 Menses: What Every Girl Should Know?
MEDICAL ASPECTS OF MENSTRUATION:
Menstruation or cyclical bleeding or periodic monthly discharge of blood from vagina is considered a sign of normal reproductive health of a girl…normally menstruation starts(menarche) at the age of 12 to 13 years but it has been observed that regions that are more hot menstruation starts around 8 or 9 years and it may be delayed upto 16year..
Usually menstruation starts within 2 and a half years of breast development(in form of enlargement of breast buds not full development) and appearance of axillary and pubic hair in young girls.
NORMAL PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS:
Menstruation continues throughout the reproductive age of a females except during pregnancy,breastfeeding(lactation) or if hysterectomy(uterus removal) is done …normal average age of menopause (time of cessation of periods) is 50-52years.
Normally menstrual cycle is of 28days(starting from 1st day of menses of one month to the 1st day of next menses)
But there is a range of 21days to 35days..
Normal no.of days is 5days per cycle..but it may vary from 3-7days…still there is no need to worry if it goes upto 10 days but it should not be heavy bleeding.
Why menses occur:
In simple way we can say these occur due to a co-ordinated mechanism between endocrine system and reproductive system and each month uterus of a female is prepared for pregnancy which when does not occur sheds its extra tissue in form of menses…but here is a misconception that if menses occurs regularly female is 100percent fertile but this is not so as there are many other causes of infertility but yes menses do show healthy reproductive system..
Other normal symptoms apart from bleeding are
Colour of blood can be fresh red,maroon,brown,green,yellowish red and black
1) dull ache and pain in lower abdomen and back(pain is bearable and does not make the girl bed ridden)
2) feeling of heaviness in lower abdomen
3) mild pain in breast on touching
4) feeling of restlessness
5) nausea or vomiting but 1episode per cycle
6) headache which may get severe, even dizziness
7) poor concentration,irritability,mood changes, depression and sadness
8) some females suffer lack of sleep and other are more
9) apetite is affected usually reduced
10) diarrhea a v.common symptom
WHAT EFFECTS MESTRUAL CYCLE:
Menstrual cycle is disturbed , prolonged or irregular due to following things:
1) sudden loss of weight or sudden gain in weight
2) heavy exercise
3) excess tension and severe stress
4) medications like anti depressants
5) illness or infection in body
6) energy drinks with steroids in them
7) excess intake of carbohydrate rich diet
8) diseases of some glands like thyroid,pituitary and adrenals
9) ovarian and uterine problems like polycystic ovaries(multiple cyst in ovaries), uterine fibroid(muscle tumor)or polyp(lining and glands of uterus are overgrown).
WHEN TO WORRY:
its always the best to keep a calendar record of ur periods…as this will help u know the regularity of cycle,length of cycle and no.of days u bleed..
its quite normal to have irregular periods during first six months of onset of menstruation as ur reproductive system is taking its time to get stable…
u need to worry when:
1) if ur cycle are excessively prolonged above 40days
2) if ur cycle is less than 20days
3) if u have spotting in between ur cycles
4) severe pain before,during or after ur menses days(pain that prevents u do routine work and makes u bed ridden)and is in for of severe cramps
5) heavy vomiting
6) solid tissue material in excess not clotted blood(as its normal)
7) irregular or prolonged periods even after 1year of onset of menses
8) excess heavy bleeding(use of more than 5pads per day)
9) if ur bleeding doesnot stop after 10days
10) epilepsy(menstruation mai sudden fits hon ya behoshi)
IMPORTANT TIPS
GENERAL
1) maintain good hygiene
2) change pads atleast 3-4times a day
3) if u cant afford pads use good quality cloth
4) application of heating pads on lower abdomen relieves pain
5) luke warm water bath and DO NOT hesitate taking bath during menses as it's a misconception in our region that don't take bath during menses.just don't use cold water..
6) rest and good 6hours sleep during night
7) avoid heavy excercising
DIET
1) its good to have rather vegetables than meat few days before menses
2) fresh fruits and vegetables
3) fiber diet or isapghol husk have some how shown beneficial affect to reduce menses crampy pain
4) although all vitamins are healthy but especially vitamin B6 has shown good effects on depression and mood changes associated with menses.
5) Iron tablets especially girls with low protein intake during routine days..pakistani 80percent reproductive age group females are anemic according to WHO.it takes min 3months for oral iron to increase haemoglobin
6) Milk and other calcium containing foods
7) Avoid added or excess salt atleast 3days before menses as research has shown that this excess salt lead to fluid retension and more heaviness in lower abdomen…
8)avoid caffeine,hot chocolates,coffee and tea,although warm drinks r good like kahwa
MEDICATION
Its always the best to consult a doctor before taking any medication overall non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been prescribed for menstrual cramps. |
dear w...
