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Open research questions in Menstrual Health and Disorders

74 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 785 Menstrual Health and Disorders papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Research Limitations This study has several limitations. Therefore, future studies are recommended to use a more rigorous design, such as a quasi-experimental study with a control group or a randomized controlled trial, with longer follow-up periods and better control of potential confounding factors.

    Changes in Menstrual Pain Following Dysmenorrhea Exercise among Early-Adolescent Female Students at Two Elementary Schools: A One Group Pretest–Posttest Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Abstract Background Menstrual distress affects a substantial proportion of individuals of reproductive age and is associated with impaired quality of life and psychological comorbidities, yet validated German-language instruments for its assessment are lacking.

    The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q): reliability and validity of the German version · 2026 · DOI

  • There is the need to enhance Reproductive Health Education: The university should integrate menstrual health and safe medication use into general education curricula or extracurricular workshops. 2. Periodic gynecological check-ups should be made accessible to female students. 3. Female students to be advised to patronize Oncampus counseling centers where expert advice on menstrual and contraceptive options can be obtained. pain management, health, REFERENCES 1. Iacovides, S., Avidon, I., & Baker, F. C. What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review. *Human Reproduction Update*, 2015; 21(6): 762–778. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmv039 2. Femi-Agboola, D. M., Sekoni, O. O., & Goodman, O. O. (2017). Dysmenorrhea and its effects on school absenteeism and school activities among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal*.

    ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF NON-STERIODAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs) ON MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES AT UNIVERSITY OF PORT-HARCOURT, NIGERIA · 2026 · DOI

  • Based on the findings of this study, the Rivers State Ministry of Education should establish Health Education as a standalone subject in secondary schools, ensuring comprehensive menstrual health education that addresses knowledge gaps, promotes positive attitudes, and integrates Family Life and Sex Education concepts into the curriculum. REFERENCES Abulfathi, B., Musa, H., & Ahmed, S. (2025). Knowledge and perceptions of menstruation among out-of-school adolescent girls in Maiduguri, Nigeria. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 29(1), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2025/v29i1.8 Adinma, E. D., & Adinma, J. I. (2020). Menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Nigeria: A review of current evidence and interventions. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology, 12(3), 156–165. https://doi.org/10.5897/JPHE2020.1245 Anbesu, E. W., & Asgedom, S. W. (2023). Knowledge of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 23, 1542. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-1542-4 Bandura, A. (2020). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Cambridge University Press. Betsu, B. D., Hussen, M. S., & Tadesse, B. T. (2024). School absenteeism during menstruation among adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(2), e0002605. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0002605 Chandra-Mouli, V., & Patel, S. V. (2017). Mapping the knowledge and understanding of menarche, menstrual hygiene and menstrual health among adolescent girls in low- and 53 Article DOI: 10.52589/IJPHP-QLJGMORO DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.52589/IJPHP-QLJGMORO International Journal of Public Health and Pharmacology ISSN: 2997-6014 Volume 6, Issue 2, 2026 (pp. 40-56) middle-income https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-017-0293-6 countries.

    Knowledge and Attitude Towards Menstrual Hygiene Among Adolescent Girls in Secondary Schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria · 2026 · DOI

  • employing longitudinal designs and intervention studies with adequate control for confounding factors will help to expand the knowledge base in this area. Randomized controlled trials directly comparing Acting with Awareness-focused interventions to standard programs would strengthen causal evidence.In light of these findings, it is recommended that mindfulness- based intervention programs for women experiencing menstrual symptoms be developed, with particular emphasis on strengthening Acting with Awareness skills.

    The effects of mindfulness levels on menstrual symptoms and irritability in university students · 2026 · DOI

  • Although GZFLW is widely used in gynecological dis- eases with blood stasis syndrome, existing clinical stud- ies have obvious shortcomings and severely insufficient evidence quality.

    Efficacy Analysis of Guizhi Fuling Wan in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea · 2026 · DOI

  • Although excessive prostaglandin activity is a recognized driver of uterine hypercontractility, the molecular mechanisms linking prostaglandin imbalance to nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, coagulation abnormalities, and impaired uterine microcirculation remain incompletely understood.

    Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling implicates prostaglandin–nitric oxide network dysregulation in uterine microcirculatory impairment in primary dysmenorrhea · 2026 · DOI

  • Menstruation, according to Islamic Sharia, is a natural phenomenon characterized by mercy, exemption from affliction, and spiritual dignity. The 352 TATHO, Volume 3, Issue 2, 2026 Menstrual Cycle, Educational commitment... standards of classical Islamic jurisprudence are unambiguous on this matter, allowing, for instance, exemptions from fasting and ritual prayer for menstruating women. Yet still these teachings are too often misinterpreted in a sociocultural way, resulting in restrictions on practice and raised feelings of exclusion. This supports the contention by Buckley and Carland (2023) that Muslim women regularly renegotiate religious identity relative to bodily states, especially in contexts where the cultural image aligns in opposition to religious principles. When accurate information about religions is integrated into the academic context, it may mitigate stigma and come a step closer to establishing a more conducive environment for girls studying in schools.

    Menstrual Cycle, Educational Commitment, and Islamic Jurisprudential Understanding: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study in Iraqi Higher Education · 2026 · DOI

  • reproductive health, and public health). This investigator triangulation allowed the data to be viewed from multiple angles interpretation, which and enriched strengthened the study’s credibility (27). Further, using quotes from participants also the credibility and transparency of the study. Dependability was strengthened by our effort to provide a clear and transparent description of the study process, encompassing data collection, analysis and the presentation of results (27). the data analysis and strengthened Another strength of the study is the inclusion of both female and male coaches, which enabled a more nuanced understanding of gendered experiences related to the study topic. However, there are several limitations concerning the transferability of the findings—that is, the extent to which the results can be applied to other groups or contexts (27). Specifically, we did not ask participants whether they identified as transgender or non-binary or about any self-reported experiences of disability—factors that may shape perspectives and experiences related to the research topic (1). The lack of representation from these groups limits the transferability of the study findings and our ability to capture diverse perspectives within sports settings. We recommend that future studies specifically include coaches with trans and nonbinary identities and those with experiences of disability, as they may offer valuable insights into how to foster a more inclusive menstrual health environment in sports settings. Furthermore, the present study included only coaches with experience in floorball, which may limit the transferability of the findings to other sports. Menstrual health is an increasingly recognized topic which may impact the social desirability regarding our study. Informants were recruited via self-selection which may have attracted informants with pre-interest or pre-understanding regarding the subject, this may have skewed the results. A question regarding pre-understanding was asked and only one of the eighteen informants had undergone further education regarding menstruation apart the obligatory schooleducation. Regarding cultural context our study was conducted in from Sweden where basic education about menstruation is generally expected to be provided in schools. It is unclear to what extent and how consistently this education is provided, as the terms “menstruation’ and “menstrual cycle’ are not mentioned in the school curriculum. However, several findings related to menstrual communication and knowledge were similar to those reported by coaches in other countries (4, 9).

    Communicating menstrual health in youth sport: insights from Swedish floorball coaches · 2026 · DOI

  • The study adopted a non-random sampling technique, generalizability of findings remains difficult. Also, the study was limited to a small geographical location of rural Kollam, Kerala. Keeping aside all the odds, the sheer magnitude of the 1.44 yrs. generational gap remains statistically compelling and conceptually aligned with the literature reviews.

    Generational Trends in Menarcheal Age: A Comparative Analysis of Adolescent Girls and Their Mothers in Southern Kerala, India. · 2026 · DOI

  • The present review has certain limitations that should be considered while interpreting the findings. • The study relied on secondary data from previously published literature, and therefore the conclusions depend on the quality and accuracy of the included studies. • Variations in study design, population characteristics, the reviewed and geographical settings across literature may limit direct comparison of findings. • Only studies published in the English language were included in this review; therefore, studies published in other languages were not considered. • As a narrative review, the study did not apply a systematic review protocol or meta-analysis, which may introduce selection bias in the literature included. Conflict of Interest- None to declare by author(s). Financial Aid- Self financed and no financial aid applied or received. Acknowledgement - The authors would like to acknowledge the researchers and authors whose published work contributed to this review.

    Menstrual Hygiene Management and Waste Disposal Practices: A Narrative Review · 2026 · DOI

  • 2 Study limitations This study has some limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. Another limitation of this study is that the evaluation conducted one year after the intervention was descriptive in nature. Given that men often hold significant influence over SRH norms and decision-making within families and communities, their exclusion represents an important limitation.

    Building on tradition: using the ADAPT-ITT model to develop a sexual health intervention from initiation rites of passage for rural young women in Southern Malawi · 2026 · DOI

  • The study assessed dysmenorrhea characteristics and traditional medicine knowledge in one geographic location (Kim Long ward, Hue City) with a single cross-sectional survey, limiting generalizability to other Vietnamese populations or cultural contexts. Future research should conduct multi-site studies across different regions and socioeconomic populations to determine whether knowledge of traditional medicine management methods and dysmenorrhea symptom patterns vary geographically and culturally.

