Menstrual disorders among Zagazig University Students, Zagazig, Egypt

Abstract

Objective

To determine the nature and prevalence of menstrual disorders among the young female students at Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Study design

A questionnaire covering items on adolescents’ demographic data and menstruation characteristics was used for information collection.

Results

A total of 283 questionnaires were analysed. The mean age at menarche was 12.1 ± 1.6 years with a range of 11–16 years. Oligomenorrhoea was reported by 17 girls (6.0%) while 6 others (2.1%) mentioned having polymenorrhoea. Hypomenorrhoea was noted in 20 students (7.1%), while hypermenorrhoea was reported by 15 (5.3%). Irregular periods were mentioned by 22 girls (7.8%). Dysmenorrhoea was reported in 185 students (65.4%). Out of these, 79 (27.9%) graded their pain as mild, 66 (23.3%) as moderate and 40 (14.1%) as severe. PMS was mentioned by 158 students (55.8%). Consulting somebody regarding their menstrual problems was reported by 32 students (11.3%).

Conclusion

The results of this study are comparable to those in other parts of the world. Adolescents should be encouraged to chart their menstrual periods from menarche onwards in order to focus their attention on when and how to seek medical advice. Health education on menstrual disorders targeting adolescents and including education on reproductive health in the school/university curriculum may assist in early detection of these disorders.