Menstruation is neither a disease nor a disorder. But all too often, the premenstrual period is one of pain and anguish for many women. Back when grandmother was a girl, the pain associated with the monthly shedding of the uterine lining was considered part of the rites of womanhood. No wonder they called it "the curse."

As research into conditions associated with menstruation has become more common, scientists have found a great deal of variation among women's experiences with menstruation, and a number of disorders have been identified:

• amenorrhea or cessation of a woman's period
• dysmenorrhea or painful periods
• menorrhagia or unusually heavy bleeding.

The Value of Research: A Search for Causes and Treatments

Thanks to current research, women's health issues have been given the attention they deserve. PMS is no longer equated with female mental fragility. In fact, recent research is investigating the link between severe PMS and a calcium deficiency that can predict a higher than normal risk of osteoporosis at menopause.

Other studies seek to alleviate symptoms, such as the depression and anxiety that can be associated with PMS. For example, the use of SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) has been studied as a potential treatment for women with PMS and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Researchers are also attempting to establish the effects of estrogen and progesterone on symptoms associated with the menstrual period. A drug called depot leuprolide acetate is being evaluated for its efficacy on treating mood disorders associated with menstruation.

Why Participate in Clinical Trials for Menstrual Disorders?

Because of the wide variety of symptoms associated with menstruation, a large number of studies are under way to test treatments, diagnostic tools and medications. For this reason, many volunteers are needed to populate the clinical trials that must be conducted to establish each new product's safety and effectiveness.

One of the most obvious motives for participating in a clinical trial is access to new treatments. Of course, the chance always exists that you'll be part of the control group, but either way, the advice you'll receive from experts can be invaluable.

This site provides access to a number of trials. Registration does not oblige you to proceed, but it will enable you to find out about the options.