Survey study, 1994
What are normal menstrual patterns in teenage girls?
Most had normal cycles. About 20% reported severe PMS and 17.2% had severe period pain.
What they did
361 Nigerian schoolgirls (average age 16.5 years, about 2.9 years after starting periods) answered questions about their menstrual cycles, period pain, and PMS.
What they found
Less than 5% had cycles longer than 38 days or bleeding lasting longer than 8 days. 13% had irregular cycles. 17.2% had severe period pain. About 20% had severe PMS with symptoms mainly of mood changes, feeling over-aroused, and trouble concentrating.
What it means for you
Most Nigerian schoolgirls have normal periods, but some experience severe PMS and period pain affecting concentration and mood. The study was from 1994, so menstrual patterns in Nigeria may be different now.
361
Schoolgirls in study
20%
With severe PMS
17.2%
With severe period pain
About the study
- Original title
- The characteristics of the menstrual cycle in Nigerian schoolgirls and the implications for school health programmes
- Authors
- Fakeye O, Adegoke A
- Journal
- African journal of medicine and medical sciences
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7839939/
Topics
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