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What to look for
Menstruation occurs when an
ovary releases an egg, at this time the lining of the uterus grows and becomes flooded
with blood. If the egg is not fertilised, the ovary releases progesterone, which causes
menstrual flow. This happens every 28 days until interrupted by pregnancy or ended by
menopause.
Menstrual Synchrony
The symptoms of the onset
of the period varies in each woman. As well as this your own period may vary occasionally.
This is usually normal, but at times this can be the result of something more serious.
The three main categories
of menstrual irregularities are lack of period, painful periods, and heavy periods.
LACK
OF PERIOD
Although
sometimes is no cause for
concern, can be a sign of an underlying problem. Menstruation may not start at puberty or
for some reason periods stop during your adult life. If your periods have never occurred
it may be hormonal problems, or it may signal (in very rare cases) ill formed or
non-existent ovaries.
If your periods have just
stopped, it might indicate, that you have low levels of oestrogen in your body. Or it may
signal a lack of progesterone. Of course if your periods have ceased it may also indicate
that you are pregnant. Stress can also cause problems in this area as can Anorexia
nervosa. Sports injuries can have the same effect as can ovarian cysts. Excessive exercise
and very low body fat is also a cause.
Traditional Treatment
Treatment for a lack of
periods is usually simply waiting to see if nature takes its course. For a girl who
exercises strenuously or who is very thin, a doctor might advise a lighter training
regimen or an effort to gain weight. Treatment for
anorexia
nervosa might also be necessary. Always see your doctor if you are worried.
If your periods have
stopped - look at all the possibilities. If you think stress may be to blame, take steps
to reduce stress in your life. If you are underweight, your doctor will advise you to gain
some weight and try to maintain it. If you have been diagnosed with some other condition
that may be causing amenorrhoea (such as endometriosis or an ovarian cyst) seek treatment
for that. Always see your doctor.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies -
To
help initiate menstrual flow, make a tincture of one part chaste tree (Vitex
agnus-castus), two parts blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and two parts mugwort
leaf (Artemisia argyi); take 2 ml three times daily until menstrual flow begins. To
help initiate menstrual flow, make a tincture of one part chaste tree (Vitex
agnus-castus), two parts blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), and two parts mugwort
leaf (Artemisia argyi); take 2 ml three times daily until menstrual flow begins.
Dietary
Considerations
Try taking supplements of
or eat foods rich in
zinc (fish, poultry, lean meats)
and
vitamin B complex (brewer's yeast,
wheat germ),
C, E,
magnesium,
calcium,
potassium,
iron,
evening
primrose oil.
Aromatherapy -
Try either Fennel, Geranium or Rose to regulate your period. Put several drops into a
carrier oil and massage clockwise into your abdomen. Do not use Fennel on epileptics or
near them. Do not use Fennel during pregnancy. (for more information see the aromatherapy
section).
Try either Fennel, Geranium or Rose to regulate your period. Put several drops into a
carrier oil and massage clockwise into your abdomen. Do not use Fennel on epileptics or
near them. Do not use Fennel during pregnancy. (for more information see the aromatherapy
section).
PAINFUL PERIODS
This slightly unpleasant
problem is however, usually quite normal. There are occasions when painful periods can
signify a more serious condition.
Causes
Doctors are unsure of the
exact cause of painful periods, however it may be the result of an excess of
prostaglandins, a substance released from the cells lining the womb.
This condition may,
however, also be caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, an infection,
or growths in the uterus.
Traditional Treatment
Analgesics such as aspirin
can relieve mild discomfort, but if your pain is more intense, try an analgesic available
over-the-counter. See your doctor if this treatment does not remedy the condition.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Most of the alternative
therapies for menstrual cramps focus on promoting the relaxation of tense muscles or on
reducing tension in general.
Aromatherapy - Chamomile rubbed on the lower abdomen, back and legs is
usually very helpful. Chamomile rubbed on the lower abdomen, back and legs is
usually very helpful.
Herbal Therapies -
To
relieve cramps, drink a hot tea of 2 tsp cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) simmered for 15
minutes in 1 cup water; use this three times a day. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and
bromelain will also relax muscles. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and feverfew
(Chrysanthemum parthenium) can relax uterine muscles; feverfew may work as well. Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis) helps relax cramping muscles; however, it should be used only for
a limited time. Consult a Professional.
(See our Herbal Section).
To
relieve cramps, drink a hot tea of 2 tsp cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) simmered for 15
minutes in 1 cup water; use this three times a day. Bilberry (Vaccinium
myrtillus) and
bromelain will also relax muscles. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and feverfew
(Chrysanthemum parthenium) can relax uterine muscles; feverfew may work as well. Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis) helps relax cramping muscles; however, it should be used only for
a limited time. Consult a Professional.
(See our Herbal Section).
Evening primrose oil
(Oenothera biennis) applied over painful areas can also bring relief, but don't use it if
there's a chance you may get pregnant.
Tension, anxiety, and
painful spasms may be relieved with treatments of black haw (Viburnum lentago), skullcap
(Scutellaria baicalensis), and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).
Dietary Considerations
Rather than three large
meals, try eating a balanced diet consisting of small meals throughout the day and avoid
sugar, salt, and caffeine. You may get relief from a multivitamin supplement containing
vitamin B complex, calcium, and
magnesium.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
HEAVY PERIODS
Menstrual flow that lasts
longer than about eight days, saturates tampons within an hour, or includes large clots of
blood can usually be classified as a heavy period.
Hormonal imbalances,
endometriosis, a pelvic infection, use of an IUD, or uterine growths can often be the
cause of heavy periods. Problems with ovulation, low levels of progesterone, or an excess
of prostaglandins can also cause heavier periods.
Traditional Treatment
Usually treatment consists
of iron or folic acid tablets to prevent anaemia and other deficiencies. Analgesics for
the pain and hormones to correct any imbalance in your hormone levels..
There is a minor surgical
procedure that your doctor can perform which often relieves the symptoms of heavier
periods. You should ask your doctor for more information about this course of action.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Aromatherapy -
Practitioners
of aromatherapy find that oils of geranium, juniper (Juniperus communis), and cypress,
rubbed on the abdomen, may bring relief for sufferers of heavy menstrual flow.
(See our section on aromatherapy for more
information) Practitioners
of aromatherapy find that oils of geranium, juniper (Juniperus communis), and cypress,
rubbed on the abdomen, may bring relief for sufferers of heavy menstrual flow.
(See our section on aromatherapy for more
information)
Herbal Therapies -
Tea
made from
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) may help control
bleeding. You may also benefit from taking a tincture made of equal parts life root
(Senecio aureus), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and wild cranesbill
(Geranium maculatum). Tea
made from
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) may help control
bleeding. You may also benefit from taking a tincture made of equal parts life root
(Senecio aureus), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and wild cranesbill
(Geranium maculatum).
Personal Care
calcium and
magnesium
have known to stop uterine muscle cramps and to lessen the flow.
Take a warm, relaxing
bath.
Take analgesics
Drink herbal teas
containing yarrow to help control bleeding.
Prevention
Try to keep within your
normal weight range.
Take a multivitamin
supplement including
vitamins A,
B complex,
C, and
E, as
well as
calcium and
iron.
When to seek further
professional advice
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