Menstruation and menstrual problems :

The female menstruation / menstrual cycle is the periodic shedding of the womb lining during the reproductive years as a result of hormonal changes.
This natural body function is regulated by a delicate balance between hormones produced by the pituitary gland and the ovaries.

The pituitary gland produces the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which stimulates the ovary to produce oestrogen and progesterone respectively.

The ovaries :

The ovaries secrete oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen thickens the lining of the womb while Luteinizing Hormone (LH) produces the progesterone which prepares the lining of the womb for the fertilised egg.
When fertilisation for pregnancy does not take place, the womb lining is shed in the process of menstruation and the cycle is repeated.
The menstrual cycle is a sign of adult womanhood.

Monthly periods begin about 12 years of age and continue for around 30 years, interrupted only by pregnancy, lactation or a uterine disorder.

Disorders of the Menstrual Cycle include :

• It's absence or scanty periods (amenorrhoea)
• Painful periods with cramps (dysmenorrhoea)
  The womb goes into spasm with pains similar as in labour. Causes may be glandular inadequacy, prolapse of the womb, inflammation and congestion of the lining, scars on the cervix. The most likely is a hormonal imbalance. Cause of the period pain is mostly a high concentration of prostagladins.
• Abnormally heavy blood loss during a period (menorrhagia).
  More than normal flow and lasting longer. Could be caused by an iron deficiency, thyroid gland disturbance, ovarian insufficiency, prolapse, polypi, fibroids, congestion of the womb, failure of the blood to coagulate, hormone imbalance.
• The cessation of periods (the menopause)
• Irregular periods
• Pre-menstrual tension (PMT)
• Dysfunction because of fibroids, vaginal or cervical infection or pressure from adjacent pelvic organs
• Young girls beginning to menstruate (menarche)
• Bleeding from the womb when it is not due i.e. between periods (metrorrhagia).
  May indicate fibroid, polyp, abortion, cervical erosion, tuberculosis, syphilis or other disease of the womb.

Even in healthy menstrual cycles / menstruation, a loss of blood means a loss of iron. Therefore the diet should be well supplied with iron, iodine and vitamin C which helps the absorption of iron.
Various vitamins, minerals & herbs have been found to be extremely beneficial and many women take them around the relevant times of the month.

Menstrual Headaches :

Menstrual headaches or migraines are quite common. They lower the mood, muddle thinking, cause sluggish dopey feeling preceded by visual or sensory aura, dizziness, pain around the eyes and persistent tiredness.

These symptoms may suggest underlying hypothalamic disturbance - a nerve-cause which together with progesterone deficiency may trigger menstrual migraine.

Pre-menstrual Tension (PMT) / Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual cycles are all inter-linked with the woman's monthly cycle.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE SUMMARY Eliminate junk foods & improve daily diet Increase intake of vegetables, fruits, linseeds & soya foods Increase activity levels Limit alcohol consumption Stop smoking BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS Essential Fatty Acids - EFA's Vitamin B6 Magnesium Calcium Evening Primrose Oil Dong Quai Pfiaffia Atriplex Black Cohosh Selenium Vitamin E Zinc Wild Yam Soy products Iron Vitamin C

Basics on painful monthly periods, menstrual problems and headaches - the menstrual cycle.