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Abstract
Aim To understand how women with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience and cope with menstruation, associated gynaecological problems and adjustments to womanhood.
Method In-depth case studies were completed with 19 women who told their stories using a combination of interviews, group interviews, reflective diaries and creative writing.
Results The data revealed that most (n=16, 83 per cent) of the women associated PD with a worsening of their menstruation problems. There was a general perception that interaction with doctors and nurses focused on drug efficacy and mobility. Distressing practical problems associated with menstruation, relationships and sexual problems were rarely addressed.
Conclusion Women in this study experienced emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, pain and increased severity of menstrual problems after the onset of PD. The findings not only challenge nurses to find new ways of working to ensure best practice, but also to access expert care and support for these women.
Key words
* Menstruation and menstrual disorders
* Parkinson's disease
* Research
These key words are based on the subject headings from the British Nursing Index. This article has been subject to double-blind review.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD) is a progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system for which there is no cure (Bulpitt et al 1985). The symptoms of the condition frequently give rise to chronic health problems that require individuals to make various personal and social adaptations to their lifestyle. In the UK, PD affects one person in 500 in the general population (PDS 2001). According to Simmons (1997), there is a perception that the disease only affects older people. However, others claim that 5-10 per cent of the population is affected before the age of 40 years (Posen et al 2000). For pre-menopausal women, life with PD occurs during their fertile years. It is during this phase that aspects of life associated with being a woman, for example, hormonal symptoms and menstruation, are experienced. During this time there may also be prospects of intimate relationships, courtship and motherhood.
Although it is acknowledged that a woman's monthly cycle affects the experience of PD, research on hormonal influences remains inconclusive (Behl and Holsboer 1999, Kompoliti et al 2000, Quinn and Marsden 1986). Roy's (1999) survey indicates that a pre-menstrual deterioration and post-menstrual improvement is common....