title: Women's attitudes about menstruation and associated health and behavioral characteristics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.
authors: Department of Anthropology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, HI 96720-4091, USA. lmorriso@hawaii.edu
authors: Lynn A
authors: LA
authors: Morrison
authors: Louona
authors: L
authors: Larkspur
authors: Marites J
authors: MJ
authors: Calibuso
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal