Menstrual management using hormonal medications in adolescents and young adults with developmental disability: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Adolescents with developmental disability (DD) may experience similar menstrual disorders as their peers, as well as unique challenges associated with their underlying conditions. They have access to the same hormonal medications as the general population, but little is known about the effects of menstrual management in adolescents with DD. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, satisfaction with, side effects and complications of hormonal medications that are used for menstrual management in adolescents and young adults with DD. A systematic review was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and PsycNet, using keywords related to menstrual management, hormonal medications, adolescents and disability. Meta-analyses of proportions were conducted for outcomes that could be combined across studies. Of the 2088 articles identified, 20 studies were included. The total number of participants was 3317 and varied significantly across studies (from 14 to 1560 individuals). Menstrual management was associated with a reduction in bleeding and high rates of amenorrhoea. We found that 45.4% (95% CI, 32.1–59%) of levonorgestrel-intrauterine device users experienced amenorrhoea. Satisfaction was high with all methods and correlated with the reduction in bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding was the most common side effect and the primary reason for ceasing or switching medication. No case of venous thromboembolism was reported. Menstrual management was associated with improvement in menstrual symptoms and high levels of satisfaction in adolescents with DD. Side effects and complication rates were low in this population. This should support the use of menstrual management in adolescents with DD, who deserve similar access to menstrual health care as their peers. Menstrual management means using hormonal medications to reduce menstrual symptoms and, sometimes, completely stop periods. Little is known about the effects of menstrual management in adolescents with disability. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, satisfaction with, side effects and complications of medications that are used for menstrual management in adolescents with disability. We searched several databases and found 20 important studies. Menstrual management was associated with improvement in menstrual symptoms, and many patients had their periods stop completely. Patients were very satisfied with these medications, mainly because they reduced the amount of bleeding. Side effects and complication were rare in this population. These findings support the use of hormonal medications for menstrual management in adolescents with disability, who deserve similar access to menstrual health care as their peers.