The Menstruation category is a sub-category of the Women’s Health category.

Menstruation - A General Overview

Menstruation is defined as the general shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining). It is a condition that sets in females of several mammal species from a very young age until menopause occurring on a regular basis.

Menstruation Period

Menstruation cycle refers to the series of changes that the mammalian species that experience menstruation undergo every month in preparation for pregnancy possibility. The menstrual period is characterized by the release of an egg from one of the two ovaries in a process called ovulation. This is accompanied by hormonal changes that prepare the uterus for the possibility of pregnancy. However, should the egg, referred to as ova, not get fertilized, the uterus’ lining sheds off through the vagina.

The cycle is counted from the onset of one period to the onset of the next. However, in humans, the cycle varies between women and may take 21 to 35 days to occur lasting two to seven days. The first few years of menstruation are characterized by long periods which shorten as the woman ages and become more regular with similar day periods in between them.

Menstruation Problems

Amenorrhea is one of the problems faced by young girls which refer to delayed onset of the period in girls who have not experienced it by the age of 16. In older women, it’s characterized by missing the period for at least 3 months or more. This may be due to pregnancy, illness, hormonal imbalances or reproductive system problems.

Premenstrual syndrome {PMS) is also another problem that generally manifests through mood swings, painful breasts, cramps and bloats. It has been associated with hormonal fluctuations as well as diet, as fried foods, sugar and caffeine have been found to contribute to PMS symptoms.

Dysmenorrheal is characterized by excessive cramps and pain during the periods. It’s also accompanied by uterine bleeding, which is not normal.

Home Remedies

Some herbs have been known to offer relief from dysmenorrheal as well as heating pads. Herb formulas from herbs like black cohosh and squaw vine are good examples. On the other hand, diuretic herbs will drive away the bloats associated with the condition. Chinese dong quai or angelica herbs are effective in stabilizing hormones and should be taken several days before the onset of the periods and stopped after the periods begin.

Black cohosh, wild yam, chamomile, yarrow, valerian, and feverfew are herbs that have been known to ease cramps. In addition, red raspberry leaves also prevent cramps but needs to be taken for a prolonged period and consistently so as to enjoy their benefits. Evening primrose, borage and black currant are herbs that contain natural oils that are effective in reducing PMS signs. However, before taking any herb supplement, you should always get a doctor’s approval.

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