    Assessment of Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Using the Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale and Knowledge of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Dysmenorrhea among Women Aged Over 18 and of Reproductive Age · 2026 · DOI

  • The study observed that herbal medicines and traditional medicine formulas had low adoption rates (2.9% and 1.8% respectively) compared to non-pharmacological methods like heat therapy (33.6%), but did not assess the efficacy or safety profile of these traditional medicine interventions. Future research should conduct randomized controlled trials comparing specific herbal remedies and traditional formulations against standard NSAIDs and heat therapy for dysmenorrhea symptom relief.

    Assessment of Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Using the Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale and Knowledge of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Dysmenorrhea among Women Aged Over 18 and of Reproductive Age · 2026 · DOI

  • The study notes that 7.0% of women experienced severe dysmenorrhea pain with potential underlying pathological causes, yet the research did not investigate the clinical correlates or etiological factors in this high-severity subgroup. Future research should conduct detailed diagnostic evaluation of severe dysmenorrhea cases using imaging and clinical assessment to identify whether secondary causes (endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis) are prevalent in this population.

    Assessment of Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Using the Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale and Knowledge of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Dysmenorrhea among Women Aged Over 18 and of Reproductive Age · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identified a discrepancy in Cox RSS severity scores (RSS-COX 2: 17.2 ± 9.9) compared to prior research (13.0 ± 9.5), attributed to potential differences in sample characteristics, data collection timing, scale interpretation, and age distribution. Future research should standardize the administration protocol and interpretation guidelines for the Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale to enable valid comparisons across dysmenorrhea studies with different population demographics.

    Assessment of Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Using the Cox Retrospective Symptom Scale and Knowledge of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Dysmenorrhea among Women Aged Over 18 and of Reproductive Age · 2026 · DOI

  • A number of different physical and mental illnesses must be ruled out in order to diagnose PMS and PMDD, requiring comprehensive differential diagnosis protocols.

    ETHNIC HERBAL MEDICINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME: ETIOLOGY, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND OTHER MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS · 2026 · DOI

  • Current research highlights the potential of regular PA in alleviating menstrual discomfort, yet the relationship between extracurricular PA and PE participation amidst menstrual-related symptoms remains underexplored.

    Menstrual-related symptoms as a barrier to physical education among adolescent girls and young women: implications for health and education · 2025 · DOI

  • Although the negative effects of period poverty on the physical, social, and mental well-being of menstruating adolescents have been emphasized and reported as a major public health issue, there remains a gap in research exploring the impact of evidence-based digital menstrual health educational tools on improving overall health outcomes and mental well-being of menstruating individuals.

    Digital Platforms and Educational Tools for Enhancing Menstrual Health: A Scoping Review · 2025 · DOI

  • About 50% of physicians considered saturating three tampons/pads per 4 hours as excessive, although the criterion varied widely (range 0-24 per 4 hours, SD = 3).

    A Survey of Gynecologists Concerning Menorrhagia: Perceptions of Bleeding Disorders as a Possible Cause · 2002 · DOI

  • For each research population a total of 60 women were selected, of whom 30 were premenopausal and 30 were postmenopausal (the latter category being definitionally limited to a condition resulting from natural aging and ovarian failure, rather than resulting from surgery).

    Menstruation: Attitudes and Experience of Indian South Africans · 1988 · DOI

  • dormitory-dwelling young women, a population The methodological strength of this study lies in previously underrepresented in mindfulness its separate examination of the effects of different and reproductive health research.

    The effects of mindfulness levels on menstrual symptoms and irritability in university students · 2026 · DOI

  • The study with women participants of Rama Devi Women's University shows that although the majority of students were familiar with the term ‘leucorrhoea’, there were large gaps in knowledge regarding its causes, symptoms and consequences.

    Knowledge, hygiene practices and health seeking behaviour for leucorrhoea among women university students · 2026 · DOI

  • Despite this rise, little is known about the individual and broader economic costs tied to women's experiences of problematic menstrual symptoms such as period pain (dysmenorrhea) and heavy menstrual bleeding.

    Menstrual Pain and the Economic Purse: Calculating and Understanding Menstrual Symptom Productivity Loss and the Australian Economy · 2026 · DOI

  • Introduction: Menstrual cycle phase has been proposed as a source of intra-individual variability in resting energy expenditure and the thermic effect of food in premenopausal females, yet studies examining the thermic effect of food across menstrual cycle phases report conflicting findings.

    Resting energy expenditure and thermic effect of a high-fat meal in the early follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle: a crossover trial protocol · 2026 · DOI

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74 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 785 Menstrual Health and Disorders papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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