Study, 2010
What gynecologic problems do girls with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy experience?
Girls with these developmental disabilities commonly have irregular periods and mood or behavioral changes when they start menstruating. Girls with autism are especially likely to develop behavioral problems related to their periods.
What they did
Researchers reviewed medical records from 1999 to 2006 for 44 adolescent girls (13 with Down syndrome, 14 with autism, and 17 with cerebral palsy) who attended a specialized gynecology clinic. They recorded the girls' age at their first visit, age when they started their periods, what problems they reported, and what treatments they received.
What they found
Girls had their first clinic visit at an average age of 15 years and started their periods at an average age of 12.5 years. The most common complaints were irregular bleeding (10 girls) and mood or behavioral changes (6 girls). There was a clear difference: girls with autism were more likely to report behavioral issues than girls with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. Girls with autism were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, and education.
What it means for you
Adolescent girls with developmental disabilities often experience menstrual and behavioral problems when puberty starts. Girls with autism may need special attention for behavioral changes linked to their period. The main limitation is that this study reviewed medical records rather than following girls over time, so it may not represent all girls with these conditions.
44
girls with developmental disabilities studied
15 years
average age at first clinic visit
10
girls with irregular bleeding
About the study
- Original title
- Gynecologic issues of adolescents with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy
- Authors
- Burke LM, Kalpakjian CZ, Smith YR et al.
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 10
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2009.04.005
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2025
What are menstrual cycle patterns in elite female basketball players?
Survey study, 2012
What menstrual and premenstrual symptoms do girls with Rett syndrome experience and how are they treated?
Randomised trial, 2004
Which low-dose birth control pill has better cycle control and fewer side effects?
Cohort study, 2023
Do girls with intellectual disability have worse menstrual quality of life?
Survey study, 2025
How common are PMS and heavy menstrual bleeding in young Indian women?
Survey study, 2025
How much do period problems like painful periods and PMS affect college girls' daily lives?