Menstrual health refers to the well-being of women during their menstrual cycle, encompassing physical, emotional, and social aspects. The menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days but can vary from 21 to 35 days. It involves hormonal changes that prepare the body for potential pregnancy, with menstruation marking the start of a new cycle.
Many women experience symptoms such as cramps, bloating, mood swings, lower abdominal pain and fatigue. Some Women face fever, acne, insomnia during the cycle.
The problems during Menstrual Cycle often be managed with lifestyle changes. Specific Yoga exercises during Menstrual relieves from Period Cramps as it loosens up the muscles. Using a hot water bottle may also help to decrease the abdominal pain. Consuming mild pain killers and paracetamol also helps in countering the problems during Menstrual Cycle.
One should follow healthy diet during Menstrual Cycle such as fruits with high water content such as Water Melon which reduces swelling, bloating and keeps your body hydrated. Intake of large amount of green leafy vegetables helps in balancing the iron levels in the body. Healthy Caffeine substitutes and Green Tea also helps in relaxing the body pain.
Proper menstrual hygiene management is crucial for preventing infections during periods. This includes using sanitary products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups and changing them after every 4-5 hours. Taking bath and cleaning private parts with plain water is necessary to keep away the infections. Avoid using Vaginal washes as they destroy the good bacteria which helps in fighting the infections.
These are the age-old myths which one should not believe but should follow healthy and hygienic practices:
Hormonal fluctuations can affect mood and physical well-being. It's important to recognize and address these challenges. Women may face menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods, very less bleeding or heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Often the symptoms for these kinds of disorders are weight gain, insomnia, skin problems, hair fall, excessive and smelly vaginal discharge, excessive body hair, intolerable abdominal pain during periods.
Cervical Cancer is a very serious disease which if not treated timely can affect a woman’s reproductive health.
Vaccination, timely treatment and regular screening and may prevent the complications of Cervical Cancer.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Infection is also dangerous if not treated timely.
Vaccination, timely treatment and regular screening and may prevent the complications of HPV Infection.