Girls with physical and learning disabilities are more likely to suffer from period problems than their peers without disabilities, doctors have said.

They looked at the emotional and behavioural changes associated with menstruation in teenagers with disabilities and found that these changes can cause major disruption.

Writing in the journal, The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, the UK doctors noted that some period-related symptoms can be unique to those with disabilities, but common among this population, such as hyperactivity, aggression, restlessness and self-mutilation.

They also pointed to previous studies which indicate that up to 18% of adult women with disabilities suffer with PMS (premenstrual syndrome), compared to just 5% of the general population.

PMS refers to the physical, mental and emotional symptoms which women may experience during their menstrual cycle. Most women experience some symptoms of PMS at intervals throughout their life. However some women experience PMS every month. Symptoms can include mood swings, anger, depression, abdominal cramps, tender breasts, nausea and a flare-up of acne.

Meanwhile, the doctors also noted that parents and carers often have many concerns when menstruation begins. For example, they wonder how it will be managed properly and worry about issues such as pregnancy, particularly if the girl is in residential care.

The doctors pointed out that some disabilities are related to certain menstrual problems. For example, girls with Down's syndrome are more likely to have irregular bleeding, as they have a higher risk of developing thyroid disease.

However, the doctors insisted that in most cases, period problems can be successfully managed by various medical treatments. Permanent surgical procedures should only be considered as a last resort if symptoms are severe and all other treatment have failed.

"Managing the menstrual problems of girls with disabilities represents a challenging medical dilemma. However, not all adolescents with disabilities will encounter problems.

"The decision of treatment has to rest on a multidisciplinary team, alongside the girl and her parents or carers, who should be given the opportunity to know available management options and the advantages and disadvantages of each," explained consultant gynaecologist, Prof Anne Garden.