Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Lisa Akselrad

Abstract

As evidence-based practice on health topics and standards continually evolves, it remains the responsibility of the clinicians to seek out data and newly discovered information that may pertain to patient populations. A longstanding issue that clinicians must address is the approach to primary dysmenorrhea. Currently it is estimated that 50% to 90% of the female population in the reproductive age group experiences this condition, making it the most prevalent health related problem among women of these ages. While this number represents a wide range of the population, many women still accept the symptoms of dysmenorrhea as commonplace and therefore do not report the condition.Discussing menstrual cycles in the US, whether considered healthy or problematic, is still a taboo topic of conversation. In a study by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it was noted that many women do not initially discuss these symptoms with their healthcare providers and voice concern about treatment modalities that might be offered.With the first-line treatments currently recommended for primary dysmenorrhea, healthcare providers may be putting vulnerable patient populations at risk and ultimately undeserving a vast majority of patients.

Additional Files

Final Capstone Submission -- The Clinician’s Approach to Primary Dysmenorrhea - Nutrient and Supplement Modifications (Rachel Albert).docx (31 kB)
https://arcadia.zoom.us/rec/play/NwtZ_8JGCX8bb_347QJzK928Af7BgBx-fvwgI9UOOevuyIyXEnqjUkhYa5XRRu9movn_X5ZofU_zsAhA.8tjgNHt_tttlMjz8 Passcode: AQ$0G=

Poster Presentation Recording - Rachel Albert.mp4 (15958 kB)

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The Clinician’s Approach to Primary Dysmenorrhea: Nutrient and Supplement Modifications

As evidence-based practice on health topics and standards continually evolves, it remains the responsibility of the clinicians to seek out data and newly discovered information that may pertain to patient populations. A longstanding issue that clinicians must address is the approach to primary dysmenorrhea. Currently it is estimated that 50% to 90% of the female population in the reproductive age group experiences this condition, making it the most prevalent health related problem among women of these ages. While this number represents a wide range of the population, many women still accept the symptoms of dysmenorrhea as commonplace and therefore do not report the condition.Discussing menstrual cycles in the US, whether considered healthy or problematic, is still a taboo topic of conversation. In a study by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it was noted that many women do not initially discuss these symptoms with their healthcare providers and voice concern about treatment modalities that might be offered.With the first-line treatments currently recommended for primary dysmenorrhea, healthcare providers may be putting vulnerable patient populations at risk and ultimately undeserving a vast majority of patients.