MENSTRUATION

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Daughter: Mummy! Mummy! Mummy! I just saw blood on my panty.
Mother: Let’s go to the bathroom. Let me take a look at it.
This is called Menstruation. You just experienced Menarche (your first Menstruation).
Wait here, I’ll be right back.
Mum brings a panty,sanitary pad, a book and a pen.
Let’s discuss Menstruation, shall we? Daughter: Yes, Mum 🤗.

Menstrual Cycle refers to the regular changes in the activity of the ovaries and the mucous membrane that make reproduction possible. The mucous layer consists of a functional layer which is subject to hormonal changes and is shed during menstruation.

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Menstruation also called menses, period is a normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb, sheds it’s lining. Periods usually start between age 11 and 14 and continue until menopause at about age 51. They frequently last from three to five days.

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Menarche, which refers to the onset of the first menstrual period, usually occurs during early adolescence as a part of puberty.

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MENSTRUAL DISORDER:
Menstrual disorders are problems related to a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. They are one of the most common reasons women visit gynaecologists. Menstrual disorders and their symptoms can disrupt a woman’s daily life. They can also affect her ability to become pregnant.

TYPES OF MENSTRUAL DISORDERS:
There are many types of menstrual disorders. It includes:
•Abnormal Uterus Bleeding: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
•Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual bleeding.
•Oligomenorrhea: Light or infrequent menstruation.
•Fibroid: Noncancerous Uterine Tumors
•Premenstrual Syndrome(PMS): Physical and emotional discomfort before menstruation.
•Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD): Severe physical and emotional discomfort before menstruation.

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SYMPTOMS OF MENSTRUATION:
•Abdominal or pelvic cramp
•Lower Back pain.
•Bloating or fullness in the abdomen
•Sore Breast
•Food Cravings
•Headache and Fatigue
•Irritability
•Emotional Distress such as Mood Swings, Depression.

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Earlier this month, I experienced the heaviest flow of Menstruation. The pre-menstrual syndrome was crazy! I was uninterested in people, food and even myself. I was having petty issues and always feeling moody too. I’ve never experienced such heavy bleeding in my life. The cramp was something else! I’ll literally sleep with headache and wake up with migraine.

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I really thank God for good health now.

What causes Menstrual Disorders?
Mental Disorders can be caused by a variety of factors including:
•Uterine Fibroid
•Hormonal Imbalance
•Clotting Disorders
•Cancer
•Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
•Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)- cysts on the ovaries
•Genetics

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If your periods come too frequently (fewer than 21 days apart), not often enough(more than three months apart), last longer than 10 days or If you have changes in your cycle, or you know someone who does, please consult your healthcare provider or A Doctor (Gynecologist).

How are Menstrual Disorders treated?
Treatment for Menstrual Disorders will depend on the underlying cause, the woman’s desire to have children, and other factors. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to medical options to surgery, including:
•Medical Treatment: Using pain relievers for cramps and hormonal contraceptives to help reduce heavy bleeding and regulate, reduce or even eliminate menstrual periods.
•Surgical Treatment: Surgery can be performed:
*Using hysteroscopy, a minimally invasive approach to examine and treat areas of concern inside the uterus.
*Through lapaproscopy, using a scope inserted in small incisions in the abdomen.
*Through traditional abdominal techniques.
*Procedures include endometrial ablation, which destroys the lining of the uterus to stop periods, and hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus.
•It is advisable to use an app or a book to keep a diary of your menstrual cycles, including dates, amount of flow, pain and any other symptoms. It will help you get ready for your menstruation through:
*Exercise
*Dietary Changes: such as reducing salt, caffeine, sugar, carbohydrate and alcohol intake before menstrual period to reduce cramps and other symptoms. Also, taking water in general and fruits which contains water such as watermelon, pineapple, orange is helpful.
*Personal Hygiene: It is advisable to use sanitary pad or tampons during Menstrual period.
For me, I use Virony pad. Why? Because it is long, thick, does not irritate my skin and absorbs blood for 8 hours.
If you are going out, carry maybe one or two pads with you, and it’s better to stay indoors if you are experiencing heavy bleeding and cramps.

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Earlier this month, when I had heavy bleeding, I changed my sanitary pad more than twice in a day, and it still stained my cloths and bedsheets.
If you are using cloth as pad, it is advisable to discard them or wash the cloth regularly and after usage. Don’t store them because it can cause infection and that’s dangerous to your body system. While washing the cloth, use disinfectant and bar soap too.

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Remember, always take good care of yourself because your body is your sanctuary and you’ll live in it for the rest of your life.