Menstruation and Health. Teaser campaign III

Teaser campaign III

Menstruation and Health

As any other biological process, menstruation has implications on health of those who experience it. These implications can be positive or negative. In this regard, it is important to know and understand what menstruation is, how it functions and what are the causes and consequences of irregularities that might occur.

Menstruation is a cycle

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a person’s body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a menstrual period.

The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for everyone. Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age.

Your menstrual cycle might be regular — about the same length every month — or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal. Within a broad range, "normal" is what's normal for you.

Keep in mind that use of certain types of contraception, such as extended-cycle birth control pills, will alter your menstrual cycle. Talk to your health care provider about what to expect.

How can you track your menstrual cycle? 

To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar or with the help of a smartphone application. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods.

If you're concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month:

• End date. How long does your period typically last? Is it longer or shorter than usual?
• Flow. Record the heaviness of your flow. Does it seem lighter or heavier than usual? How often do you need new sanitary protection?
• Abnormal bleeding. Are you bleeding in between periods?
• Pain. Describe any pain associated with your period. Does the pain feel worse than usual?
• Other changes. Have you experienced any changes in mood or behavior? Did anything new happen around the time of change in your periods?

These are 6 Period Tracking Apps available for free that can help to track your menstrual cycle:

1. Clue 

2. iPeriod Tracker Free

3. Period Diary                                                         

4. P Tracker aka Period Tracker                                        

5. P Log aka Period Log

6. Glow

What causes menstrual cycle irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

• Pregnancy or breast-feeding. A delayed or missed period can be an early sign of pregnancy. Breast-feeding typically delays the return of menstruation after pregnancy.
• Eating disorders, extreme weight loss or excessive exercising. Eating disorders — such as anorexia nervosa — extreme weight loss and increased physical activity can disrupt menstruation.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This common hormonal disorder can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries and irregular periods.
• Premature ovarian failure. Premature ovarian failure refers to the loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Those who have premature ovarian failure — also known as primary ovarian insufficiency — might have irregular or infrequent periods for years.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the reproductive organs can cause irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus. They can cause heavy menstrual periods and bleeding between periods.