation of uterus didelphys.

Vaginal bleeding of the newborn is described as a normal phenomenon, occurring physiologically in a subset of baby girls as a response to decreased oestrogen levels in the postnatal period compared with in utero exposure. Here, we present the case of heavy vaginal bleeding prompting an evaluation via transabdominal ultrasound, which was ultimately diagnostic for uterus didelphys. We suggest that neonates with uterus didelphys are predisposed to heavy bleeding due to relatively larger amount of the endometrial tissue in two cavities. While diagnosis of Müllerian anomalies is typically made in adulthood, an earlier diagnosis facilitates timely medical and surgical intervention and prompts screening for concurrent and associated conditions. In summary, we recommend routine consideration of transabdominal ultrasound to investigate abnormal vaginal bleeding in the newborn.

Ovarian absence: a systematic literature review and case series report.

Ovarian absence is an uncommon condition that most frequently presents unilaterally. Several etiologies for the condition have been proposed, including torsion, vascular accident, and embryological defect. A systematic review was conducted to describe the clinical presentation of ovarian absence, as well as its associations with other congenital anomalies, through a systematic search of Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Exclusion criteria included cases with suspicion for Differences of Sex Development, lack of surgically-confirmed ovarian absence, and karyotypes other than 46XX. Our search yielded 12,120 citations, of which 79 studies were included. 10 additional studies were found by citation chasing resulting in a total 113 cases including two unpublished cases presented in this review. Abdominal/pelvic pain (30%) and infertility/subfertility (19%) were the most frequent presentations. Ovarian abnormalities were not noted in 28% of cases with pre-operative ovarian imaging results. Approximately 17% of cases had concomitant uterine abnormalities, while 22% had renal abnormalities. Renal abnormalities were more likely in patients with uterine abnormalities (p < 0.005). Torsion or vascular etiology was the most frequently suspected etiology of ovarian absence (52%), followed by indeterminate (27%) and embryologic etiology (21%). Most cases of ovarian absence are likely attributable to torsion or vascular accidents, despite many references to the condition as "agenesis" in the literature. Imaging may fail to correctly diagnose ovarian absence, and diagnostic laparoscopy may be preferable in many cases as genitourinary anatomy and fertility considerations can be assessed during the procedure. Fertility is likely minimally or not affected in women with unilateral ovarian absence.

Vulvar Aphthous Ulcers in Perimenarchal Adolescents after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Multicenter Case Series.

This case series from 3 academic hospital-based pediatric and adolescent gynecology services outlines the temporal association between vulvar ulcers in female adolescents and COVID-19 vaccination. We identified 8 cases and describe each patient's presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup, complications, treatment modalities, and overall course of illness. All cases seek to illustrate the clinical experiences of patients and providers interfacing with vulvar aphthous ulcers and contribute to the emerging literature exploring the novel association between vulvar aphthous ulcers and COVID-19 vaccination. To date, this is the largest described case series of this association in the literature. Key Words: COVID-19, Vaccine, Aphthous ulcers, Vulva, Adolescent.

Functional genomics analysis identifies loss of HNF1B function as a cause of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by aplasia or hypoplasia of the uterus and vagina in women with a 46,XX karyotype. This condition can occur as type I when isolated or as type II when associated with extragenital anomalies including kidney and skeletal abnormalities. The genetic basis of MRKH syndrome remains unexplained and several candidate genes have been proposed to play a role in its etiology, including HNF1B, LHX1 and WNT4. Here, we conducted a microarray analysis of 13 women affected by MRKH syndrome, resulting in the identification of chromosomal changes, including the deletion at 17q12, which contains both HNF1B and LHX1. We focused on HNF1B for further investigation due to its known association with, but unknown etiological role in, MRKH syndrome. We ablated Hnf1b specifically in the epithelium of the Müllerian ducts in mice and found that this caused hypoplastic development of the uterus, as well as kidney anomalies, closely mirroring the MRKH type II phenotype. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of uterine tissue in the Hnf1b-ablated embryos, we analyzed the molecules and pathways downstream of Hnf1b, revealing a dysregulation of processes associated with cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Thus, we establish that loss of Hnf1b function leads to an MRKH phenotype and generate the first mouse model of MRKH syndrome type II. Our results support the investigation of HNF1B in clinical genetic settings of MRKH syndrome and shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this poorly understood condition in women's reproductive health.

