Menstruation
DEFINITION
Menstruation is part of a woman’s monthly hormonal cycle which
results in blood discharging from the vagina. This discharge
contains the lining of the uterus which thickens each month to
provide a bed for a fertilised egg (pregnancy). If pregnancy does
not occur, this lining breaks down and is released through the
vagina. The average duration of menstruation is 5 days and it
recurs approximately every 4 weeks throughout the reproductive life
of a female.
results in blood discharging from the vagina. This discharge
contains the lining of the uterus which thickens each month to
provide a bed for a fertilised egg (pregnancy). If pregnancy does
not occur, this lining breaks down and is released through the
vagina. The average duration of menstruation is 5 days and it
recurs approximately every 4 weeks throughout the reproductive life
of a female.
DESCRIPTION
One of the major changes in any girl’s life is the onset of
her periods (Menstruation) which occurs at 12 years of age on
average but can begin anywhere between the ages of 9 and 17 years.
The first time a girl has a period it shows that her body has
started releasing eggs (all of which are present from birth) and
that she is capable of becoming pregnant.
her periods (Menstruation) which occurs at 12 years of age on
average but can begin anywhere between the ages of 9 and 17 years.
The first time a girl has a period it shows that her body has
started releasing eggs (all of which are present from birth) and
that she is capable of becoming pregnant.
Each month a woman’s ovaries release an egg (ovulation). From
the ovaries, the egg moves down through the fallopian tubes and
into the uterus (womb). If the woman has intercourse and this egg
is fertilised by a male sperm, the egg plants itself in the wall of
the uterus where it begins to grow and develop into an embryo. This
is called conception and the woman is now pregnant.
the ovaries, the egg moves down through the fallopian tubes and
into the uterus (womb). If the woman has intercourse and this egg
is fertilised by a male sperm, the egg plants itself in the wall of
the uterus where it begins to grow and develop into an embryo. This
is called conception and the woman is now pregnant.
Every month the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy by
increasing the thickness of the lining. This lining allows an egg
to fertilise and grow into a baby. If a fertilised egg does not
arrive, the thickened lining is not needed and breaks down to be
discarded from the body. It is this lining, together with some
blood, that flows out through the vagina causing the monthly period
or menstrual flow.
increasing the thickness of the lining. This lining allows an egg
to fertilise and grow into a baby. If a fertilised egg does not
arrive, the thickened lining is not needed and breaks down to be
discarded from the body. It is this lining, together with some
blood, that flows out through the vagina causing the monthly period
or menstrual flow.
Menstruation is controlled by the actions of certain hormones
in the body. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the eggs in
the ovaries to mature and each egg produces oestrogen. Luteinising
hormone causes the egg to be released from the ovaries (ovulation).
The hormone progesterone is then produced by the body and this
causes the lining of the uterus to thicken. At this time if the egg
is not fertilised by a male sperm then hormone levels drop and
Menstruation occurs. Some women suffer from an imbalance in
hormonal levels and because of this the regular menstrual cycle can
become dysfunctional.
in the body. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the eggs in
the ovaries to mature and each egg produces oestrogen. Luteinising
hormone causes the egg to be released from the ovaries (ovulation).
The hormone progesterone is then produced by the body and this
causes the lining of the uterus to thicken. At this time if the egg
is not fertilised by a male sperm then hormone levels drop and
Menstruation occurs. Some women suffer from an imbalance in
hormonal levels and because of this the regular menstrual cycle can
become dysfunctional.
An entire menstrual cycle normally takes 28 days. Menstruation
lasts for approximately 5 days. A girl’s periods are usually
irregular for the first few months as it takes time for a pattern
to be established. Some women continue to have irregular periods
and others are as regular as clockwork. Unlike the male, a woman’s
reproductive life is limited, ceasing when she reaches menopause at
around the age of 50.
lasts for approximately 5 days. A girl’s periods are usually
irregular for the first few months as it takes time for a pattern
to be established. Some women continue to have irregular periods
and others are as regular as clockwork. Unlike the male, a woman’s
reproductive life is limited, ceasing when she reaches menopause at
around the age of 50.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Your Doctor can answer any queries you may have about the
Menstruation process. As with all conditions, your Doctor should be
consulted if there is any discomfort or irregularity associated
with Menstruation.
Menstruation process. As with all conditions, your Doctor should be
consulted if there is any discomfort or irregularity associated
with Menstruation.
DIET HINTS
- Fish is a good source of essential fatty acids which have an
anti-inflammatory action which may help to relieve the pain
associated with Menstruation. - Iron can be lost from the body in menstrual blood and
deficiencies may occur resulting in tiredness, weakness, a pale
complexion, poor concentration, poor memory, infections and
irritability. Iron supplementation should always be under the
supervision of your Doctor or Pharmacist as some people can absorb
too much iron from supplements. Try to include foods in the diet
which are high in iron e.g., lean red meat, green leafy vegetables
and chick peas. - Due to the hormonal shifts that occur during Menstruation,
pimples often occur around the same time as a period begins. Foods
which are high in zinc (e.g., oysters, crab and lean beef) may help
to improve the healing time of the skin. Try to drink at least 6 to
8 glasses of fresh, filtered water daily. This may also help to
keep the skin clear.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Vitamins and minerals may only be of assistance if dietary
intake in inadequate.
intake in inadequate.
- Vitamin B complex, (especially vitamin B6 and folic acid), may
assist with the tension associated with Menstruation. - Essential fatty acids from fish oils may relieve menstrual
symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties. - Black cohosh and vitex agnus-castus herbs may assist in
balancing menstrual hormonal problems.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for any information you may need about
Menstruation.
Menstruation.
- A wide range of sanitary pads and tampons are available to
absorb the menstrual flow. Ask your Pharmacist to recommend the
best type for your needs. - Some women experience pain around the lower abdomen, especially
just prior to and during the first few days of Menstruation. If
pain relief is required, ask your Pharmacist for advice. - Avoid extreme cold during Menstruation (e.g., icy drinks,
swimming in very cold water, cold winds). Spasm of the uterus
during Menstruation can lead to discomfort in some women, and cold
temperatures may aggravate the symptoms. However, not every woman
suffers from this problem. - Heat pads or a hot water bottle are available from your
Pharmacy. When placed over the lower abdomen, the heat may help to
relieve discomfort associated with Menstruation. - Adequate sleep and exercise is recommended to promote regular,
painless Menstruation.
