This women’s month we speaking about all things related to women. How to stay empowered in all areas of life, and how to rise above it all. Most women only associate their period with normal fertility when it could possibly tell you more about your health. The average women’s cycle should be consistent each month and occur after 21 to 35 days. This depends on the bodies adjustments to irregular hormonal changes. ‘A woman’s menstrual cycle is the periodic series that occurs during her fertile years,’ says Dr Sothiprakasen Naicker, gynaecologist at Life Springs Parkland Hospital. She goes into depth regarding the different areas around the menstrual cycle.
Flow
Dr Sothiprakasen says your cycle flow is determined by the relative levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); luteinising hormone (LH); oestrogen; and progesterone, either functioning normally or in a diseased state. Your period should have a regular flow and only decrease after the age of 35.
Changes
Your menstrual flow is usually dark red or brown in colour, and thick in consistency. Dr Sothiprakasen warns that it should not be longer than seven days, and that you should consult a doctor if it is. Clotting, she adds, usually means that the blood loss is too excessive or fast for the body mechanisms to cope with, which should be investigated.
Stress and diet
According to Dr Sothiprakasen, too much sports and exercise can reduce your flow, especially if associated with stress and weight loss. Stress can also change your cycle and flow. ‘Stress can alter the menstrual cycle and flow since the hypothalamus pituitary ovarian axis (a critical part in the development and regulation of the reproductive and immune systems) or network, is intimately related to the brain,’ she says. Other factors that can also affect your menstruation are excessive or drastic weight gain or loss. However, your cycle is usually not affected by any diet.
Diseases
Generally, your menstruation is considered late if it has not occurred by the time you turn 18. The delay may be due to general ill-health or chronic illnesses. Dr Sothiprakasen warns that there also may be specific causes in which the ovaries or uterus have not formed well or are not functioning properly.
With menstruation comes period pains, which are normal, and usually occur in the lower abdomen and back. They can also occasionally occur in the legs. These pains may be due to excessive menstrual flow, certain pathological conditions of the uterus and ovaries such as fibroids, polyps, cysts, endometriosis and adenomyosis. A visit to your doctor is always recommended as it can detect symptoms earlier on. Dr Sothiprakasen mentions that the earlier the menstrual cycle, the greater the exposure to oestrogen, which relates to breast cancer.
Although psychological factors and contraceptive methods can affect your flow, a regular not-too-heavy flow, is associated with good health. ‘Heavy flow with or without clots and pain, the loss of a regular cycle, or any other disturbance of the normal menstruation may be due to certain disease conditions; inflammation; hormone imbalances; or endocrine disorders such as thyroid disease and cancer,’ says Dr Sothiprakasen. She adds that cancer (womb/ uterus) normally occurs in women older than 35 years, and ends by saying a cycle that stops before 40 could be associated with heart problems.
Should you be concerned or feel uncertain about anything related to your cycle, seek medical treatment or get yourself check. We are constantly learning and evolving.
Also see: Tips for an easier period
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