Facts You Did Not Know About the Menstrual Cycle

Even with the fact that mature women will get their period every given month, the menstrual cycle is still a phenomenon that is considered very mysterious. Though most of us will argue that we know everything about these cycles, it will surprise you to know that there are quite a number of things that you are yet to know.

-One fact is that though most people believe that the menstrual cycle varies from one woman to the other, it is interesting to note that these cycles they may also vary from month to month. This may be dependent on the kind of diet that was taken for the month as well as the stress levels.

-Worth noting is the fact that, some women can actually feel themselves ovulate. There may be some subtle changes such as breast tenderness and abdominal pains.

-Another fact that people are not aware of is that the menstrual cramps can occur in other places other than the abdomen. These parts include the upper legs, the pelvic area not to forget the lower back.

-If you didn’t know, when one is ovulating, men may tend to find them more attractive. This has been arrived at after some a study from the journal Psychological Science which discovered that when men smelled clothes that were worn by women who were ovulating, their testosterone levels significantly went higher more than when they sniffed to clothes worn women who were not ovulating.

Though some menstrual cycle such as abdominal cramps may be normal during a period, others may not be. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can primarily be considered as a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. It is usually characterized by obnoxious physical and psychological symptoms that include fatigue, irritability, palpitations and mood changes. Abdominal bloating and dizziness are also other symptoms under the PMDD symptoms umbrella. When a woman is just about to reach menopause, it is quite normal to have a PMS premenopausal symptom that is usually accompanied by some feeling of nausea. The change in hormonal levels is the major cause of any given PMS premenopausal symptom. In some cases, a PMS premenopausal symptom can cause insomnia, which can consequently cause dizziness.

To relieve the PMDD symptoms, most doctors recommend the use of birth control pills. Having some regular exercise is also a good way of relieving the symptoms. Anti depressants can be used to control a PMS premenopausal symptom. Consuming healthy diets as well as the daily intake of a good multi vitamin is also a good way of preventing both kinds of symptoms.

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A Better Understanding of the Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cycle symptoms

Menstrual cycle symptoms

Menstruation is a stage in a girl’s life that indicates that she is becoming sexually mature. It is characterized with a monthly cycle where a menstrual fluid is released following an elimination of a thickened lining of the uterine wall, in form of blood through the vagina. The menstrual cycle begins from the age of 9 to thirteen and lasts between 3 to 7 days depending on an individual. The cycle also varies from one cycle to the other. Some women have steady cycles that commence after 28 days from the last cycle while in others, it can commence earlier or after 28 days. This is attributed to the fact that there are certain factors that influence a woman’s menstrual cycle including:

-Hormonal changes
-Food
-Change of environment
-Stress and anxiety
-Exercises among other factors

Menstruation is additionally characterized with a number of symptoms and they vary from one individual to the other. During the menstrual cycle, one can have a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea fatigue, bloating and sweating. Some women have painful periods and will feel unwell especially during the first days of the cycle. It is important to keep warm especially around the abdomen, exercise, relax and avoid caffeinated drinks to relieve these symptoms.

PMDD symptoms

During the last week of the menstrual cycle, a woman experiences PMDD symptoms. They can be severe or mild. The symptoms also improve when a period commences and they include:

Anxiety, insomnia, hypersomnia, headache, bloating and food craving
Panic attack and problems when concentrating
Mood swings and lack of interest in normal activities
During the menstrual cycle some women can also experience severe and extreme PMDD symptoms and will feel hopeless, have suicidal thoughts and sadness. It is however important to seek medical assistance when suffering from these symptoms because it is considered a biological condition.

PMS premenopausal symptom

Just before a menstruation cycle stops, a woman can have a PMS premenopausal symptom. Changes occur and are characterized with emotional and physical symptoms due to decreased functions of the ovaries. Additionally, any PMS premenopausal symptom can occur as a result of hormonal changes in the body. The symptom is often mistaken for other medical conditions and it is always important to seek medical advice so as to rule out other medical problems. It could be frequent urination, extreme sweating, muscle ache, vaginal dryness, a headache and hot flashes. Treatment of these symptoms includes the use birth control pills to balance hormone levels in the body.

