Facts About Your Period Options

[*mzkandi*]

Facts about abnormal periods

There have been a lot of topics on abnormal period so here is a guide that can hopefully answer some of your questions. Source information comes from
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menstruat...truabnormal.htm

You may be experiencing an abnormal period, abnormal uterine bleeding, an abnormal menstrual cycle if...

your menstrual cycle is longer than 31 to 35 days apart, or less than two weeks from day one of your period to day one of your next period.

you are soaking through more than one tampon or sanitary pad in 1 or 2 hours, or if your period lasts longer than 7 days, you may be experiencing excessive uterine bleeding or heavy menstruation.

you experience extremely severe cramps with menstruation. Some cramping is normal during your period, although not all women experience menstrual cramps, if your menstrual cramps seem more severe than normal you should see your health care provider to rule out and/ or diagnose the cause.

you may see clots of tissue in your menstruation, don't worry, this is no cause for alarm! Remember, your period consists of the lining of the uterus which is shed during menstruation, clots are very often a part of this shedding and rarely cause for alarm.

you are a young girl who has recently experienced the onset of menstruation, don't worry if you skip periods or have irregular periods for the first few years. This is very normal.

you are a young girl who extremely active in sports activities you may experience absence of menstruation for long periods of time. The cause of this is not clearly known.

you are a woman who is postmenopausal or a girl who is younger than eleven should see a doctor immediately if they experience uterine bleeding.

you are a young woman who is over 16 and have not started your period. See your health care provider and be sure to ask about the possibility of polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, particularly if you are experiencing other symptoms of PCOS.

Remember, normal menstrual bleeding lasts about 5 days, and although it may seem like you are losing a lot more blood, the amount of blood lost during your period is only about 2 to 8 tablespoons. Menstruation occurs on average every twenty-eight days; but, anywhere from twenty-five to thirty-one days between periods is considered a normal menstrual cycle. If you think you are experiencing abnormal bleeding or abnormal periods, contact your health care provider for advice about what steps you should take next.

Additional Resource
http://womenshealth.about.com/gi/dynamic/o...Firregular.html

I felt that this topic would be better-suited for the Girls' Locker, considering guys don't have periods.

This post has been edited by Kathleen: Aug 27 2006, 04:02 PM

[Paradox of Life]

This is a chance for you girls to get tips and information about your period. For those who have trouble keeping up with their period or those who just have questions!

Science

Irregular Periods

Irregular periods are most common in adolescents, when your period begins. Something similar happens when women reach menopause in mid-to-late forties. It's perfectly normal.

'Don't worry, though, if your cycle does not always last exactly 28 days. Just as most women's bodies aren't proportioned to fit exactly into one dress size, very few women have menstrual cycles that last precisely 28 days.'

-- Dr. Michelle P. Warren

Why do irregular periods occur?

Most commonly, it's because women have not ovulated suring a cycle, so it is delayed.

Why do I have periods?

The ovary inside your body releases an egg because it is not fertilized. This occurs during your menstrual cycle. Ovulation may be delayed or may not come at all, but that's how your body works and it's perfectly normal to sometimes have irregular periods. The blood released is from endometrium, or the lining of the uterus. It builds up and the signal for it to shed off is your regular ovulation cycle and the egg is not fertilized. Heavy bleeding occurs when your period comes late, causing the lining to grow more than it should.

When I have my period, why does the endometrium stop growing?

There's a hormone called progesterone that acts to stop the growth of endometrium. The ovary makes progesterone for 14 days after the endometrium is shed in your period.

Here's a diagram of what a uterus looks like (thumbed):



Living With Your Period

How to help minimize the pain

1. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to help relax muscles
2. Avoid wearing tampons when your cramps are very severe
3. Exercise 30 minutes a day-

Strech out your muscles and loosen your cramps doing:
- Yoga
- Gymnastics
- Dancing
- Swimming

Get rid of frustrations and/or irritibility with:
- Kick-boxing
- Martial Arts
- Jogging
- Power walking
- Rollerblading

4. Don't lie down and feel sorry for yourself! Do something active to get your mind off cramps!

5. If you have a sore back, avoid standing for too long. Some women find that being in the fetal position helps loosen muscles.

Also, try lying on your back with your feet about 8 inches from your butt. Lift your butt off the ground so it makes a straight line beteen your shoulder and your knees.

Here are some yoga techniques (thumbed):



See a doctor if

1. Severe pelvic pain suddenly appears whether or not you're on your period.
2. Menstrual bleeding increases drastically from normal level.
3. Your periods occur less than every 21 days.
4. You're cramping more than usual or cramping when you regularly don't.
5. Cramps persist after trying medication, exercise and other pain prevention methods.
6. Your period causes sudden high fever, diarrhea, or skin rash.
7. You think you might be pregnant.

Minimizing PMS

1. Less Salt - Salt causes bloating. Snack on carrots, raisins or Cheerios instead.
2. Less Sugar - Sugar intensifies mood swings! Eat cheese or yogurt instead.
3. More wholegrains - Your body needs more nutrients in whole-wheat products.
4. More fruits and veggies - When you're on your period, you're losing nutrients in your blood. Replace them fast with healthy foods! They also relieve cramping and bad moods.

*Did you know?* Fresh pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that is thought to help relax muscles? It can relieve menstrual cramps too!



How do I know when my period is coming?

- Breasts feel tender
- Feeling tense
- Swelling of abdomen or other parts of body
- Getting zits or pimples
- Pain in parts of body; particularly your back, legs or abdomen.

*Tip* Mark when you start and end your period on a calendar so you can expect when your next period will be. Be prepared and wear a pantiliner the day before you start your period (and obviously on the day of your period). However, periods are often unpredictable. Just try your best to keep track of your periods.

Menstrual Cramp and Pain Relief medicines

- Midol
- PMS Ease
- PMS Essentials - Hormone Balancing Formula
- Nature Sunshine's Products - Cramp Relief
- Birth Control Pill

References
- Exam 5 Review: Chapter 27 Uterine Anatomy
- Tampax Irregular Period Article
- Teenwire
- Midol