Changes of Menstrual Attitude and Stress Perception in Women with Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Purpose: This study was planned to compare the attitudes toward menstruation and stress levels of women with and without dysmenorrhea.

Methods: A total of 100 female students (52 subjects with and 48 subjects without dysmenorrhea, respectively) over 18 years old were enrolled in this study. The attitude of women was assessed during menstruation by Menstruation Attitude Questionnaire. Level of perceived stress was evaluated with Percieved Stress Scale during menstruation and 15 days after menstruation. Additional menstrual symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, headache, back pain, leg symptoms were questioned during menstruation.

Results: Only "menstruation as a natural event" subscale scores of Menstruation Attitude Questionnaire were significantly lower in women with dysmenorrhea than controls. Perceived Stress Scale scores during menstruation were significantly lower in the group with dysmenorrhea than the control group; however, Perceived Stress Scale scores 15 days after menstruation were not significantly different between two groups. The severity of menstrual symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and weakness were significantly higher in the group with dysmenorrhea.

Discussion: This study shows that women with dysmenorrhea have some important changes in attitude towards menstruation. Especially they have problems to accept menstruation as a natural event. At the same time, physiological or psychological symptoms such as loss of appetite, muscle cramps, weakness were seen more in women with dysmenorrhea. Applications such as cognitive behavior therapy and perception therapy changing perception of menstruation can contribute to the treatment of dysmenorrhea.