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Posted on 7th January 2012 by admin in Menstrual cycle, Menstrual cycle symptoms | Tags:

Blood Clumps During Menstruation

A lot of women around the world worry that blood clumps during menstruation period can be a sign of serious problem. This is understandable – after all the news we hear every day about cervical cancer and things like that, women became suspicious.

Nevertheless, such changes don’t usually mean that there’s something wrong with you. Actually, blood clumps during your menstruation period are entirely normal in most cases, as it is just your body passing blood too quickly.

Normal Blood Clumps Within Menstruation

During menstruation, women’s body releases special anticoagulants keeping the blood fluid and thinned. But when your flow is very strong (usually in the beginning of your menstruation), your blood may pass before they start working. This is when the blood may clump while passing.

Still, there are situations when clumps in menstrual blood are a reason for concern. For example, in case you are regularly passing clumps larger than a quarter, this can be considered a sign of another problem. So, if you have noticed that, please consult with your health care provider immediately in order to find out the cause. Below you can find a number of disorders which cause passing larger clumps.

Blood Clumps During Menstruation

Blood Clumps During Menstruation

Hormonal Changes Leading to Clumps in Menstrual Blood

Your menstruation cycle could experience fluctuations in the two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Such hormones are responsible for controlling of how your body sheds the lining of your uterus. Therefore, when such hormones are misbalanced, the wall of your uterus can be too thick. When this happens, you might experience a heavier flow, and consequently more clumps in your blood, due to abovementioned reason. In their turn, hormonal changes can be a consequence of different conditions like menopause, rapid weight change, or a result of taking some medications. To solve this problem, your doctor may prescribe you a hormone therapy.

Disproportionate Uterus

When you get pregnant, your uterus will enlarge in order to accommodate the baby you are carrying. After giving a birth, your uterus should shrink and go back to its normal size, but sometimes it doesn’t. So, if you still have enlarged uterus, your menstrual blood may pool inside it before passing on and may start clotting there, causing large blood clumps formation during period.

Uterus

Uterus

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder with the tissue which is supposed to grow inside the uterus, grows on its outside. It can be very serious and needs be treated by a doctor. When this disorder develops, this can cause a heavier flow and therefore excessive clumping during menstruation. This disorder can be treated in the early stages. However, if it is developed untreated, it may require surgery.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Never forget that in all of the listed cases, there are treatment options if you address to a doctor. So, if you think that your menstruation cycle has become abnormal, it is recommended to contact your physician.

Clots in menstrual blood, clumps in menstrual blood

Menstruation is one of the significant aspects of woman’s health. I often deal with questions about period’s blood problems which are frequently asked by my patients. They are always feeling embarrassed when they ask these questions, as the problem of menstruation is rather embarassing. But to my mind you have to trust your doctor and always explain him all your complaints without any embarrassment and anxiety.
So, I decided to answer this question to dispel all doubts and fears about the problem of clots in period blood.
It’s well known that most of the women have clots in their menstrual blood. And in most cases it doesn’t cause any fears. These clots are larger pieces of the uterus lining releasing from your body. This lining is the main product in periods, the blood is secondary.
Sometimes it can insignificantly vary in color (from light red to extra dark) and consistency, but it’s also within normal limits. Sometimes the quantity of clots in menstrual blood increases and it’s getting thicker and denser than usual. This can be a sign of menstrual blood problem and a reason to visit a doctor.

Let’s consider the main cause of usual menstrual clotting.

When your periods start your organism produces more anticoagulants. This substance makes your blood incoagulable (liquid), so it can be released without any problems. But when you have heavy menstruation, which involves rapid blood hemorrhage, there is not enough time for anticoagulants to effect. This is the main reason of usual clots forming.
If you notice, that your menstrual blood has excessive clots, that are larger than a quarter, you should immediately consult your doctor. You need to have personal examination to find out the reason of your abnormal period.

