Menstrual Dysfunction: Are We Missing an Opportunity for Improving Reproductive Health in Developing Countries?

The field ofpopulation has undergone a paradigm shift to a broaderfocus on reproductive health, which recognises women's self-perceived health needs. Investigations in various countries reveal that menstruation is a primary concern of women. Yet sparse attention has been paid to understanding or ameliorating women's menstrual complaints. We propose including the management of menstrual complaints as part ofreproductive health programming. Next steps should include further quantitative and qualitative research to understand the prevalence, determinants and consequences of menstrual dysfunction; developing appropriate protocols and low-cost interventions for diagnosis and treatment of menstrual morbidity and training of health care workers in resource-scarce settings; and developing educational interventions to facilitate women's understanding ofnormal menstrual function and variability as well as of the types, causes and appropriate treatments for menstrual dysfunction.