Menstrual cycle data ‘underused' and should be on health records, experts say
This information – which includes cycle length, regularity, intensity, and duration of bleeding – is not routinely collected in healthcare systems or research except when reproductive issues are being assessed.
According to experts writing in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health, this lack of documentation has resulted in a relatively basic understanding of the impact of menstrual cycles on health, as well as the underdiagnosis and neglect of concerns related to menstruation such as pain and heavy bleeding.
These menstrual cycle characteristics can be indicators for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In England, information on a patient's menstrual cycle are not routinely collected by healthcare professionals, unlike other measures such as BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol.
More than a quarter of women in England are living with a serious reproductive health issue, according to the largest survey of its kind published this year, with experts saying that 'systemic, operational, structural and cultural issues' prevent women from accessing care.
Almost a fifth (19%) of women who took part in the study experienced severe period pain in the last year, and 40% of respondents reported heavy menstrual bleeding.
Last year, a report by the women and equalities parliamentary committee found that women and girls are enduring years of pain because their reproductive conditions are being dismissed due to 'medical misogyny'.
Dr Ranee Thakar, the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'Serious conditions like fibroids and endometriosis can have a devastating impact on almost every aspect of a person's life, including impacting their physical and mental health, and their ability to work and socialise.
'Too often systemic, operational, structural and cultural issues mean women do not get the care they deserve and our current system risks entrenching the health inequalities we can see in these findings.'
The authors of the study concluded: 'The menstrual cycle is an underused but powerful tool for understanding gynaecological and general health. It functions as a vital sign across the lifespan, providing crucial information that can be used to guide and monitor clinical treatment and symptom management, and inform screening and preventive care.
'Recognising the menstrual cycle as an essential health indicator will strengthen health services and impact research across disciplines. Importantly, this recognition will also improve the health of women throughout their lives.'
Period-tracking devices have been in demand in recent years, but there are concerns over personal data and information being used by private companies. Public health bodies such as the NHS have been urged to develop their own rival apps to protect data.
NHS England have been approached for comment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
Menstrual cycle data ‘underused' and should be on health records, experts say
Menstrual cycle data should be routinely documented by healthcare professionals and researchers as it can be used as an indicator for other health issues, experts have said. This information – which includes cycle length, regularity, intensity, and duration of bleeding – is not routinely collected in healthcare systems or research except when reproductive issues are being assessed. According to experts writing in the Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health, this lack of documentation has resulted in a relatively basic understanding of the impact of menstrual cycles on health, as well as the underdiagnosis and neglect of concerns related to menstruation such as pain and heavy bleeding. These menstrual cycle characteristics can be indicators for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In England, information on a patient's menstrual cycle are not routinely collected by healthcare professionals, unlike other measures such as BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol. More than a quarter of women in England are living with a serious reproductive health issue, according to the largest survey of its kind published this year, with experts saying that 'systemic, operational, structural and cultural issues' prevent women from accessing care. Almost a fifth (19%) of women who took part in the study experienced severe period pain in the last year, and 40% of respondents reported heavy menstrual bleeding. Last year, a report by the women and equalities parliamentary committee found that women and girls are enduring years of pain because their reproductive conditions are being dismissed due to 'medical misogyny'. Dr Ranee Thakar, the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: 'Serious conditions like fibroids and endometriosis can have a devastating impact on almost every aspect of a person's life, including impacting their physical and mental health, and their ability to work and socialise. 'Too often systemic, operational, structural and cultural issues mean women do not get the care they deserve and our current system risks entrenching the health inequalities we can see in these findings.' The authors of the study concluded: 'The menstrual cycle is an underused but powerful tool for understanding gynaecological and general health. It functions as a vital sign across the lifespan, providing crucial information that can be used to guide and monitor clinical treatment and symptom management, and inform screening and preventive care. 'Recognising the menstrual cycle as an essential health indicator will strengthen health services and impact research across disciplines. Importantly, this recognition will also improve the health of women throughout their lives.' Period-tracking devices have been in demand in recent years, but there are concerns over personal data and information being used by private companies. Public health bodies such as the NHS have been urged to develop their own rival apps to protect data. NHS England have been approached for comment.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Doctors dismissed my symptoms as IBS 3 times before giving me 6 months to live – surgery left me ‘gutted like a fish'
