A menstrual disorder is a physical or
emotional problem that interferes with the normal menstrual
cycle, causing pain, unusually heavy or light bleeding, delayed
menarche, or missed periods. A woman of childbearing age should
menstruate every 28 days or so unless she is pregnant or moving
into menopause.
Menstrual disorders include premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea,
amenorrhea, menstrual cramps, Menorrhagia, .
Amenorrhea:
There are two types of amenorrhea: primary
and secondary.
Primary amenorrhea occurs when a girl at least 16 years old is
not menstruating. Girls may not have regular periods for their
first year or two, or their periods may be very light, a
condition known as oligomenorrhea. A light flow is nothing to
worry about. But if the period has not begun at all by age 16,
there may be something wrong.
Secondary amenorrhea occurs in women of childbearing age after a
period of normal menstruation and is diagnosed when menstruation
has stopped for three months. It can occur in women of any age.
Several other reasons for missed periods include:
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illness
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sudden change in weight
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eating disorders
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extreme exercise
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hormone irregularities
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certain medications
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stress, such as going away to college, or
emotional trauma, such as the death of a spouse or close
family member
Dysmenorrhea:
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primary dysmenorrhea
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secondary dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea usually start within
three years of a girl's first period. it can last one or two
days a month, and can continue through menopause. Primary
dysmenorrhea is believed to be caused by the normal production
of chemical substances called prostaglandins. These
prostaglandins make the uterus contract, sometimes so much that
the blood supply is cut off for a short time, depriving the
uterine muscle of oxygen. That process can cause painful
cramping.
Secondary dysmenorrhea, caused by disease like uterine fibroids,
pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis all fall into this
category.
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia, or heavy bleeding, most commonly
occurs in the years just before menopause or just after women
start menstruating.
Premenstrual Syndrome:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of
symptoms related to the female menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms
occur in the week or two weeks before your period (menstruation
or monthly bleeding). The symptoms usually go away after your
period starts. More
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Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps are pains in the abdominal (belly) and pelvic
areas that are experienced by a woman as a result of her
menstrual period. Menstrual cramps are not the same as the
discomfort felt during premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although the
symptoms of both disorders can sometimes be experienced as a
continual process. Many women suffer from both PMS and menstrual
cramps.
When you have your menstrual period, you may get mild to bad
menstrual cramps or pain in your abdomen or back. You may also
have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, a headache, or
lightheadedness.
Herbs which is useful :
Ashoka (Saraca indica ):
The
bark of the tree is effective for excessive blood loss during
menstruation due to the presence of uterine fibroids,
leucorrhoea and other causes. It can be used as a substitute for
ergot, a kind of dried fungus used in medicine in the treatment
of uterine hamorrhages. It is taken as a decoction.
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) :
According
to the Ayurveda, root is pungent, acrid, cooling, astringent,
appetizer, stomachic, anthelmintic and useful in treatment of
PMS, leprosy, thirst, fever, blood diseases, biliousness,
dysentery, pruritis, pain, vomiting, epilepsy etc.
Kamal Phool (lotus Flower):
It
is particularly useful in Rakta Pitta - bleeding disorders.
Decoction of leaves and sandalwood or root-powder or seed-powder
is useful for abnormal / irregular bleeding and PMS.
Many traditional ancient medical texts also report its use for
skin conditions, notably ringworm, leprosy, sexually transmitted
diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis as well as for lowering
fevers, fighting fungal infections and supporting a weak heart.
The milky latex found in the stems, leaves and flowers is used
to fight bacterial infections.
Nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea) :
In
a study of, the plant to assess its putative sex-steroidal
activity, no oestrogenic or progestational activity was found.
Its use in menorrhagia may he due to its action on capillaries.
Oil is used to treat skin diseases and its local application is
also recommended in rheumatism. The plant has been widely used
in India.
Diet :
Diet is very important. Aim for a healthy
diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Cut down on salt to
prevent bloating and sugar which may cause your blood glucose
levels to swing, affecting your energy and appetite. It may help
to cut back on fat which can encourage breast swelling, and
caffeine and alcohol, as both can cause mood swings
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Eat regular, healthy meals including plenty of
vegetables, fruit, mixed grains and cereals
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Eat small meals to maintain stable energy
levels, this will also significantly reduce food cravings
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Drink less caffeine – particularly if you are
suffering breast tenderness. Try drinking water instead! (6-8
glasses a day)
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Cut down on alcoholic beverages
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Cut down on salt and salty foods to help
reduce fluid retention
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Get enough rest, sleep and exercise
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Don’t smoke
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Wear a well fitting cotton bra if you suffer
tense, painful breasts.
