Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
Military women's menstrual experiences and interest in menstrual suppression during deployment
1School of Nursing at University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. lori.trego@us.army.mil
Objective:
To develop a preliminary description of military women's menstrual experiences and their awareness of menstrual suppression during deployment.
Design:
Qualitative descriptive with content analysis.
Setting:
Recruitment and sampling occurred at a large U.S. military base from December 2005 to January 2006.
Participants:
Nine women who had been deployed to U.S. military operations.
Results:
Seven themes were generated from the data: (a) Menses is intensified during deployment, (b) It's hard to take care of yourself during your period, (c) Menstrual challenges: heat, dirt, and port-a-potties, (d) Menstruation is an inconvenience when you are deployed, (e) Dealing with menstruation in the military world, (f) Negative aspects of menstruation outweigh the positive during deployment, and (g) Menstrual suppression.
Conclusion:
Menstruation is problematic during deployment and participants expressed interest in menstrual suppression. However, concerns about the side effects and safety of continuous oral contraceptives limited participants' use of this therapy. Education on menstrual hygiene and methods of menstrual cycle control should be provided prior to deployment to prepare women for the experience.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
