A Study of Menstrual Problems in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Objective: To study the common problems, related to menstruation faced by Adolescent girls.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study conducted from October 1st to November 30th 2007 at St. Theresa's girls Higher Secondary School at Chengaroor of Pathanamthitta district. The study group included 503 girls from 6th std. to 9th std. They were given a prepared questionnaire. General physical examination was done for those who had menstrual problems.

Results: Age of the study group, ranged from 10 yrs to 15 yrs. The mean age of onset of menarche was 12.2 yrs. 70.1% of adolescent had problems related to menstruation, of which dysmenorrhea was the major problem (88.8%). Other problems were menorrhea, hypomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and menometrrhagia (11.2%). 23% had missed school days for 1-3 days.

Conclusion: 70.1% of school girls have menstrual problems, the commonest being dysmenorrheal and premenstrual syndromes (88.8%). Problems like menorrhea, hypo menorrhea, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and menometrrhagia contributed to 11.2%. School absenteeism due to menstrual problems was detected up to 23%.