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.
