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Randall KN, Hopkins CS, Drew H. Menstrual education programs for girls and young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2024; 37:e13264. [PMID: 38863161 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing menstrual education and guidance for menstrual management for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities is recommended to ensure smooth pubertal transitions and to support menstrual self-agency. METHOD The purpose of this systematic review is to explore menstrual education interventions for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities. RESULTS Nine studies were included. Interventions were provided in small groups (n = 4) and individually (n = 5). Most studies used dolls (n = 7) and task analysis (n = 7) to teach pad-replacement skills. All reported significant improvements in participant skills and/or knowledge following the intervention. Only one study addressed self-agency and self-esteem as an outcome of the intervention. Menstrual education for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities is largely focused on pad-replacement skills. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to understand the impact of menstrual health and hygiene education on variables apart from skill improvement such as self-agency and long-term health outcomes related to menstrual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina N Randall
- Department of Special Education, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Casey S Hopkins
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah Drew
- Department of Literacy, Language, and Culture, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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Baum A, Chan K, Sachedina A, Grover SR. Factors Predicting Removals of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System in an Adolescent Cohort. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2024; 37:171-176. [PMID: 38128876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Use of 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in adolescents for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), dysmenorrhea, and contraception has increased, yet little is known about the factors predicting removal and dissatisfaction in adolescents. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting LNG-IUS removal in adolescents. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study including all adolescents (9-19 years) who underwent LNG-IUS insertion between 2012 and 2021 (n = 536). A medical record review was conducted and data were collated on medical and gynecological history, age, indications for insertion, complications, expulsions, and removals. The data were analyzed using χ2 tests. RESULTS Indications for LNG-IUS insertions (n = 536) among 517 individual patients (n = 517) included menstrual management (n = 142), HMB alone (n = 118), HMB and pelvic pain/dysmenorrhea (n = 105), dysmenorrhea/pelvic pain alone (n = 47), and contraception (n = 16). Associated diagnoses included intellectual disability (44.29%, 229/517), chronic pain conditions (12.77%, 66/517), and additional mental health concerns (24.37%, 126/517). Patient dissatisfaction with LNG-IUS led to removal in 61 (11.38%), mostly for pain or persistent bleeding. Higher removal rates occurred in those with associated chronic pain conditions (46.97%, χ2 = 55.9, P < .05), mental health concerns (16.67%, χ2 = 5.06, P < .05), and bleeding disorders (26.32%, χ2 = 5.09, P < .05). Among the cohort with an intellectual disability, lower rates of removal occurred (5.7%, χ2 = 11.2, P < .05). Whereas the LNG-IUS removal rate among gender-diverse youth was 23.07%, this was not statistically significant. Younger age was also not associated with a statistically significant increase in removals (13.72%, χ2 = 0.73, P > .05). DISCUSSION Adolescents have a low dissatisfaction and removal rate (11.38%) of LNG-IUS. Chronic pain, bleeding tendency, and mental health concerns are associated with higher removal rates and intellectual disability with lower rates. These findings are useful in counselling patients and families about LNG-IUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Baum
- Department of Gynaecology, Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital, St. Albans, Australia.
| | - Kiri Chan
- Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Aalia Sachedina
- Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sonia R Grover
- Department of Gynaecology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Carmine L, Fisher M. Menstrual and reproductive health in female adolescents with developmental disabilities. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2022; 52:101243. [PMID: 35902326 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are impacted by pubertal changes and the onset of menses disproportionately. Despite the fact that for most youth with I/DD, the progression of puberty, menarche, and irregular cycles due to axis immaturity appear to be consistent with the general population, cyclic behavioral changes and premenstrual symptoms may be more common. Furthermore, for some disabled youth there are endocrine or medication effects that may impact menses disproportionately. Education and access to care is essential for this group to address many aspects of treatment, from prepubertal anticipatory guidance to menstrual management, with special attention required for addressing issues concerning hygiene, cyclic pain, behavior changes, sexuality, potential for abuse, and pregnancy prevention.1-4 This article will provide an overview of the policies and guidance available for management of the menstrual issues encountered in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical disorders. Included will be a review of studies that evaluate the different types of methods that are utilized for menstrual management and the different conditions that are encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Carmine
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Hempstead, New York.
