What are menstrual problems? Girls have to go through some major body changes and the most important one out of them is having monthly per...
What are menstrual problems?
Girls have to go through some major body changes and the most important one out of them is having monthly periods when they have menstrual problems
Periods or menstruation cycle is not as easy for some girls . Menstruation problems can affect a woman's reproductive health. In some major cases it may also lead to infertility.
Menstruation cycle starts every 28 days and lasts for 5-6 days maximum . However, some woman face different kinds of menstruation problems.
This article discusses about the different menstruation problems and home remedies to make your life easier in those difficult days.
What do you mean by abnormal menstruation?
Normal menstruation cycle lasts for 5-6 days and comes every 21-35 days. You can say that menstruation is not normal when :
- Periods come before 21 days and after 35 days.
- Missing periods 3-4 times or more.
- Heavy flow or less than normal flow.
- Periods that cause abnormal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting .
Some examples of abnormal menstruation are:
Amenorrhea a menstrual abnormality:
In this condition the periods of a woman stop completely. This can last more than three months. This abnormal in many cases except when the women is pregnant, breastfeeding, or having a a menopause. It can also occur in young girls who are developing breasts ad even after three have not started with their menstruation cycle.
Oligomenorrhea a menstrual abnormality:
It is said to occur when menstruation is not frequent.
Dysmenorrhea a menstrual abnormality:
It is characterized by pain during menstruation. It could be because cramps. However, it is quite common for some women and may be normal too.
Abnormal bleeding a menstrual abnormality:
It includes; heavy flow during periods, periods last longer than 7 days, spotting between two periods , spotting after sex or menopause.
Causes of menstrual problems:
There can be a range of causes. They could be life style oriented or they may be symptoms of some underlying medical issues. Some of the causes for menstrual problems are:
Stress and lifestyle :
If you gained weight suddenly or even if you have lost weight, you might notice some menstrual disturbances. If your diet is not fulfilling, intense or no exercise , illness, travel can influence your reproductive health.
Birth control pills:
Birth control pills contain hormones. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are very essential for maintaining normal menstruation. Therefore , if take these birth control pills, you are most likely to have menstrual problems when you stop those pills. This is because you are interfering with the rhythm by which the body operates. The body will take more time to adjust to normal menstruation after some time.
Uterine polyps or fibroids:
Fibroids or uterine polyps are benign tumors that grow in the uterus. These are non-cancerous tumors. They can be removed by using surgery in later cases. Fibroids are not as serious but they cause menstruation problems. They can be as small as an apple seed or they can be the size of grapefruit. The presence of polyps can cause heavy menstruation and pain in the lower abdomen.
Endometriosis:
In periods the blood flow is because the uterus sheds its endometrial layer. However, in this condition, the endometrium grows to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also grow over the intestine or other organs in the lower digestive tract. This condition causes a lot of cramps , pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease:
In this condition there is bacterial infection that affects the female reproductive system. Bacteria enters the vagina by sexual contact and then this infection spreads to the uterus and genital tract.
Polycystic ovary syndrome:
Ovaries are important to secrete androgens. When small fluid filled sacs develop over the ovaries, they obstruct the function of ovaries. These are known as cysts. They inhibit the maturation of eggs in the ovary. This disturbs the menstruation cycle. Moreover, this condition is related to obesity, infertility and hirsutism(heavy hair growth and acne). This syndrome can be controlled by weight loss and by medications.
Premature ovarian insufficiency:
Premature ovarian insufficiency is a condition in which ovaries do not function normally. This condition occurs before 40 years of age i.e. before menopause. The menstruation cycle completely stops . This condition can occur due to cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, chromosomal abnormalities.
Home remedies for menstrual problems:
Pineapples and papayas:
In India, papaya and pineapple are prohibited fruits in pregnancy from ancient times. However, they will help you regulate menstruation. This is because, papaya contains carotene . The carotene helps boost estrogen levels in the body . Pineapple contains bromelain which helps in increasing blood flow.
If you are having menstrual problems, then you should include these two fruits in the diet.