Establishing an Association between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Pilonidal Disease in Adolescent Females.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether pilonidal disease (PD) is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent females. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Urban tertiary children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: All girls aged 12 to 21 who received a diagnosis of PD and/or PCOS from 2012 to 2019 INTERVENTIONS: Treatment for PCOS and PD MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The variables analyzed included age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, age at menarche, tobacco use, payer status, treatment of PCOS and PD, and serum markers of hyperandrogenism and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: During the study period, 100,043 patients presented to an urban tertiary medical center. Of these patients, 966 were diagnosed with PD, and 219 were diagnosed with both PD and PCOS. Compared with patients with only PD, patients with both diagnoses had a higher body mass index (31.4 vs 27.4 kg/m2; P < .01) and were older (18.76 vs 18.30 years; P = .003). The prevalence ratio for patients with PD having PCOS per the original Rotterdam criteria was 26.1 (CI, 22.0-31.0) and 28.7 (CI, 24.3-33.9) for having PCOS per the modified Rotterdam criteria. Patients with both diagnoses were less likely to receive intervention for PD (OR = 0.22; CI, 0.13-0.37; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent females diagnosed with PD are likely to demonstrate features of PCOS. PCOS treatment could positively alter the disease course of PD. As such, surgical providers should consider referring adolescent females with PD to endocrinologists, gynecologists, and adolescent medicine specialists for evaluation of PCOS.

Optimizing menstrual health and hygiene management in the U.S.: A mixed-methods study of the barriers and the role of healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Menstrual health (MH) practices have been understudied in the U.S. This study aimed to assess patient and medical staff views of MH. METHODS: The mixed-methods approach included medical staff and patient surveys, and patient interviews on MH experiences. Quantitative survey data generated descriptive statistics. Thematic content analysis (TCA) evaluated qualitative interviews. Convergent Parallel Triangulation Analysis (CPTA) evaluated both datasets in tandem. RESULTS: The medical staff survey's response rate was 72% (54 participants/75 invited staff). Only 7% (4/54) of staff consistently asked patients about menstrual products (MP), while 54% (29/54) were concerned about patients affording MP. The patient survey's response rate was 90% (186/207); 22% (40/186) of respondents showed MH insecurity, which was associated with annual income <$30,000 (p < 0.01); 45% (85/186) missed commitments during menses; 53% (98/186) never discussed MP with healthcare providers. To reach thematic saturation 10/17 invited patients were interviewed. Five themes were identified through TCA: menstruation as a social barrier; menstrual education comes from a variety of sources; MP choice is a balance of comfort, cost, and convenience; patients value relationships with their providers; adolescence is the window for establishing MH. Three threads were identified through CPTA: MH insecurity is common; MH screening and education are limited; menstruation impacts patients' ability to engage in daily activities. CONCLUSION: A holistic approach toward MH is needed; education and screening are inconsistent. Comprehensive MH can enhance a patient's understanding of and capacity to advocate for their health. These findings are specific to this population and may not be generalizable.

Evaluation of the Association of Endometrial Thickness, Insulin Resistance, and Menstrual Patterns in Adolescent Females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endometrial stripe (EMS) thickness and its association with menstrual pattern and insulin resistance in adolescent females with or at risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study of adolescent females ranging between 12 and 21 years old evaluated in the Adolescent Gynecology & Endocrinology Clinic (AGEC) at a tertiary children's hospital between 2017 and 2021. Transabdominal pelvic ultrasound (US) was obtained for evaluation of PCOS or acute pelvic pain. Unadjusted comparisons were performed between imaging measurements in the PCOS and control (girls without PCOS with acute pelvic pain) groups, as well as analysis of the PCOS group adjusted for age, body mass index, race, and biochemical values. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: In our study, 54 subjects met the inclusion criteria for the PCOS group and 42 for the control group. EMS thickness was thinner in the PCOS group than in the control (0.55 ± 0.31 cm vs 0.70 ± 0.23 cm; P < .001). There was no difference in EMS thickness in the PCOS group when stratified by intermenstrual interval, insulin resistance, and other biochemical factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings support recommendations by the 2018 International Guidelines to avoid use of US for the establishment of PCOS diagnosis in adolescents. These results highlight the unique pathophysiology of adolescent PCOS in contrast to PCOS in adult women. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to understand the role of EMS thickness as a prognostic marker in adolescent PCOS.

Laparoscopic ovarian tissue harvesting for cryopreservation from a child with galactosemia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an approach to fertility preservation by a multidisciplinary team of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, pediatric gynecology and surgery, and genetics experts via ovarian tissue harvesting and cryopreservation for a toddler with galactosemia. Galactosemia is associated with progressive primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early intervention with ovarian tissue cryopreservation may help preserve fertility. DESIGN: Video description of a tissue harvesting and cryopreservation technique. SETTING: Academic institution. PATIENT(S): 16-month-old female with classic galactosemia. INTERVENTION(S): At 6 months of age, despite good metabolic control, the infant's antimüllerian hormone (AMH) level was <0.015 ng/ml; luteinizing hormone level was 3.1 mIU/ml; and follicle stimulating hormone level was 30.2 mIU/ml. She was referred by her geneticist to the reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist for fertility preservation. The AMH levels and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging findings of the patient were monitored over the next 9 months. Although the magnetic resonance imaging exam showed the presence of a dominant follicle in the right ovary and multiple small antral follicles in both ovaries at the age of 8 months, her laboratory assessment at the age of 14 months suggested impending POI (estradiol level <11.80 pg/mL; LH, 3.3 mIU/ml; follicle stimulating hormone, 35.97 mIU/ml; AMH, 0.03 ng/mL). At 16 months of age, given the low AMH levels, right ovary was laparoscopically harvested, so that a sufficient reserve of primordial follicles may be cryopreserved for fertility preservation. We dissected the mesosalpinx initially to separate the ovary from the tube in a manner that minimized the effects of cauterization on the ovary and preserved the fallopian tube. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful harvesting and cryopreservation of the ovarian tissue containing primordial follicles. RESULT(S): The right ovary, which measured 20 × 3 × 3mm, was bisected under a stereomicroscope along the hilum, trimmed to the cortical thickness of 1 mm and sliced into eight 4 × 4-mm pieces. These were then frozen with an established slow freezing protocol. The child was discharged the same day and had an uneventful postoperative course. A subsequent histological examination showed presence of primordial follicles, albeit at a reduced density for her age. CONCLUSION(S): Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is feasible in very young female children with rare genetic disorders associated with POI. We illustrated the unique aspects of performing these procedures in very young children.

