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Survey study, 2021

How common are menstrual problems in adolescent girls?

Very common. 73.6% of girls had painful periods, 13.5% had moderate to severe PMS, 12.5% had irregular periods, 8.4% had heavy periods, and 6.2% had PMDD.

Early or limited evidence Female students ages 10-19 in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India

What they did

Researchers conducted a community survey of female students ages 10-19 in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. They collected data using questionnaires about menstrual problems and a screening tool for premenstrual symptoms.

What they found

73.6% of girls reported painful periods (dysmenorrhea), 13.5% had moderate to severe PMS, 12.5% had irregular periods (oligomenorrhea), 8.4% had heavy periods (menorrhagia), and 6.2% had PMDD. Menstrual problems were more common as girls got older.

What it means for you

Menstrual problems are very common in adolescent girls and can affect their ability to attend school and participate in social activities. These problems can also affect their reproductive health later in life. This study was conducted in one district in India, so findings may not apply to girls in other regions or countries.

73.6%

Had painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

13.5%

Had moderate to severe PMS

6.2%

Had PMDD

About the study

Original title
MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS (10-19YEARS) IN THE PRIMARY CARE SETTING
Authors
M Manjula, M. K. C. Nair, Babu George et al.
Journal
Indian Journal Of Applied Research
Year
2021
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
None—this was an observational survey

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