What is a menstrual cycle?
Menstrual cycle is a monthly cycle of hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next.
What are menstrual disorders?
Any deviation in the normal pattern of menstrual cycle is called as a menstrual disorder. It may include the following types:
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea):
This is one of the most common problems experienced by women. In the beginning of a period (menstrual cycle), cramp-like pains are experienced in the lower abdomen. This pain is accompanied by feelings of being unwell or faint. These symptoms usually pass after a couple of days. This is usually caused by a 'tight' cervix (the muscle at the neck of the womb), which normally loosens after the first pregnancy, and thus relieves the problem.
Lack of Periods (Amenorrhoea):
This condition is normal during pregnancy and after menopause. Otherwise, it may occur after use of the contraceptive pill or it may be due to loss of appetite.
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia):
Few women naturally experience heavier periods than others. However, heavy blood loss may be caused by non-cancerous growths in the womb known as fibroids or due to a hormone imbalance or due to infection of the womb or infection of the uterine tubes.
Menstrual Migraines:
Headaches known as menstrual migraines are more common during a menstrual cycle than at other times of the month.
Alternative remedies: Ayurvedic remedies: Shuddha guggulu (Indian bedellium): Guggulu relaxes the muscles and thus helps in relieving menstrual pain.Aromatherapy:
The following essential oils help to alleviate the pain during the menstrual disorders: Chamomile Clary sage Lavender
Any of these essential oils can be applied on the abdomen gently to alleviate pain. Diet therapy: It is advisable to eat a well-balanced diet, which should have high fiber content. Food rich in iron, calcium and B-complex vitamins must be preferred. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat a good amount of whole grains. Avoid eating food containing saturated fats. Avoid junk food. Home remedies: Eat banana flower often. Drink beetroot and carrot juice. Take a piece of fresh ginger, ground it and boil it in a cup of water. Take this thrice, after meals with some amount of sugar.Homeopathic remedies:
The following remedies are suggested in case of menstrual disorders: Pulsatilla Veratrum albumYoga:
The following yoga postures are recommended in case of menstrual disorders: Fish pose Cobra pose Bow pose Cat pose |