Minimally Invasive Ovarian-Preserving Approach for the Management of a Sclerosing Stromal Tumor in an Adolescent: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Sclerosing stromal tumors (SSTs) are rare benign ovarian tumors that occur in adolescents and young adults. They are often treated with unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy due to concern for malignancy. CASE: A 13-year-old postpubertal female presented with sharp, constant abdominal pain with physical exam concerning for a lower abdominal mass. An ultrasound revealed a 9.7-cm solid, heterogenous left ovarian mass. The abdomen and pelvis CT confirmed the findings and showed a predominantly cystic mass arising from the left adnexa. During surgery, a smooth and distinct mass arising from the left ovary was encountered without abnormal findings in surrounding structures. A cystectomy was performed, and intraoperative findings showed no evidence of malignancy. Based on the lab, imaging, and surgical findings, staging and salpingo-oopherectomy were not pursued. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Given the benign nature of SSTs, it is important to entertain the diagnosis in adolescents presenting with clinically congruent ovarian masses. The minimally invasive approach allows for sparing of the ovary in the adolescent population.

Systematic Literature Review of Pediatric Male and Female Genital Hair Thread Tourniquet Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe genital hair thread tourniquet syndrome (HTTS) and its treatment by pediatric and adolescent health care providers through a systematic literature review. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review on pediatric male and female genital HTTS. Studies were included if they involved genital HTTS in males or females 21 years and younger and were published in English. The main outcomes were body parts involved, symptoms, treatment, anesthetic type, providers involved in diagnosis and management, and implications of delayed or missed diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 38 female cases from 33 publications (1973-2020) and 147 male cases from 47 publications (1951-2019). The average age among females and males was 9.1 and 5.1 years, respectively. Among cases involving female patients, 93% of them were premenarchal; patients were circumcised in 90% of reviewed cases of male HTTS. The most commonly involved body parts were clitoris and labia minora in females, and penis and urethra in males. Males most commonly presented with edema and urinary symptoms, whereas females most commonly presented with edema and pain. General anesthesia was used for tourniquet excision in most cases. Male and female genital HTTS were mostly managed by urologists and emergency medicine physicians, respectively. CONCLUSION: This systematic literature review of more than 150 cases of male and female genital HTTS describes evaluation and management of genital HTTS spanning 7 decades. The main treatment of genital HTTS remains prompt diagnosis and removal of the tourniquet, as well as education on prevention strategies. Delayed diagnosis due to lack of recognition of the HTTS can lead to serious sequelae. Development of national guidelines regarding best practices in management of genital HTTS disseminated to all providers taking care of pediatric and adolescent patients will lead to improved patient care.

Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Adolescents in the United States.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Menstrual health in adolescents has been understudied in the United States. We aimed to assess patient and provider perspectives surrounding menstrual health management and screening. DESIGN: Our mixed-methods approach consisted of provider surveys, patient surveys, and patient interviews. SETTING: Participants were recruited from a pediatric gynecology practice or an adolescent medicine clinic at an urban tertiary academic center. PARTICIPANTS: Providers were pediatrics faculty or residents. Patients aged 13-24 years were eligible. INTERVENTION: Participants completed an anonymous survey or semi-structured interview about their experiences with menstrual health. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Convergent parallel analysis elucidated key findings in both data sets. RESULTS: The provider survey response rate was 65% (69/106); 15% (9/69) of providers consistently asked patients about menstrual products, whereas 44% (27/68) were concerned patients could not afford products. The patient survey response rate was 85% (101/119); 19% (19/101) of respondents reported menstrual hygiene insecurity, 55% (55/101) missed commitments during menses, and 45% (45/101) discussed menstrual products with providers. Fifteen patients were invited for qualitative interviews; 10 were conducted, and thematic saturation occurred. Interviews highlighted the importance of comprehensive early menstrual health education and providers' role in menstrual management. CONCLUSION: Adolescence is a crucial point of entry into health care. Because taboos surrounding menstruation could limit access to health care, menstrual health education must be emphasized. Menstrual health education is provided piecemeal by parents, schools, and providers. Current practice should be reevaluated to consider comprehensive educational approaches in which health care leads.