| | - Martin Fisher
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Hempstead, New York
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Lahoti A, Yu C, Brar PC, Dalgo A, Gourgari E, Harris R, Kamboj MK, Marks S, Nandagopal R, Page L, Raman V, Reynolds DG, Sarafoglou K, Terrell C, Stanley TL. An endocrine perspective on menstrual suppression for adolescents: achieving good suppression while optimizing bone health. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1355-1369. [PMID: 34388330 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Suppression of menstruation and/or ovarian function in adolescent girls may be desired for a variety of reasons. Numerous medical options exist. The choice of the appropriate modality for an individual patient depends on several factors based on differences in the efficacy of achieving menstrual suppression as well as in their side effect profiles. Adolescence is also a period of bone mass accrual in girls, and several of these modalities may negatively influence peak bone mass. This review focuses on the efficacy of achieving menstrual suppression and the effect on bone health of the various options through an overview of the current literature and also highlights areas in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lahoti
- Pediatric Endocrine Division, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christine Yu
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Preneet Cheema Brar
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Austin Dalgo
- Center for Bioethics and Health Equity, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Evgenia Gourgari
- Pediatric Endocrinology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manmohan K Kamboj
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Seth Marks
- Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Children's Hospital HSC Winnipeg, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Radha Nandagopal
- Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Laura Page
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Danielle G Reynolds
- Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kyriakie Sarafoglou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Carrie Terrell
- Division of General Obstetrics, Gynecology, Midwifery and Family Planning at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Takara L Stanley
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit and Metabolism Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Frances Fei Y, Ernst SD, Dendrinos ML, Quint EH. Satisfaction With Hormonal Treatment for Menstrual Suppression in Adolescents and Young Women With Disabilities. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:482-488. [PMID: 33712384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the population of adolescents and young women with special needs presenting for gynecologic care, describe usage patterns of hormonal suppression methods, and evaluate outcomes of menstrual management. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included females with special needs up to age 26 years presenting for menstrual management from 2009 to 2018. Demographic, social, and medical histories were collected to investigate effects on bleeding pattern and satisfaction with menstrual management. RESULTS Of 262 patients who presented for menstrual complaints, final methods of treatment included combined hormonal contraceptives (30.9%), oral progestins (19.8%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (8.0%), etonogestrel implant (1.9%), and levonorgestrel intrauterine device (16.8%). Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with their final bleeding pattern. Patients with amenorrhea or light regular periods were more likely to be satisfied than patients with heavy or irregular bleeding (p < .001). Satisfied patients tried an average of 1.4 methods, compared to 1.8 methods tried by the unsatisfied group (p = .042). By the end of the study, 26.0% were amenorrheic and 12.8% had only light spotting. Satisfaction rates were similar with each method, including 88.4% with use of combined hormonal contraceptives, 82.5% with oral progestins, 93.3% with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, 100% with etonogestrel implant, and 83.9% with levonorgestrel intrauterine device. CONCLUSIONS Amenorrhea or light regular bleeding led to satisfaction in most patients. No hormonal method was superior. When counseling families and patients who present for menstrual suppression, emphasis should be placed on goals of treatment and expectations for outcomes, as light regular periods may be as acceptable as amenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Frances Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Susan D Ernst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Melina L Dendrinos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elisabeth H Quint
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Fei YF, Ernst SD, Dendrinos ML, Quint EH. Preparing for Puberty in Girls With Special Needs: A Cohort Study of Caregiver Concerns and Patient Outcomes. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2021; 34:471-476. [PMID: 33838332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To characterize the patient population with cognitive or physical impairments that presents for anticipatory guidance of puberty, evaluate caregiver concerns with respect to puberty, and describe chosen management strategies and outcomes following menarche. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Academic tertiary care women and children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Eligible female patients with special needs up to age 26 years presenting for anticipatory guidance from 2009 to 2018 MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included characterization of patients presenting for anticipatory guidance and their reasons for menstrual management. Secondary outcomes were satisfaction with menstrual management and bleeding patterns. RESULTS A total of 61 patients presented for anticipatory guidance of puberty, on average 13.5 months prior to menarche. Compared to the overall adolescent population with special needs who presented for gynecologic care, patients who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD), were nonverbal, or had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) were more likely to present for a pre-menarchal visit to discuss anticipated pubertal development (P < .001, P = .009, and P = .04, respectively). More than half of families described potential behavioral changes as their main concern. The majority of post-menarchal patients (80%) desired hormonal management of menses, including 30% of patients who had placement of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. In all, 96% of patients were satisfied with their final menstrual bleeding pattern; 50% achieved amenorrhea or light spotting. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the important role of pre-menarchal reproductive counseling for girls with disabilities. Anticipation of puberty causes great anxiety in families and patients, especially those with ASD, ADD/ADHD, and non-verbal status. Providers should consider initiating these conversations early in pubertal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Frances Fei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Susan D Ernst
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Melina L Dendrinos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Elisabeth H Quint
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Hopkins CS, Fasolino T. Menstrual suppression in girls with disabilities. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2020; 33:785-790. [PMID: 32740333 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Girls with disabilities and their caregivers are challenged during pubertal transitions, particularly with menses onset. More than 50% of caregivers report concern and anxiety related to menarche, and they have sought health care providers to discuss options. Menstrual suppression planning and education from nurse practitioners (NP) is key to ensure quality of life for these girls and their caregivers. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and evaluate the state of the science surrounding the use of medical modalities for menstrual suppression in adolescent girls with disabilities. DATA SOURCES Articles were identified through systematic electronic search of the following databases: CINAHL, Medline, Health Sources: Nursing/Academic Edition, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Academic Search Complete. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that the most common medical modality used for menstrual suppression in girls with disabilities is the combined oral contraceptive pill, but depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system have been recommended. Concerns related to menstrual suppression include expressed wishes of the girl and her caregivers, existing comorbid conditions, and risks associated with medical modalities used for suppression. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Meaningful conversations about concerns and expectations related to pubertal transitions are essential to ensure smooth transitions. NPs should provide counseling and discuss the variety of interventions available for menstrual suppression, being mindful of the need for comprehensive gynecological care. Additional studies using robust methods, including longitudinal and prospective strategies, are needed to better inform NPs of the goals and desirable outcomes for these girls and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey S Hopkins
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health Upstate, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Tracy Fasolino
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
- Palmetto Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, Palliative Care, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Greenville, South Carolina
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