---
title: What menstrual and premenstrual symptoms do girls with Rett syndrome experience and how are they treated?
description: Girls with Rett syndrome commonly experience painful periods and PMS symptoms similar to other women, plus some autism-specific symptoms. Hormonal contracepti
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/rett-syndrome-and-menstruation-2012/
---

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- What menstrual and premenstrual symptoms do girls with Rett syndrome experience and how are they treated?

Survey study, 2012

# What menstrual and premenstrual symptoms do girls with Rett syndrome experience and how are they treated?

Girls with Rett syndrome commonly experience painful periods and PMS symptoms similar to other women, plus some autism-specific symptoms. Hormonal contraception, especially birth control pills, is commonly used to manage them.

 Early or limited evidence

Mothers of girls with Rett syndrome aged 10-25 (online convenience sample)

## What they did

Web-based survey of mothers of girls with Rett syndrome (aged 10-25, recruited from Rett syndrome LISTSERV in July 2009). Survey covered menstrual symptoms, PMS, painful periods, hygiene concerns, and treatments used.

## What they found

Dysmenorrhea and PMS are common in girls with Rett syndrome. Despite frequency and severity, symptoms do not routinely limit activities. Multiple treatment attempts are common. Young women have standard dysmenorrhea and PMS symptoms plus autism spectrum-specific PMS symptoms. Hormonal contraception is commonly used for menstrual management, with oral contraceptive pills most common.

## What it means for you

Girls with Rett syndrome experience typical menstrual and premenstrual problems that benefit from hormonal treatment. This was a convenience sample of mothers who volunteered to answer a web survey, so findings may not represent all families.

## About the study

Original title Rett syndrome and menstruation Authors Hamilton A, Marshal MP, Sucato GS et al. Journal Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology Year 2012 Study design Survey study What was tested Hormonal contraception, primarily oral contraceptive pills Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.11.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.11.002)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/)[Autism](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-autism/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/)

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