Menstrual Health as a Part of Preventive Health Care

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 441 - 453
• Main Authors: Matteson, Kristen A., MD, MPH, Zaluski, Kate M., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-09-2019
• Subjects: Abnormal uterine bleeding; Adolescent; Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Endometriosis; Endometriosis - diagnosis; Female; Humans; Menorrhagia - diagnosis; Menstrual health; Menstruation - physiology; Menstruation Disturbances - diagnosis; Menstruation Disturbances - etiology; Normal uterine bleeding; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Postmenopause; Premenstrual syndrome; Preventive Health Services - methods; United States; Uterine Diseases - complications; Uterine Diseases - diagnosis; Women's Health; United States; Endometriosis; Premenstrual syndrome; Normal uterine bleeding; Abnormal uterine bleeding; Menstrual health
• ISSN: 0889-8545; 1558-0474
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2019.04.004

Menstrual health assessment facilitates identification of pathologic conditions (eg, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis), offers the opportunity to educate women on what menstrual symptoms may be normal or abnormal, and provides the opportunity to initiate treatment for women who are suffering because of problems with menstrual bleeding or associated symptoms. Heavy bleeding, pain, fatigue, and mood changes significantly affect a woman’s physical, social, and emotional quality of life. Promptly identifying and treating these disorders by incorporating their assessment into routine well-woman care has the potential to positively affect the lives of a substantial number of women.