Dietary supplements:
Dietary supplements help your body to gain certain nutrients which the body cannot have otherwise in diet. It diminishes all the nutritional insufficiencies of the body. If you are malnourished , then too you are prone to menstrual problems. Therefore you should include dietary supplements in your food to have regular periods.
However, before taking any supplement you should consult your doctor . The supplements can interact with the medications that you are already taking or any health conditions too. They can in some cases worsen your condition. Hence, before taking any of the supplements, doctor's consultation is required.
Inositol:
Inositol is present in foods such as meat, fruits , citrus fruits and beans. It is just like B vitamin.
Inositol has action on the way the insulin is used by the body. It also affects the hormones in menstruation viz., FSH or follicle stimulating hormone. This hormone is important for ovulation and improves menstruation.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon contains volatile oil . This is important because it regulates insulin levels in the body which regulate periods. The women who have high levels of insulin and obese , are prone to PCOS . These women should include cinnamon in their daily diet to regulate menstruation.
Cinnamon also is found to reduce pain and cramps associated with periods. Cinnamon also helps in weight loss , hence reduces chances of PCOS.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is used in ancient India for a variety of ailments . It contains main ingredient which is called as curcumin. Curcumin helps in decreasing inflammation in the body . Hence, curcumin is essential in regulating periods. Turmeric has been useful in every ailment.
Curcumin has effects on estrogen as well . This the reason why it regulates periods.
Evening primrose oil:
It contains omega 3 fatty acids and linolenic acids. Primrose oil is useful for many concerns regarding periods . For example, hot flashes, breast pain and symptoms of PMS. It should be taken 3-6 grams daily.
Castor oil:
Castor oil is traditionally used to improve menstrual flow. It also improves inflammation and decreases pain that occurs due to cramps.
How to use ?
Take a flannel cloth and dip it in the castor oil. Then squeeze out the excess oil from the cloth . Spread this cloth over your lower abdomen and cover it with a plastic wrap . Place a hot bag over the abdomen for 40-50 mins , and relax. It will relieve you from cramps and improve menstrual flow.
Black cohosh:
It is found in northern America and is used to ease menstrual problems. It helps in hot flashes, night sweats and dryness in vagina. Some researches also say that it helps in increasing estrogen, LH and FSH levels.
Chaste berry:
This herb reduces the symptoms of PMS. It has effect on lowering prolactin levels and raise the progesterone levels in the body. Hence it helps in regulating menstrual cycle. This herb treats the symptoms of PMS such as depressed mood, breast pain and fluid retention.
Mugwort:
Mugwort is known as menstrual tonic. It has been used as menstrual tonic since ancient times. It stimulates periods that are missed or late. However, if the periods are missed after intercourse, you should be careful as it may late period may indicate pregnancy. In this scenario, consult your doctor before use of Mugwort.
Yoga for regulation of periods:
Dhanurasana or bow pose:
It is one of the best poses for regulation of periods and to improve reproductive health. It is beneficial in reduction of belly fat and focuses on the lower abdominal region and spinal chord.
Steps :
Lie down on the floor, then gradually lift your chest and legs. Hold the ankle of your feet with your arms by stretching your hands backwards. Hold this bow pose for 20 seconds and repeat.
Camel pose:
It helps in relieving menstrual pain and regulates periods.
Steps:
Kneel on the ground with straight back. Then slightly bend backwards . Then take your arms back and hold the ankles of your leg. Be in this position for 25 seconds and then repeat 3-4 times.
Cobra pose:
It focuses on the lower abdominal portion of the body . It improves blood flow to the reproductive are. Hence regulates periods.
Steps:
Lay down on your stomach on the floor. Then inhale and raise your upper body as high as you can . Keep your legs straight. Hold this position for 1 minute and then relax.
Garland pose:
It is very beneficial for your groin and reproductive system. In this pose you have to squat down and your butt should be all the way down .Then remain in this position for 1-2 minutes and then relax. It is very useful in menstrual cramps and pain . It stretches the muscles of the reproductive system .
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