A FIT and healthy dad was dismissed by medics three times and told he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). He was later diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six months to live. 6 Austin Birks, 65, was immediately concerned when his bowel habits began to change in 2018. As the CEO of a large human resources company, but also a karate teacher, owning his own karate club, Enso Karate Club in Birmingham, Austin is committed to keeping himself in good shape. The regularity and appearance of his stool was different, and he also noticed blood when he went to the toilet. Austin, from Clent in Worcestershire, went to his GP who told him he probably had IBS and recommended some products from the pharmacy. But nothing made any difference so Austin went back only to be dismissed again. When he returned for the third time, a stool sample was taken - only for it to be lost at the hospital. 'By that time, I felt like I was in deep trouble because I'd been losing weight and been feeling a lot of fatigue and those kind of symptoms,' Austin says. 'My girlfriend at the time, Yvonne, encouraged me to get a CT scan done quickly.' The private scan revealed a very large tumour in his bowel. Doctors asked him to come in immediately, and he underwent major surgery because the cancer had also burst through the bowel wall. Diagnosed with bowel cancer at 22 'The wonderful surgeon managed to get rid of the tumour and did her very best, and then I embarked on a series of chemotherapy treatments,' Austin said. 'Within three or four months, much to my amazement and delight, my oncologist, the brilliant Dr Peter Correa, said to me 'it looks like against all odds, the cancer's gone'. 'As you can imagine, that was fantastic news.' Back with a vengeance But only three months later, Austin went back for another scan only to find that actually, the cancer was back with a vengeance - and it had spread. Another surgery was scheduled, but as it was during the Covid pandemic, the night before the operation Austin was called to say there were no beds for him. He was then advised in order to undergo surgery quickly, he'd have to pay for it privately, and that it would cost £51,000. Fortunately, his family helped him raise the money in 24 hours. "I went and had the surgery with two surgeons," said Austin. 'It took five and a half hours, and when I came around, I remember the one surgeon saying to me, 'how do you feel?' 'I said, 'a bit sore', because I'd had about sixty odd stitches. 'The surgeon said 'yes, well, you've been gutted like a fish! The surgery went well - I'll shake you by the hand.' 'I said we shouldn't because of Covid and he joked: 'I've had my hands in your stomach for the last five hours so it won't make too much of a difference!'' Remaining positive Austin came home, recovered and started another round of chemotherapy. Amazingly, within a few months, a scan showed the cancer had gone. But devastatingly, three months later, another scan showed that cancer had come back in two places. He's now undergone 120 rounds of intensive chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy - and even had to battle sepsis and blood poisoning at the same time. But despite his ordeal, Austin is determined to remain positive and has even engaged in stand-up comedy three times to raise money for Cancer Research UK to try to see the light in his situation. Despite his initial misdiagnosis, he can't speak highly enough of the care he's had from the NHS since finding out he had cancer. He is also hugely grateful to his family and friends. 'I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people, and when I have dark moments I go back to all those people, their messages, all that care and that love, and it just sustains you,' he said. 'Plus, the National Health Service has been absolutely magnificent, and I can't fault the South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust and the amazing cancer teams at Warwick and Stratford Hospitals.' 6 6 6 He's outlived his initial prognosis and is passionate about raising awareness of bowel cancer and its symptoms. 'My oncologist said to me that I had a 25 percent chance of lasting two years, but I just didn't believe it was me,' Austin said. 'I had this strong sense of needing to get through this. 'It will be seven years in September with cancer, and I think one of the key things I've learned is your mental and physical strength are absolutely vital to survive.' Austin also blogs about his experience, returned to teaching karate just six weeks after his first operation, and remains committed to staying active. He's taking part in the static bike Tour de 4 as hip issues now prevent him from road cycling, while his brother, Chris Birks, 67, a retired RAF group captain and former station commander of RAF Kinloss, takes on a 37-mile challenge in solidarity, all in aid of Cancer Research UK. 'Since I got cancer, I decided I wanted to try and use it as productively as I could,' Austin explained. 'I try to make my blogs engaging, entertaining and humorous, but at the same time, I don't sugarcoat cancer either: I write about the good, the bad, and the ugly." 'Seek help as early as possible' Austin's message to others is to seek help as early as possible if you notice any unusual symptoms. 'If you're in any doubt at all, if you think you might have changing bowel habits, then don't keep quiet, don't be shy and don't be embarrassed, which a lot of people are,' he said. 'As soon as you come out with it and tell the doctor, the quicker the care you can get and the more chance of recovery you have. 'You know your body, and if things change, and you recognise the symptoms, seek help, be persistent, and if you're unhappy, get a second opinion because the sooner you get identified, then the sooner you get treated. "Every single doctor and nurse has just been great - I've been gobsmacked at the care, the attention and the devotion that I've received from people across the NHS. 'If you have any worries, see the doctor and let the machinery take over because they're really good and they know what they're doing. 'You may have one or two negative experiences on the journey, but the quicker you're in that process, the better.' Austin feels that despite his struggles, he's also learned valuable lessons. 'You change your values quite significantly when you're facing this,' he added. 'What suddenly yesterday was important no longer matters at all. 'What really matters is those you care for and those who care for you. As a proud dad to a daughter, I need to keep fighting for her as well as her mum, my family and my friends. 'I most certainly will keep true to my mantra of never give up, never give in!' Donate to Austin and Chris's fundraiser via You can find his blog at What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
