Initial Menstrual Experiences May Moderate Future Menstruations
Lorelei Tavernier
Department of Psychology
Faculty Supervisor: Erik Peper
Approximately 70% of women attending our university, which reflects the prevalence in national statistics, experience menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) severe enough to partially or completely disrupt their daily activities, including school and work. Despite the widespread impact of this common condition, research into its causes and treatment are still under examined. In order to investigate the various factors that contribute to women’s experience of menstruation and associated symptoms and enhance our intervention protocol, we conducted an online survey adapted and expanded from the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) that asked questions regarding women’s menstrual and menopause experiences and history. 270 responses were recorded and then were examined for content. After removing invalid responses, either due to lack of menstrual history or incomplete response, 196 valid responses remained. These remaining responses were then checked for response accuracy with numerical scores compared to written responses to assure understanding of the provided rating scales. One response had its data corrected to reflect what the respondent reported in the written response. The result show a strong correlation between respondent’s rating of their initial experience and rating of their current menstrual experience. The correlation suggests that the first menstrual experience prime all further experiences through expectancy and classical conditioning of a fear response that contribute to increased reporting of physical symptoms and in particular reports of distress. In addition, when women reframe the negative experiences associated with menstruation, the frequency and intensity of symptoms appear to be reduced. These findings highlight the importance of providing quality self-awareness and self-regulation education regarding menstruation so that women can reframe their experiences and take control of symptom management through holistic methods.