Abnormal periods with excessive clotting can be caused by several reasons:

Miscarriage. (If you are pregnant you need to have medical consultation as soon as possible, as blood clotting or gray clumps out of the vagina can be a serious sign of miscarriage)
Fibroids (leiomyomas). Fibroid is non-cancerous tumor which can be detected in uterus. It is often asymptomatic. Unusual amount of blood with clots can be a symptom of fibroids.
Hormonal changes. Women’s health depends on the balance of the two hormones estrogen and progesterone. Disturbing the balance may cause extra thick womb lining, which is the reason of extra clotting in menstrual blood.
Now, let’s define the cases in which medical consultation is required.
Most of the period blood problems aren’t serious. Sometimes excessive blood release can occur and it’s not a problem. You need to visit a doctor if you have anything from the list above.

  • Tiredness with usual activity
  • Vertigo
  • Pale complexion, pale skin
  • Pale fingernail beds
  • Irregular periods
  • As you see, the problem of clots in menstrual blood is not so unimportant as it seems at the first time. Pay attention to your blood consistency and don’t postpone the visit to a doctor. Remember, that your health is in your hands.

    Midol Complete Caplets 40-Count Boxes (Pack of 3) reviews

    Midol Complete Caplets Product Description:

    Midol Complete Caplets is an effective remedy for various range of pains and negative symptoms occurring during menstruation. If you suffer from crapms, aches in the head and back, tiredness or bloating, Midol Complete will help to remove these symptoms. You are able to continue your common activities during periods, maximally relieving menstrual problems. This aspirin-free medication consists of effective pain killer to relieve pains, caffeine for eliminating fatigue and diuretic that helps to fight bloating.

    It is very easy to take Midol, it has little contradictions and no serious side effect if take it properly. The recommended dose is two caplets once in six hours. You can repeat this dose again, if needed. There are 40 caplets in the pack, enough for a few menstrual cycles. Midol Complete is allowed for regular use, it doesn’t lose its effectiveness when used for every menstruation period.

    Midol Complete Caplets reviews

    Midol Complete Caplets reviews

    Midol Complete is allowed (but not recommended) for intake even together with alcohol. However, do not drink more than 3 alcohol drinks per day when taking the drugs, as this may affect liver. Also make sure that you do not take any other acetaminophen-based medications together with Midol Complete.

    You will feel the significant relief after taking Midol Complete. The effect lasts for a few hours, depending on the symptoms severity and individual peculiarities. Get rid of discomfort during periods and continue living your normal life in these days!

    Product Features:

    • Effective for relieving menstrual discomfort, headache, backache, bloating, tiredness and cramps
    • 40 caplets in a pack
    • One caplet contains acetaminophen 500 mg, caffeine 60 mg and pyrilamine maleate 15 mg
    • Aspirin-free
    • Detailed instructions will help to define correct dosage and other terms of use

    Midol - Customer Reviews:

    It is very useful solution to ship three packs of Midol as one item. One is always in my bathroom, the second one I carry in my purse. The last one is a spare pack. I have been using it for a few months. Midol Complete has good proportion of ingredients for me, I feel no severe pains, always full of energy during periods and have no bloating, as it contains diuretic. Before using it I didn’t want to get up from bed during periods, I felt totally exhausted at the start of a day. Now it is OK, I work by my common schedule. Good drugs for menstrual symptoms relieving! (Kate Lewis)

    As for women, Midol Complete is one of the best helpers for fighting PMS and menstrual problems. It helps with any symptom! It is incredibly – one caplet helps to get rid of fatigue, kill pains in lower back and relieve crapms.

