Interview study, 1997
What diagnostic system should doctors use for menstrually related disorders?
The paper proposes new diagnostic criteria based on when symptoms occur rather than their type, to help doctors from different specialties communicate better about menstrual cycle related problems.
What they did
Qualitative study combining expert discussion across multiple medical disciplines to develop a unified diagnostic system for menstrually related disorders.
What they found
Menstrually related disorders are common, diverse, and affect multiple body systems. The current fragmented approach, where different specialists study and treat different symptoms separately, limits progress. New criteria based on timing rather than symptoms were proposed.
What it means for you
Better communication between doctors treating menstrual problems is needed, but this is a proposal not yet tested with actual patients.
About the study
- Original title
- Menstrually related disorders--towards interdisciplinary international diagnostic criteria
- Authors
- Halbreich U
- Journal
- Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None (expert discussion)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1177/0333102497017s2002