Adolescent heavy menstrual bleeding and dymenorrhoea

Abstract

Menstrual disorders are common conditions in adolescents, with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) having a prevalence of 37% in adolescents compared to 10-20% in adults, and dysmenorrhoea accounting for approximately 15% of adolescent complaints. Menstrual disorders have serious effects on quality of life due to school absenteeism and limitation of sport or social activity participation. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) is the preferred term to describe abnormality of menstrual volume, regulatory, frequency and duration according to International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Several studies have confirmed a racial difference in the age of menarche, with African girls experiencing menarche earlier and Caucasian girls experience it later. It has been postulated that increasing body mass index (BMI) and weight are factors in the earlier menarche; however studies have not been consistent in demonstrating that to be the case. According to the World health Organization (WHO), an adolescent is referred to as an individual between the ages of 10-19 years of age.