Menstrual mythology and sources of information about menstruation

Article Abstract:

A review is presented of common myths, misinformation, and misinterpretations concerning menstruation, a topic about whose varied aspects - physiological, sociological, reproductive - young women need to be informed. Physicians need to understand that many of their patients are poorly informed about this topic. Menarche (the first menstrual period) is perceived both positively and negatively by girls: they may appreciate its significance in terms of developing womanhood, but may also feel shame, fear, anxiety, or depression. Several studies have found misunderstandings about menstruation; for instance, one fourth of the subjects in one report believed that the flow consists of waste material. Many (56 percent) did not understand when in the cycle pregnancy is likely to occur. Many continue to believe 'old wives' tales' that warn of danger from bathing, swimming, or exercising during menstruation, or inaccuracies about the effects of the period on women's abilities to think or maintain emotional equilibrium. Education concerning sexuality should begin at home, early in a child's life. Menstruation is simply one topic of many in this category. Although many people believe parents should educate their children concerning sex education, few parents actually do this. Parents often become embarrassed when discussing menstruation, and physicians may find it difficult to communicate easily with lay people. Physicians should attempt to transmit accurate information and to promote positive attitudes in young women about their sexuality. Schools, which have received mixed messages concerning their role in this area, often rely on educational materials from the companies that manufacture sanitary products. This does not allow young women to explore their feelings about puberty, and may inhibit parent-child discussions by simply emphasizing 'the facts'. Better pamphlets and books can be found: several are listed. The future of education about menstruation and sexuality is discussed and evaluated. Physicians interested in these topics will be most effective if they build on relationships with their patients that are established prior to puberty. Guidelines are presented for effective sex education. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Methods, Evaluation, Children, Menstruation, Sex education, Sex education for children

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Selectivity information on desogestrel

Article Abstract:

Desogestrel appears to be the most specific or selective of the new progestins. Oral contraceptives are based on progestins, and despite the satisfaction with the reformulated low-dose oral contraceptives, research has sought to improve the selectivity of the progestins. Improved selectivity means increased progestational activity and reduction of undesirable side effects caused by estrogenic and androgenic activity. Oral contraceptive side effects caused by androgenic activity include skin changes, weight gain and high blood pressure. In laboratory studies, the commonly used progestins norethindrone and levonorgestrel bound to progestin receptors with significantly less affinity than desogestrel. However, the affinity of desogestrel for the androgen receptor was significantly less than that of levonorgestrel and another progestin gestodene. In animal studies too, desogestrel demonstrated high selectivity.

Research, Innovations, Hormone receptors, Progestational hormones, Synthetic, Progestational agents, Contraceptive drugs

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Expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle

Article Abstract:

The fluctuation of expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle is investigated. The expression and fluctuation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the human endometrium is increased during the secretory phase, suggesting that fluctuation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the human endometrium might be induced by ovarian steroid hormones.

Health aspects, Analysis, Protein kinases, Menstrual cycle, Endometrium

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