Menstrual Cycle Disorders - Do They Trouble You?

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS, as it is commonly referred to, is a term used to explain the host of severe physical and psychological symptoms that are linked with the menstrual cycle. Some of the women get through their monthly periods smoothly with minor or no concerns at all. Their periods come regularly, beginning and stopping at precisely the same time every month.

However, quite a lot of women suffer from PMS symptoms: bloating, pain in the breasts, tiredness, mood swings and depressiondefine; severe enough to disrupt their normal lifestyle.

Though the exact cause of PMS is not known, but researchers are now aware that it is not simply an outcome of hormonal imbalance, as was believed earlier. The suspected reason behind triggering PMS is a complex interaction of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. However, the exact mechanism by which this happens is not yet known.

The menstrual cycle basically comprises of two phases:

•Follicular or proliferative phase: It typically lasts for 10-14 days and includes the time when menstruation occurs. Afterwards, thickening of the endometriumdefine takes place. The matured egg is released into one of the fallopian tubesdefine and the process is termed ovulationdefine.

•Premenstrual phase or luteal phase: It lasts around 14 days. Post ovulation, luteinising hormone (LH), causes the corpus leuteum to develop from the ruptured follicle and produce progesterone, which in combination with estrogen stimulates the endometrium to support a fertilised egg, in case pregnancy occurs. Otherwise, the corpus leuteum deteriorates to corpus albicans and the endometrial lining is shed during menstruation.

Besides PMS, other hitches of menstrual cycle include:

1.Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB): 20% of the women bleed so heavily during their periods that their normal lives get disrupted. It interferes with the normal activities and forces one to change a pad or tampon every hour. AUB is common at the beginning of menstruation and also as one approaches menopause.

2.Menstrual Cramps: Though they come naturally with periods, but if these cramps are severely painful and persistent, medical advice should be sought immediately. This pain is normally an outcome of the uterine contractions.

3.Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): It is far graver than PMS. The most common symptoms include anxiety, irritability and severe mood swings. As the period starts, the symptoms tend to subside within a few days. Women with a history of depression are at a greater risk of PMDD as compared to others.

Few minor adjustments in diet are all that is warranted to overcome these disorders. Incorporate a variety of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Abstain from saturated fats and junk foods to the maximum extent possible. Limiting the salt intake may help ease out bloating. Foods containing rich amounts of iron like clams, oysters, organ meats, pork, poultry and fish should be consumed. Exercise could also be helpful in some cases.

Alternative remedies that could come in handy are: herbs and supplements, application of heat to relieve menstrual cramps, acupressure and yoga and other meditative practices.