    Once I heard in some humour TV program that ‘Midol is sold as a “menstrual” drug only because it is so good that women do not want to share it with men’. My husband takes it with me, when he feels tired and has pains after intensive physical training or other exhausting activities. And our doctor said there are no problems for taking Midol by men, if they have symptoms like back and head pains, fatigue, etc. (Jennie Frost)


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    Source Naturals Progesterone Cream review

    Source Naturals Progesterone Cream review

    Source Naturals Progesterone Cream review

    Product Features

    • Supports Hormonal Balance
    • Progesterone from healthful soy
    • Guaranteed to contain 500 mg of progesterone per ounce
    • Also contains aloe vera, wild yam extract, natural vitamin E, lecithin phospholipids, jojoba oil, and extracts of ginseng root and grapefruit seed
    • Available in both tubes and jars for your convenience

    Source Naturals Progesterone Cream Directions

    Massage 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cream twice daily into smooth skin areas such as wrists, inner arms or thighs, throat, abdomen or chest. Premenopausal women use 14 days prior to the first day of menstruation, discontinue and repeat. Menopausal and postmenopausal women, use for 21 days, discontinue for 7 days and repeat. These are general recommendations only and may need to be modified for individual needs. Please consult your health care profession for specific situations.

    Warnings

    If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult with a health care professional before using this product. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. For external use only. Do not use around eye area. This product contains progesterone, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Consult with your health care practitioner before using this product.

    Disclaimer

    These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

    Customer Review for Source Naturals Progesterone Cream

    Used this for a couple months. I bought it because I thought it could help with PMS symptoms and to help with Luteal Phase. Anyhow, after 2 months, this did -0- for me. So, I tried the Paraben free exact same version of this with less chemicals, both bought at the local Vitamin Shoppe in FL. And still nothing, no relief, no longer luteal phase.. Nothing! I did more research and found out why. This particular product ingredients contains “wild yam extract” from what I read about it, is basically useless and this product is based from soy (isnt soy an estrogen base?, so why would u use an estrogen when u wnat to increase your progesterone??) (also, aren’t some, most soy made in the usa genetically modified??,(not for me..). Two double negatives!. Wild Yam Extract does nothing and your body can’t absorb it as a progesterone, because its not, its soy based. So all these other people with their 5 star reviews all I can say is Have you ever heard of placebo effect?. You believe it will work so it does!

    Also, since this does not contain the “natural” USP progesterone that we need to help us, thus this product did not work on me. Also, check out the ingredients and do your own research, I am not a doctor, but I can read. This ingredient list here is super scary, chemicals and for me not helpful. Be careful with your hormones. I bought these because it was way cheaper for the size. But in life it is true, you get what you pay for!

    I am not picking on this product, but the fact is We get what we pay for. And cheaper is not always better, especially when messing with your hormones. So please, please be careful. This product caused no side effects on me nor did it help my symptoms. I would simply have to say it was a 100% waste of money, at least for me. Positively speaking, I guess it moisturized the areas I used it on! Big Whoopee!

    HOPE: I found a more expensive, natural, alternative, with less then a dozen natural ingredients. FYI: it is Oasis Serene (found online) and have taken that now for 3 months and wow, it is truly amazing. I just rub it on a different place each morning and night after I Ovulate and It does what it should. I can sleep through the nights, I am calm, I have more energy, My PMS symptoms are mostly gone, no more sore boobs before AF, no more cramps b4 AF and best of all my AF is regular, I have a longer luteal phase, which is what I was looking for as well. This did exactly what I needed this product to do. (Angel K “Angel”)

    Source Naturals Natural Progesterone Cream, 4 Ounce (113.4 g)

    Click to see price


    Premsyn PMS Formula Caplets, 40-Count Boxes review

    Product Description Premsyn PMS Formula Caplets

    Premsyn PMS Formula Caplets review

    Premsyn PMS Formula Caplets review

    I’d like to share my own remedy for severe PMS symptoms – Premsyn PMS. This medication is developed specially for removing premenstrual pains, cramps and other premenstrual problems. It is a variation formula of Midol, effective pain reliever. By taking Premsyn PMS it is possible to minimize premenstrual syndrome display and follow normal lifestyle in the premenstrual period. It is maximally effective over the counter medication for relieving tension, cramps, head and back aches and other symptoms of PMS. It can effectively fight even such PMS problems as water weight gain, irritability and bloating. Premsyn PMS can be used during periods also.

