Menstrual problems on the rise among adolescents

In this day and age, when girls perform no less than boys in all fields – be it academics or sports, there are those days in the month when many of us do feel helpless. Heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramps affect our performance and statistics show that the problem is becoming more common, says the finding of a study which was conducted by Presha Goel, a second-year student from Mahindra United World College. She has focused her study on menstrual irregularities among adolescent girls and young women for the last three years.

At least one in ten girls in rural areas, and one in five girls in urban areas in India suffer from irregular and prolonged periods.

In a survey conducted in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula), 19 per cent of high school and college students reported that they suffered from irregular periods 11 per cent reported that they or their family members were taking treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Talking to Bizz Buzz, Presha says, "Sometimes it is associated with heavy flow, while at others it may be associated with severe menstrual cramps. The most common cause of irregular, heavy or prolonged bleeding in adolescents and young adults is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)."

What is PCOS? Well, it is a condition affecting girls and women during the reproductive years. There are three main features – irregular or skipped periods, increased tendency for acne and facial hair, and development of small fluid filled sacs or cysts in the ovaries which can be detected by ultrasound examination. PCOS occurs due to an imbalance of hormones in the body because of which there is an increase in the level of male hormones as well as failure of cyclic release of egg from the ovary. In addition, women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Why does PCOS occur? While it is true that we inherit the tendency for developing PCOS, it generally manifests when our lifestyle becomes unhealthy. Eating foods high in fat, salt, and sugar commonly called 'fast food' or 'junk food', reduced physical activity, preference for indoor activity, increased screen time, increased use of smartphones, irregular sleeping hours, increased stress levels, and late-night binging on snacks are some other factors that have been shown to be associated with PCOS.

According to Presha, "PCOS can be managed by lifestyle modifications and drugs taken under medical supervision. Even small amount of reduction in weight along with regular physical exercise, adding high fiber, fruits and vegetables to diet and reducing consumption of processed food can be helpful in managing PCOS. These efforts at individual level along with regulation at parental and school level can go a long way in preventing and managing PCOS."

Focusing on healthy eating habits within the family, teaching children and adolescents to prepare healthy and tasty snacks, including 40-50 minutes of daily physical exercise into the family time, regulating screen time and sleep hours, and promoting the habit of self-monitoring one's diet and activity are some of the initiatives that parents can undertake to prevent this problem, says the study.