Survey study, 2011
How do teenage girls feel about menstruation and premenstrual symptoms?
Most teenage girls experience premenstrual symptoms (63%) and view them as normal (61%). Girls with more severe symptoms are more likely to seek medical help.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 1,295 teenage girls aged 13 to 19 in rural schools between February and April 2009. They asked about their attitudes toward menstruation, menstrual symptoms, and premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
The average attitude score toward menstruation was 3.84 out of 6. Most participants (63.1%) identified as having premenstrual symptoms, and 61.1% viewed them as a normal part of the cycle. Girls with more severe premenstrual symptoms were more likely to see a doctor. Those with divorced or separated parents were less likely to see a doctor than those with married parents.
What it means for you
Most teenage girls experience premenstrual symptoms and accept them as normal, but those with worse symptoms do seek help. Family situation may affect whether girls get medical support for menstrual issues. This studied only rural teenage girls, so results may differ in urban areas or in older women.
63.1%
Teenage girls with premenstrual symptoms
61.1%
Girls viewing symptoms as normal
3.84 out of 6
Mean attitude score toward menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Attitudes toward menstruation, menstrual-related symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls: a rural school-based survey
- Authors
- Wong LP
- Journal
- Women & health
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 1,295
- What was tested
- None - survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2011.574792
Topics
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