'A real turning point': Endometriosis advocates meet health minister
🗣 'This is more than just a medical condition. This is everyone's business.' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Campaigners have praised a 'turning point' in the journey to improve endometriosis care, as they met with a health minister to call for action. We brought more than 400 stories of your stories to the Department of Health, which were collected as part of our Endo The Battle campaign. We launched the campaign to shine a light on the challenges and barriers those living with the condition face, from getting a diagnosis to accessing healthcare. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alongside a group of advocates, we presented the experiences to Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women's Health and Mental Health, and discussed what needs to be done for the future of endometriosis care in the UK. Jodie Hughes, who chairs charity Endo South Coast, said the meeting was a 'real turning point'. She told us: 'Being in the room with ministers gave us the chance to ensure that the lived experiences of people with endometriosis were heard directly and clearly. 'Advocates play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and reality—we bring the human impact to the table, which is essential if we want to see meaningful, lasting change.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As a health writer, and someone living with endometriosis, I know firsthand the uphill battle patients experience every step of the way. More than 400 of you shared your experiences with us via our anonymous survey, outlining issues from knowledge gaps within the healthcare sector, to dismissal of symptoms, delays in getting a diagnosis and long waiting lists. I brought a file containing all of your experiences, which included patients being told the 'only way to fix it was pregnancy,' misdiagnosed with IBS, symptoms being blamed on 'anxiety and depression', or left to languish on lengthy waiting lists. Health writer Sarah McCann and Laura Collins (Publisher, Worlds Division, National World), handing over the folder containing over 400 anonymous responses to our Endo the Battle survey to Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women's Health and Mental Health. | Sarah McCann Campaigners at the table included author and educator Jen Moore, Katy Phillips, founder of Endo Buddies, and Endo South Coast's Jodie Hughes and Chloe Gwinnet, whose twin sister Freya died from complications related to thoracic endometriosis in December 2023. Others attended the meeting virtually, including advocate Rey, author of Endometriosis and the Knowledge Gap, Sarah Harris and Neelam Heera from Cysters UK and Anna Cooper from the Menstrual Health Project. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Campaigners touched on their personal stories, the research and work they were doing and their enthusiasm to be part of the conversation to help change the future of endometriosis care. Common themes included symptom dismissal, misinformation, medical misogyny, disparity in care amongst underrepresented communities and long delays to get a diagnosis or access healthcare. (L-R: Sarah McCann, health reporter, Jodie Hughes, Endo South Coast, Jen Moore, Chloe Gwinnett, Endo South Coast, Katy Phillips, Endo Buddies, Laura Collins, Publisher, Worlds Division, National World) | Sarah McCann Baroness Merron thanked campaigners for being so open, trusting and honest with their assessments of care around endometriosis and their recommendations to make improvements. She said she felt "impacted" by the amount of work and commitment campaigners had shown to support other people. Each of the campaigners presented self-funded research and findings, making suggestions on how to work together with the Department of Health and Social Care to improve care. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Baroness Merron said: "This is more than just a medical condition. This is a condition that clearly impacts on every single area of your life. It impacts work life, friends and families and the list continues. "This is everyone's business. You have spoken about the system and not being heard. The system needs to work around the patient, not the patient around the system." What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a systemic inflammatory condition where cells similar to the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body, which can cause debilitating symptoms. It takes on average eight years and 10 months for an endometriosis diagnosis in England and Scotland, nine years 11 months in Wales and nine years and five months in Northern Ireland. Symptoms can include: painful periods painful bowel movements painful urination pain during or after sex infertility chronic fatigue She stressed that as part of the NHS' 10 Year Health Plan, there is a "framework for change" with women's health being central to that. She added: "There is a lot of work that needs to be done. This is the beginning. It's not about waiting 10 years. There are changes we want to make now. It's about changing the way the NHS works." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Endo the Battle campaign is being spearheaded by health writer Sarah McCann - read her endometriosis story.
