Amanda Roe: Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnotherapist.
Call 087 6331898
Email: amanda@marketstclinic.com
Unfortunately many women do dread getting their period. Menstruation will start for most girls at about 12-years-old although it can begin as young as eight, and will naturally return monthly until menopause somewhere between 45-55 years. That is 30-45 years, so it is well worth becoming intimately acquainted with your body at that time of the month, as your period also provides a good indication of your general health
The menstrual cycle is made up of a number of cycling phases. It starts with the first day of the period and ends when the next period begins.
Follicular Phase: The first day of menstruation, when the endometrium (lining of the uterus) sheds, is the beginning of the follicular phase. One or more follicles in the ovaries with eggs inside them will grow large enough for ovulation to occur.
Proliferative phase: Is from the end of the period until ovulation when the endometrium grows from nothing after the period to a thick padding ready for the implantation of a fertilised egg.
Ovulation: Midway through the cycle ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube
Luteal Phase: As soon as ovulation occurs, the follicle, which contained the egg, transforms into a corpus luteum and produces progesterone, as well as estrogen, in preparation for egg fertilisation and pregnancy.
Secretory Phase: During this phase the endometrium will either support egg fertilisation and attachment with rising levels of progesterone, or if pregnancy dose not occur, the corpus luteum will stop producing progesterone and estrogen; as hormone levels drop the endometrium will begin to breakdown, cycling us back into the follicular phase and menstruation.
The ideal cycle is 28 days, with a light to normal flow, for four to six days, no pain, no clotting.
As hormones fluctuate through the phases mentioned above mood and enthusiasm which changes from energetic and outgoing too nesting and wanting to spend more time at home are to be expected.
Women in tune with their body may also notice changes in their libido, skin, hair and bowel movements throughout the menstrual cycle.
Teenagers often think of abdominal cramps, pain and headaches as normal. However pain, migraines, headaches, irritability, PMS, anxiety and depression, although common, are in fact indications of deficiency or hormone imbalance and should not be accepted as normal, as there is so much that can be done holistically to help.
Other signs to keep an eye out for are periods which are shorter, longer, irregular, heavy, unpleasant discharge, clots or periods, which vanish completely for an extensive length of time.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for gynaecological issues, regulating periods, supporting fertility and menopause, as well as for emotional and mental health.
Your body is constantly talking to you. When you listen and seek help from someone who knows how to interpret the signs and symptoms it is possible to restore balance and support health and wellbeing naturally.
Amanda Roe is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist, Life and Health Coach providing holistic solutions for your mind, body and emotions.
