Isis McCall
Class of 2029Peoria, AZ
About
Hello! My name is Isis, and my project focuses on the long-term effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on women's menstrual health. I chose this project because I have experience researching women's menstrual health and am excited to learn more. After completing this project, I will publish and present the research paper, in addition to establishing my own non-profit organization.Projects
- "Aerobic Exercise as a Targeted Therapy for Primary Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents" with mentor Roula (June 22, 2026)
Project Portfolio
Aerobic Exercise as a Targeted Therapy for Primary Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents
Started Dec. 16, 2025
Abstract or project description
Menstrual disorders, primarily primary dysmenorrhea (PD), are extremely prevalent in adolescents and have proven to negatively affect quality of life, resulting in decreased academic and athletic performance, functional impairment and school absenteeism. PD is a menstrual disorder with painful cramps in the lower abdomen that usually occur in the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. The current standard of care includes pharmacological therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications and hormonal treatments. However, the incomplete response and side-effect profile in many individuals highlight the need for more treatment strategies. Aerobic exercises have emerged as a promising treatment for menstrual pain.
This narrative literature review examines the possibility of prescribing exercise as a way to reduce menstrual cramps in adolescents suffering from PD. The review is conducted by using Google Scholar to synthesize existing information on aerobic exercises and PD in adolescence.
These findings indicate that exercise could be a treatment recommended by doctors to alleviate menstrual pain in adolescence caused by PD. Based on the review’s findings, this paper explores recommendations for exercise use in clinics.