4,000 Schoolgirls Surveyed, 1 in 5 Report Irregular Periods

…that its impact extends beyond menstrual problems to a range of metabolic and other health complications. Dr Rajni Sharma, professor, division of paediatric endocrinology at the department of paediatrics in AIIMS, said menstrual irregularity needs to be assessed in the context of the girl’s age and time since menarche, which is the first menstrual period, as well as other clinical features. Some irregularity is normal during the first year after the first period, said Dr Vandana Jain, another professor in the same division of AIIMS. However, persistent abnormalities need evaluation. Cycles less than 21…

…department of paediatrics in AIIMS, said menstrual irregularity needs to be assessed in the context of the girl’s age and time since menarche, which is the first menstrual period, as well as other clinical features. Some irregularity is normal during the first year after the first period , said Dr Vandana Jain, another professor in the same division of AIIMS. However, persistent abnormalities need evaluation. Cycles less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, or a gap of over three months between…

…excessive screen time and inadequate physical activity may also contribute. The condition can have consequences beyond menstrual health, including insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and fatty liver. “ Adolescents may also experience anxiety, depression, eating disorders and poor body image, particularly when excessive facial or body hair or weight gain becomes an issue. Some may face teasing or bullying at school ,” said Dr Renu Sharma, child psychologist, department of psychiatry. Doctors stressed that early identification should be accompanied by lifestyle measures rather than unnecessary medication. Regular physical activity,…