    The effect of one Premsyn dose lasts for 4 – 6 hours. If needed, the medication can be taken few times a day. The average dosage is 2 caplets at a time, once in 4 – 6 hours. It is not recommended to take more than 8 caplets each 24 hours. From my own experience I advise to take the first dose right after you notice the first signs of PMS. It is better to fight pains and tension at the beginning than to wait for the relief when the discomfort will be increased.

    Premsyn PMS proved its effectiveness for any form of PMS, including severe disorders. It has no serious side effects and can be used safely. Detailed instructions will help you to find the best dosing for relieving specific PMS symptoms.

    Product Features

    • Available in caplets (40 caplets in each pack)
    • 3 packs as a unit
    • Each pack is 5.1 x 3.5 x 1.6 in in size
    • Effective relief of cramps
    • Stops water weight gain
    • Relieves headaches
    • Alleviate tension

    Customer Reviews Premsyn PMS

    I used different pain killers to fight my severe PMS disorder, until stopped my choice on Premsyn PMS. This one provides the same effectiveness as Midol and other ibuprofen-like pain killers, but also has less side effects and seem to be safer for regular intake. I’ve been using it for a few months, it is as effective as at the beginning. So I am completely satisfied with what I have now and can surely recommend it to all women who struggle from PMS as much as I. (Nancy Brown)

    It seems that I am one of the oldest fans of Premsyn PMS. I have been using it for more than 10 years already and don’t plan to stop. It is still useful for helping me with my PMS. And I should tell that it is the only drug that helps me perfectly with this! I cannot say the reason, as there are a lot of drugs with similar ingredients now, but this is the only one that doesn’t cause side effects to me and works pretty fine with all my PMS problems. I am used to buy Premsyn online, it is very convenient for me, as I always can do this from my home. It is worth its price! (Marcy Anderson)


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    PMS cramp relief

    PMS cramp relief

    PMS cramp relief

    PMS cramps one way or another relate to violations that impede the natural ability of muscles to contraction and relaxation. And you should know PMS cramp relief

    First PMS cramp relief

    First PMS cramp relief for seizures is necessary:
    Firstly PMS cramp relief – If you have a muscle cramp cramped hands, knead the muscle – one pull it off, the other alternately compress and release the muscle.

    Secondly PMS cramp relief – If the cramped leg cramp, sit down and pull the toes toward the chin (if possible, helping himself with his hand).

    Thirdly PMS cramp relief – If you caught up with cramp while swimming, do not panic, use this same method. Lie on your back on the water and pull the leg of a finger until he let go.

    Fourthly PMS cramp relief – Information muscles are within a few minutes to rub a piece of ice or a cloth dampened with cold water.

    Fifthly PMS cramp relief – If the cramped leg at night, then you need to stand barefoot in this foot on the cold floor or a cold wet rag.

    Sixthly PMS cramp relief – When performing heavy physical work more drink and eat less salt.

    The Seventh PMS cramp relief – pinch skin on her upper lip. When postponing index finger and thumb skin on her upper lip indicated the disappearance of leg cramps. On the upper lip are biologically active points, at a pressure which is achieved by relaxing the muscles.

    Eighth PMS cramp relief – Do not forget the need to expose the muscle to physical stress.

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    Exercising Too Hard, Diet Problems and Menstruation

    Regular physical training is useful for women

    Regular physical training is useful for women

    Regular physical training is useful for women at any age. Exercises strengthen all body systems, reducing the risk of numerous diseases and disorders, such as heart disease, oncologic diseases. Moreover, regular exercises positively influence on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), reducing pains and cramps.

    Physical training is also good for the health of bones. Regular training helps to prevent osteoporosis. However, overtraining can cause the opposite effect, such as early bone loss.

