To study the menstrual pattern and various menstrual problems among urban adolescent girls

Abstract

Adolescence is very important transitional period in which development from girlhood to womanhood with physical, psychological changes occurs. Menstruation is a milestone but there are substantial lacunae in knowledge about menstruation and related problems, which leads to severe reproductive health problems. Objective: To study the menstrual pattern and various menstrual problems among urban adolescent girls. Method: A cross sectional study carried out, total 100 adolescent girls included who attended gynecological OPD predesigned questionnaire filled after informed consent. Data was collected, compiled and analyzed. Result: Majority of adolescent girls (62%) had menarche between 10-13 yrs of age. Oligomenorrhea is most common menstrual problem (56%), dysmenorrhea was the main reason of absenteeism from school (with 42.9%). Menorrhagia along with dysmenorrhea was second most common reason (14.2%) for absenteeism from school. Conclusion: This study highlights the need of awareness of menstruation and related problems among the adolescent girls to avoid future reproductive health problems