Menstruation/Period

We, women, are living in our own rhythm.

A woman's body is controlled by the menstruation cycle, which relates closely with the secretion of female hormones, called estrogen and progesterone.

Usually, the menstruation cycle is about 4 weeks (28 - 30days). After 2 weeks from the first day of menstruation, you will be in the ovulatory phase. During this time, you are able to get pregnant. Until then, the secretion of estrogen is increased, and the membrane lining the uterus (endometrium) thickens. After the ovulation, the progesterone makes the endometrium even thicker to prepare for the implantation of an embryo. If no implantation happened, the endometrium will be released from the uterus. This discharge of blood and endometrium is what we call "Menstruation" or "Period".

How our body changes in one Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea)

From teenage until around 50 years old, we need to live with Menstruation. Most women experience cramp, fatigue or nausea in the menstruation period and many of them think "I want to just get rid of it!" However, we cannot "just get rid of it" so let's see what causes this pain and how we can deal with it.

Psychological Cause

Social stress or overworking could cause pain to intensify. Or, thinking subconsciously that "the period is a painful thing", can be a trigger of pain. When you are relaxed in body and mind, pain can be reduced.

Adolescence Cause

Young women or women who's never given birth usually have a narrow cervix (the canal connecting vagina and uterus) so that the blood is not discharged easily. Thus the uterus continues to contract, and this causes pain. However, this is not a disease and the problem eases as they mature, particularly after a pregnancy.

Hormonal Cause

During the period, a hormone called prostaglandins is released to contract the uterus. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when parts of the muscle briefly lose their supply of oxygen. (Additionally, this hormone activates intestinal function helping constipation.

Secondary Cause

Menstrual pain is sometimes related to some kind of gynecologic disorder, such as endometriosis (A condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of the uterus), Adenomyosis (A condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus), or Pelvic inflammatory disease (An infection caused by bacteria that starts in the uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs). These cause a heavier blood discharge and a severe pain that cannot be relieved with painkillers. If you have these symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Overcoming the Period

There are several methods to ease the menstruation pain. Warming up the body would be key. Avoid ice cold drinks and try to have hot beverages and dishes 2 days before the period. Protect yourself from strong air-con cold air, and use a heating patch or a hot water bottle on a lower back/abdomen when it hurts. A hot bath or foot bath also help blood circulation.

Over-the-counter painkillers, in particular ibuprofen are often helpful. Also, if you don't plan to have a baby, the contraceptive pill will balance the hormonal secretion. It prevents ovulation and reduces the production of prostaglandins and pain. However, every medicine has some kind of side-effect. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.