|
Every woman's menstrual cycle is different, and although symptoms
such as pain or irregularity are often unpleasant, they are usually
the result of normal hormonal changes, and not related to illness in
any way. The most common of them being:
amenorrhoea (lack of periods)
dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
menorrhhagia (heavy periods)
premenstrual tension (PMT)
AMENORRHOEA
This refers to the absence, irregularity or cessation of periods.
Absent periods not caused by pregnancy, may be due to emotional
upsets, anorexia nervosa, stopping the contraceptive pill, or even
too much exercise. Periods that cease or become irregular can also
be caused by fibroid growths, thyroid disorders, dysfunctional
uterine bleeding, infections, stress and severe dieting.
This condition is more common in younger women, or in those where
the hormonal balance is still becoming established. The stress
associated with starting high school for instance, often results in
girls experiencing irregular periods. Once the regimen becomes
familiar, and the girl feels comfortable and confident in her
surroundings, the cycle usually returns to normal.
DYSMENORRHOEA
Sufferers of painful periods, again, tend to be girls or young
women. This is often experienced as spasmodic - sharp pelvic cramps
at the start of the menstrual flow (common in women before their
first pregnancy), or congestive - deep, dull aches (spanning the
later years up to menopause). The most common cause for this, is
usually a 'tight' cervix, which will generally loosen after the
first pregnancy, putting an end to the problem. A menstrual cycle in
which ovulation does not take place (no egg being produced), or an
intrauterine contraceptive device, is also sometimes to blame.
Symptoms usually pass after a day or two, however, many do seek
relief through hormone supplements and other remedies. Self-help
treatments include, painkillers, curling up with knees against the
chest, or with a hot water bottle, exercise such as swimming,
dancing and jogging, both before and during a period, are all
effective.
MENORRHAGIA
Heavy periods are relatively common in the early menstrual years,
however, very heavy periods should not be ignored. Excessively heavy
periods may be due to a hormonal imbalance (low progesterone
levels), fibroid growths in the uterus, endometriosis, an
intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), an infection in the womb or
uterine tubes, or possibly even cancer. Those women who experience
frequent heavy bleeding, often with the presence of clots, are at
risk of becoming anaemic, and should pay special attention to iron
in their diet, or use iron supplements.
PREMENSTRUAL TENSION (PMT)
Premenstrual tension and its associated symptoms are a common
complaint among most menstruating women, and has become a popular,
self-diagnosed complaint that has attracted much publicity -
eventhough its causes, existence, duration and severity remain quite
vague. PMS is defined as a cyclical set of complaints that occur a
few days prior to a menstrual period, typified by symptoms such as
breast tenderness, headaches, bloatedness, backache, food and
alcohol cravings, weight gain, skin problems, decreased sex drive,
insomnia, irritability, depression and fatigue - sometimes
debilitating enough to disrupt work and other activities. Not every
sufferer experiences all the symptoms of PMT, and degrees of
suffering can vary from mild discomfort to complete misery. And
while some do manage these with minimal effort from month to month,
there are those women who become so disturbed that they behave like
a completely different person, with these irrational spells often
affecting the ones they love most.
A few recent studies have linked PMS symptoms to a change in the
balance of female hormones during the menstrual cycle, which result
in a accumulation of salt and water in the system and a shortage of
progesterone (the hormone responsible for preparing the uterus to
receive a fertilised egg). Other experts prefer to believe that
conditions such as underlying depression or anxiety disorders are to
blame. Whatever the reasons, you are still a sufferer and effective
management of these symptoms is probably your main concern.
Reassurance, good nutrition and regular exercise generally help to
allay PMS, although you may want to follow a simple set of
guidelines and alternative treatments:
- Do eat less salt in order to reduce water retention.
- Do lessen your intake of sugar to combat weight gain and
depression.
- Do lessen your intake of saturated fats (meat and dairy
products), as they can inhibit your production of essential fatty
acids, which may result in an imbalance of hormones.
- Do create harmony in your life by not placing yourself under
unnecessary stress or setting unreasonable goals.
- Do cut down on the amount of tea and coffee you consume, as
the caffeine in them reduces the body's ability to absorb certain
essential nutrients and can aggravate skin problems.
- Do try adding the essential oils of clary sage, geranium and
lavender to your daily bath, two weeks before the onset of a
period, or inhale these from a tissue.
- Do try to consume a chamomile infusion two to three times a
day in the week prior to your period.
|
