A period or a menstruation is the commencement of the process
through which the uterus is said to be getting prepared for pregnancy. Every
month, girls right from their teenage to 40s or 50s experience blood flow for 3
– 6 days. This is, in fact, the shedding of the lining of the uterus that is
replaced every month. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the secretion of
hormones by endocrine system.
There are different types of experiences during the
menstrual period. Though some of them are common complaints and discomforts,
some are specific as well.
Common Complaints for
Menstrual Periods
Have a quick look at the common problems observed during the
menstrual
cycle.
- Painful Menstrual Periods –
Majority of girls and women have painful menstrual periods. The pain can
be in any part of the body and most commonly they are experienced in the
lower part of the body. The pain usually starts from the first day of the period
and last for 2 – 3 days.
Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term
used for painful periods. Severity of the symptoms varies from woman to woman
and the discomfort can be from mild to sever also depending on the tolerance
power of the woman.
Causes – Normally painful periods are not serious problems.
However, causes of pain during periods can be due to ovarian cysts or
endometriosis also.
Treatment – Taking warm bath or using hot pads will bring you
relief. You can also buy medicines or pain relievers without prescription to
help you get relief from the pain and discomfort. If these treatments do not
work, you should consult your doctor and go through suggested tests.
Is it Serious? - To know whether it is serious you need to observe
your symptoms. See if painful periods has started later in your life, you
experience pain other than period days, there is unusually bleeding or vaginal
discharge or the pain does not subside after taking medicine. If any one of
these things happens, immediately consult your doctor.
- Menstrual Cramps – Menstrual
cramps are generally experienced in the lower abdomen. This is a
contracting pain and can be severe or mild. This pain also lasts for 1 – 3
days in normal cases. Normal over-the-counter pain relievers can help you
get relief.
Treatment – Yoga and pranayamas help ease cramps and it is a
natural way to get relief from other menstrual problems also. It will save you
from depression,
anxiety and mood swings also.
- Premenstrual Syndrome – This is
commonly known as PMS
and is experienced by women up to 14 days before the period starts.
Normally the symptoms stop occurring once the period starts.
Symptoms of PMS
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Acne
- Change in appetite and increases food cravings
- Depression
- Trouble in sleeping or/and concentrating
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Bloated abdomen
- Crying spells
- Not interested in lovemaking
- Interested in solitude
- High heart palpitation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Feelings of irritation, stress and anxiousness
- Swelling in hands and / or feet
Treatment – Though there is no such cure for PMS in medical
science, yoga and exercise helps a lot in giving relief. Eating balanced and
nutritious food, exercising regularly and taking prescribed medicines can prove
helpful.
The best way to treat common problems during periods is to
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy food including complex carbohydrates,
reduce intake of salt, caffeine and alcohol. Get plenty of sleep and maintain a
regular schedule of having six small meals, exercising regularly and keeping
fixed bedtime. Try to stay away from stressful things.
