What Is Normal Menstruation?
During the menstrual phase of a menstrual cycle, the lining in a woman's uterus usually sheds, which is called menses, period, or a cycle. On average, the menstrual cycle in fertile females can occur every 28 days. The length of each cycle may also vary between 26 and even 36 days. The menstrual cycle consists of four phases controlled by the endocrine system, which includes the menstruation phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase.
What Are the Phases of Menstruation?
The menstrual cycle can be divided into four phases, namely:
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Menstruation Phase: On the first day of the menstrual cycle, the uterus lining, prepared for implantation, sheds and may last for about three to five days typically. This phase is known as the menstrual phase.
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Follicular Phase: The follicular phase is the second phase where a mature egg follicle releases an egg from one of the ovaries. At this stage, the uterus starts to prepare for another pregnancy.
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Ovulatory Phase: This phase is also called the mid-cycle phase, in which ovulation takes place. It usually occurs from the 13th day to the 17th day. The end of the follicular phase, including the ovulation phase, constitutes the fertilization period.
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Luteal Phase: The ovulation phase is the luteal phase, where the fate of the corpus luteum is decided. If fertilization occurs, pregnancy will start. If fertilization does not occur, it marks the onset of another cycle.
Why Are the Causes of Abdominal Pain During Menstrual Menstruation?
Pain during menstruation is usually caused due to prostaglandins, the chemicals that the uterus makes. These chemicals tighten and relax the uterus muscles and cause these cramps, which start a day or two before the period.
What Are the Types of Period Pain?
Period pain can be classified into two types, namely:
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Primary Period Pain (Primary Dysmenorrhea): When the uterus structure is normal, and the underlying cause is unknown.
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Secondary Period Pain (Secondary Dysmenorrhea): When the pelvic abnormality causes the pain.
The other types of period pain are described below:
Abdominal Pain:
Abdominal pain during periods is a very common issue affecting 40 to 70 percent of women in the reproductive age group. In medical terms, it is called a dysmenorrhoea. This is associated with significant psychological, physical, behavioral, and social distress. Usually, it starts with the onset of periods and gets relieved once the flow begins. The exact cause is not known. Sometimes it may be a result of fibroids (lumps), endometriosis, infections, etc. In these cases, there is a need to treat the cause along with painkillers to relieve pain.
Women traditionally have been programmed to bear pain instead of seeking ways to relieve pain. This attitude is prevalent even among the educated and more aware, progressive women of our society. As a result, there is a compromise in daily functioning, creativity, and productivity which manifests as social withdrawal, school, and college absenteeism, frequent sick leave at the workplace, etc.
Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, like, a balanced diet, physical activity, mental relaxation, etc., will improve the ability to cope with pain. Painkillers can be taken as advised by the gynecologist after consultation. Non-hormonal preparations are tried first, as second-line hormonal preparations are available.
Treating the cause is as important as treating the pain. In intractable situations, surgery may be the last resort.
PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome:
Premenstrual Syndrome: This group of physical and emotional symptoms may occur two weeks before the period. These symptoms will normally get resolved once the period starts and usually disappear by the end of the period.
Almost all women will have premenstrual symptoms. Each woman's symptoms might be different, but the most commonly occurring symptoms are:
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Mood swings.
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Feeling depressed, irritable, or bad-tempered.
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Feeling upset, anxious, or emotional without any reason.
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Sore or tender breasts.
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Tiredness or trouble sleeping.
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Changes in appetite and food cravings.
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Feeling clumsy, fluid retention, and feeling bloated.
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Changes in skin or hair.
Every woman may not have all these symptoms, and only a few may experience them. The symptoms form a pattern over time. Symptoms can be the same each month or different sometimes. To assess the symptom's severity and make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask the patient to fill out a symptom diary.
How To Manage Premenstrual Symptoms?
Initially, an individual can take some positive steps to try and improve the symptoms by doing exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet by decreasing the intake of sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol, and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. And other ways like reducing stress and talking with friends or partners will also help.
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Keep track of the symptoms by tracing the period's cycle and emotions during menstruation.
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Add some necessary lifestyle changes.
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Exercise every day to release happy hormones.
PMS symptoms can be reduced by the following medications:
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Used in relieving pain in primary dysmenorrhea.
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Mefenamic acid.
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Oral contraceptives for the improvement of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.
How to Regulate Period?
Regulating menstrual cycles involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and finding the cause of irregular periods. The tips to regulate periods are as follows:
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Maintenance of healthy weight.
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Eat a well-balanced diet by taking fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Regular physical activity.
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Adequate sleep.
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Stay hydrated.
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Limit caffeine.
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Hormonal birth control.
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Regular health check-ups.
What Are The Natural Remedies For PMS Symptoms?
Women can get relief from PMS symptoms using herbs like ginkgo, ginger, chaste berry (Vitex Agnus), and evening primrose oil. According to a study, it has been stated that herbs are adequate for the relief of PMS symptoms. Other natural remedies to relieve PMS symptoms are:
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Heat application on the abdomen area.
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Take a warm bath.
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Abdomen massage with essential oils.
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Herbal tea.
Conclusion:
5 to 10 percent of women get PMS which is severe enough to prevent them from getting on with their daily lives. A minimal number of women get a more intense form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can be treated with medicines. The menstrual cycle every month can be managed through lifestyle changes, healthcare practices, proper nutrition, and stress management. The person may also contact a healthcare provider to address underlying health issues.
