Menstrual Health
What is Menstruation?
Menstruation also called menses is the monthly shedding of the lining (endometrium) of the uterus (womb). Menstruation is sometimes also referred to as a period.Menstrual Cycle Facts
Day One of the menstrual cycle is the first day of menstruation (bleeding)
Ovulation is the release of an egg(ova) during the middle of each menstrual cycle.
Menstruation occurs when pregnancy (fertilization of an egg/ova) has not taken place.
Cycles can vary from around 24 to 36 days. Only about12 % of women have 28 day cycles.
The average cycle is actually 29.5 days, which is the same length as a lunar cycle.
Normal blood loss is between 28-80mL.
Cycles soon after menarche (first period) and before menopause are more likely to be irregular and anovulatory (without ovulation).
Problems with the Menstrual Cycle
PMS or Pre-menstrual syndrome is the term given to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that accompany the menstrual cycle. These symptoms will differ from woman to woman.
Dysmenorrhoea is the term given to pain and cramping associated with menstruation.
Amenorrhoea is the term given to a lack of menstrual period for more than 12 months in women who have previously menstruated or in young women who reach 16 without menstruating.
A cycle that is less than 20 days or more than 40 days is considered abnormal and should be further investigated. Cycles of this length will also affect a woman’s fertility status
Natural Therapies for PMS and Menstrual Problems
Fortunately, imbalances of the menstrual cycle often respond very well to natural therapies. Keeping a specially designed menstrual chart can help you plot the patterns of your cycle, while dietary modifications may help ease symptoms in many cases.
Salivary hormone testing can be used to determine any imbalances your hormone levels so these can be addressed accordingly.
Many herbs are specific for treating menstrual irregularities and often a combination of herbal and nutritional supplements can provide relief of symptoms and restore balance to your cycle.
If you have any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle, don't wait. Make an appointment with your healthcare professional today or email us with your query.
Early
detection is the key to quickly resolving many health problems.
