Mental Health

What Is Menstruation? What Are Periods?

an occasional period (once or twice in a given year). Depending on the woman"s age, more frequent missed periods or variations in the length of the menstrual cycle may be an indication of the perimenopause or a disturbance of the hormones that control menstruation. Irregular periods may be caused by the following factors: *Breastfeeding *Caffeine consumption *Chemotherapy *Childbirth *Considerable changes in body weight - includes gaining or losing lots of weight *Consumption of some legal medications *Eating disorders *Exercising too much *Hormone imbalance *Illegal drug consumption *Miscarriage *Nutritional factors - sometimes a diet that is too high in carbohydrates *Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) *Smoking *Too much stress *Uterine fibroids, cysts, polyps, and endometriosis What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS includes multiple cysts in the ovaries. Women with PCOS may have fertility problems (getting pregnant), acne, weight gain, undesirable hair growth, and irregular or light periods. Treatment can include losing weight, hormone drugs, hormone treatments, the administration of a drug called metformin, and anti-male hormone drugs. 1 in 15 women worldwide are affected by PCOS, a report revealed. What is amenorrhea (absent periods) Amenorrhea is when a woman stops having periods altogether. There can be many reasons for this, including excessive exercise, stress, some medications and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Doctors may prescribe HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as a treatment for amenorrhea. Researchers from Harvard University found a way to predict which teenage female athletes will stop menstruating. Young female professional dancers face the same health risks as young female athletes when they don"t eat enough to offset the energy they spend, and stop menstruating as a consequence, another study found. Period pains (Dysmenorrhea) This is a medical condition which includes severe uterine pain during menstruation. The majority of women experience minor pain during menstruation. When the pain is so severe that it undermines normal activity it is called dysmenorrhea and requires medication. Some women experience pain during the days preceding the period, while others have dysmenorrhea during the period. As menstruation tapers off the pain generally does so as well. Some women experience both dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia (excessive blood loss). There are two types of dysmenorrhea: *Primary Dysmenorrhea: When period pains are not associated with any underlying disease, disorder or structural abnormality either inside or outside the womb (uterus). *Secondary Dysmenorrhea: When period pains are linked to an underlying disease, disorder or structural abnormality either inside or outside the uterus. The following symptoms may be experienced by women with dysmenorrhea: *Cramping in the lower abdomen *Diarrhea *Fainting *Headaches *Low back pain *Nausea *Pain in the lower abdomen *Pain which radiates down the legs *Tiredness (fatigue) *Vomiting *Weakness Other conditions and diseases also have these symptoms. It is important to see your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. In many cases we do not know why period pains occur. Women who have higher levels of prostaglandin - a hormone - or those who are more sensitive to it, tend to have more painful periods. Some scientists believe there is a link between dysmenorrhea and a disturbed balance between anti-inflammatory, and vasodilator eicosanoids. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements have been indicated as effective in treating dysmenorrhea. A study revealed that Pycnogenol, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree is effective in alleviating period pains. The following women are at higher risk of experiencing dysmenorrhea: *Smokers *Those who consume alcohol during their periods (alcohol may prolong menstruation) *Overweight women *Those whose periods started before they were 11 years old Diagnosing dysmenorrhea A gynecologist will evaluate the woman"s/girl"s medical history and carry out a physical examination - this will include a pelvic examination. The doctor will only be able to diagnose properly when certain other medical conditions or medications which can cause dysmenorrhea are ruled out. The following diagnostic procedures may be performed: *Sonography (ultrasound) - This is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves. A computer creates images of the organs, blood vessels and tissues. With an ultrasound a doctor can more accurately assess how blood is flowing. *MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - MRI uses nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images. *Laparoscopy - The doctor uses a thin tube with a lens and a light which is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. The doctor can then see inside the pelvis and abdominal area and detect abnormal growths if there are any present. *Hysteroscopy - This is a type of endoscopy. The doctor uses a hysteroscope - a thin telescope that is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus. Modern ones are so thin that the cervix needs no dilation, or perhaps minimal dilation. What are the treatments for period problems? *Painkillers - for period pains and discomfort many women find painkillers are very effective. This could include paracetamol (Tylenol), ibuprofen and aspirin. These painkillers are good at blocking prostaglandin. In the UK aspirin is not recommended for girls under the age of 16. *Contraception - the contraceptive pill often eases period pains. Contraceptive pills cause thinning of the lining of the uterus, resulting in lower amounts of prostaglandin being released in the body. IUS (intra-uterine system) may also relieve period symptoms. *TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine - these may help women who do not wish to take medication. They give out a small electrical current that hampers the nerve"s pain signals. *Exercise - exercise has been found to help reduce the level of discomfort and pain experienced by women with period problems. *Relaxation techniques - these can include breathing exercises, massage and medication. Some women practice yoga for easing pain and stress. *Hot water bottle - holding one against the abdomen may help in reducing discomfort. *Warm bath - apart from helping the person relax, a warm bath may also provide some pain/discomfort relief. Menstrual Products Menstrual products, used to absorb or catch the menses, come in either disposable or reusable forms. Disposable menstrual products: *Sanitary towels (sanitary napkins) - these are towels, pads, napkins which are placed in the underwear and absorb the menstrual flow. Many of them have wings which can fold round the underwear, and have adhesive to make sure they do not slide. They are usually made of either wood pulp or some gel product. Older napkins have a sort of belt instead of adhesive or wings to keep them in place. *Tampons - these are cylinders (long and tube like) made of treated rayon/cotton blends, or 100% cotton fleece. They are generally bleached. The woman/girl inserts it into her vagina. The menstrual flow is absorbed internally. *Padettes - these are placed within the inner labia. They are disposable wads of treated rayon/cotton blend fleece. *Menstrual cups - this is a firm, flexible cup-shaped device that the woman wears inside the vagina to catch the menstrual flow. The disposable ones are made of soft plastic. Reusable menstrual products *Cloth pads - these are generally made of cotton, terrycloth or flannel. They are placed externally. *Menstrual caps - these are similar to the disposable ones, but they can be reused. *Sea sponges - these are used in the same way as a tampon. They are placed inside, through the vagina, and absorb the menses. After cleaning, they can be used again. *Reusable underwear - often called "padded panties". These are usually made of cotton with absorbent layers sewn on. They can be washed and reused. *Blanket - also known as a towel or a draw sheet. They are large pieces of cloth which are more commonly used during sleep. They are placed between the legs. They can be washed and used again. Written by Christian Nordqvist Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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