    Sometimes girls and women exercise excessively, and this leads to numerous health issues. There are a range of symptoms pointing at training too hard. They include:

    • Irregular periods or the absence of periods for some time. If training too hard, over the norm, women can experience amenorrhea. This is a common symptom for girls who are going in for active sports like track.
    • Looking extremely thin. Usually girls and women even don’t notice they look unhealthy. But if someone tells you this, pay attention to such comments.
    • Heavy weight loss, when it is lost too quickly or too much.
    • Frequent intensive exercises. Don’t risk your health by combining an hour on a treadmill, an hour of aerobics workout, weight lifting exercise complex and an hour in a swimming pool. Everything needs measure.
    • The feel of impossibility to miss daily exercises even once.
    • Exercising even when it is your day off and you don’t need to train yourself. For instance, exercising when feeling sick, during holidays, etc. Even professional sportsmen have days off. Arrange yourself some days off otherwise you will exercise too much.
    • Strange behaviour regarding food. Different eating disorders point at training too hard. If you don’t eat when someone else is near, if you eat very little, always go to bathroom right after the food intake, worry too much about eaten calories, these are symptoms of emotional problems and overtraining.
    • Being extremely concerned about your look, body shape, the opinion of other people about the way you look.
    • Being extremely concerned that some circumstances can make your exercising impossible.
    • Stresses, depression or other emotional problems based on diets, calories count, weight loss, etc.
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    Fighting with Menstrual Cramps, Menstrual Cramps treatments

    Menstrual cramps

    Menstrual cramps

    The most of women feel uncomfortable during periods due to menstrual cramps that are also called dysmenorrhoea. Some women can stand them without big affect on everyday duties, while the other experience severe pains that require special curing therapy.

    Dysmenorrhoea can be different in its nature, this can be a stand-alone disorder or a symptom of some other disease. In young age a lot of women experience so called primary dysmenorrhoea, when menstrual cycles just begun and didn’t came to stability. In middle twentieth the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea lessen and women can stand them easier. There can be also secondary dysmenorrhoea that caused by specific disorders like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, using intrauterine device, etc.

    As a rule menstrual cramps occur during the first two days of periods. They are caused by intensive uterine contradictions that have alternating character: intensive painful contradictions are alternated by short periods of relief and uterine muscles relaxation. The most of researchers admit that dysmenorrhoea has hormonal nature, and menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandin substance.

    Usually cramps during periods are connected to ovulation. If a woman had no ovulation, most likely she will not experience painful cramps during menstruation. Sometimes hormonal contraceptives are prescribed for women to prevent ovulation, i.e. remove the reason of painful dysmenorrhoea. However such prescriptions should be made by physician only, according to your individual hormonal condition and other peculiarities.

    As for the ways of relieving discomfort and pains during periods, reducing the severity of menstrual cramps, there are a few proven methods that are used separately or combined with each other. Most popular medications are different pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. The pain killing pills should be taken right after you’ve noticed the first signs of cramps, it is not recommended to stand the pain. It is important not to overdose. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium also help to stop prostaglandin release that blocks cramps, that is why they are effective. Other alternatives like acetaminophen remove the pain but don’t influence on prostaglandin.

    A lot of women admit that regular physical training and active lifestyle help to reduce cramps and feel better in general during periods and premenstrual phase. Combining it with diet changes, directed in the increase of calcium and zinc intake will also have positive effect.

    Natural progesterone is also applied for treating menstrual cramps. Progesterone medications are prescribed by a doctor, basing on hormonal and other tests. Do not use hormonal medications for self-therapy, as you can damage your hormonal balance and the situation can only worsen. The same situation is with hormonal contraceptives. Using them without doctor’s consultation can cause serious negative consequences like intensive uterine bleeding.

    As for the natural treatments, some herbs are effectively used for reducing cramps. Black haw, scutellaria, back cohosh have antispasmodic effect that also helps to relieve spasms. Unicorn root, blue cohosh, primrose oil are also used for the same purpose.

    Sometimes you may help yourself by taking a warm bath with aromatic oils that will relax your body. A heating pad, put on back or abdomen also reduces cramp pains.