Menstrual Cycle

Normal Menstrual Cycle

If you are a woman, whatever your age, it’s important to understand the menstrual cycle if you are approaching this phase, which is around age 13, all the way up to just leaving it, which is around age 52.

The menstrual cycle is the monthly rhythmic changes which are caused by the secretion rates of certain hormones and the corresponding changes to the uterus and the lining of the uterus and other organs in the female reproductive system.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by the hypothalamus, which is found in the brain. It’s a hugely important area that influences the release of hormones and works in conjunction with the anterior and posterior pituitary gland that is also found in the brain too. The ovaries also are part of this hormone release which are the chemical messengers that tell the body what to do. 

Each month the body ensures that a single egg is released and it prepares for the release of the uterus lining known as the endometrium so that the egg/ ovum if fertilized can grow safely and soundly in an environment that has been prepared in the menstrual cycle. 

Table of Terminology your Doctor will use to describe the symptoms you may present 

complications of the menstrual cycle

1. Amenorrhoea – Amenorrhoea is an absence of a menstrual cycle. The primary cause is usually the failure to start menses by the age of 16 or 17. This is a congenital defect(a condition present at birth), due to a failure of the ovarian follicle to develop. A secondary cause of amenorrhoea is the lack of menstruation for 3 months in a woman that has previously had menstrual cycles. This may be due to Hormone Imbalances – such as PCOS, Hypothyroidism, Stress or even Pituitary tumour.  Other causes could be anorexia and nutrient deficiency, too much exercise which inhibits endorphins like Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone  (GnRH). Pregnancy also causes secondary amenorrhoea.
2. Dysnemorrhoea – This is the term for painful and heavy periods.  The primary reason for painful periods is the excess release of uterine prostaglandins which occur in the luteal phase after ovulation on day 14 (day 1 being the first day of the menses). This causes the myometrium which is the smooth inner muscle layer of the uterus, to contract. The most common time for this to happen is the first year of the menses. A secondary reason for dysmenorrhoea is associated with associated complications like Endometriosis, Fibroids, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or adhesions from scar tissue such as inside the pelvis where the bleeding occurs. When you see the doctor they will most likely offer the oral contraceptive pill or NSAIDS that have been found to reduce(inhibits) the prostaglandins. Both of these options are not long term solutions. For further help try a Reboot and then see these symptoms reverse.
3. Menopause – Naturally occurring at ages 45-55 but can be younger if there are complications or hysterectomy. This is where the ovaries shut down and the adrenals take over. There is a decrease in Oestrogen production and a decline in ovulation as well as a decrease in Progesterone production too. This causes a negative feedback in our system leading to higher Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone which are detected in the blood. The menopause is when menstruation has consecutively stopped for 12 months.

Get educated!

If you are female and ovulating then get educated about your body, how it works and what you can do to balance out your monthly hormone cycle.

Key areas to help yourself with are to:-

1. Reboot and give the body a break
2. Manage stress with fun ways and breathing techniques
3. Get great sleep
4. Hydrate well
5. Exercise
6. Look after your body by nourishing your mind and bathing your cells with nutrients.

A big part of why the body has health issues are down to an unbalanced lifestyle, hormones, stress, western diet, poor sleep, dehydration and lack of fibre to name just a few areas to improve upon. But sometimes it’s hard to be consistent all the time in all these areas. You may want to consider a Reboot and look to give your body a break. Regular breaks so that you give your body the best chance to heal.

Take the next step to prevent illnesses & health issues,

Join Ultimate Health, Your Journey Starts Here!

At Ultimate Health we look for prevention and treating the cause. We always start by wiping the slate clean with a Reboot and then looking to help support your body to heal using natural proven principles. Naturopathic solutions and a protocol that supports your body and every system that it runs. We help you to manage the many multifunctional influences that can cause conditions like this in the first place. Detoxification is key, as well as reducing internal inflammation, getting conscious about your health and finding out what is actually healthy for you.  If you need a map we have the One Clear Path to support your entire journey to your Ultimate Health.

Here are the Pathways we use to support you:

1. Detoxification
2. Group Support
3. One to One consultations
4. Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
5. Meal Plans that are done for you
6. Education on the Real Truth about What is Actually Healthy, not just what the media tells you is “Healthy“.

credits

1. Main picture – Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

References

1.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19573306

2. Study at College of Naturopathic Medicine, Biomedicine and Naturopathic Nutrition