Periods: Enemy or Friends?

Periods can be viewed as both friends and enemies, depending on one’s perspective. On the positive side, periods are a natural biological process that indicates a healthy reproductive system, fertility quotient, and natural flow of hormones. On a negative note, periods can be uncomfortable, painful, and inconvenient for many women, causing physical and emotional distress. In both contexts, periods tell us a lot about a healthy or unhealthy body and are an important bodily process. 

Regular periods indicate a well-functioning and healthy reproductive system and balanced hormone levels. Menses are also natural detoxifiers and help the body to naturally eliminate toxins and waste products from the uterus. Consistent menstrual cycles can also contribute to emotional stability. On the other hand, irregular periods are signs of an unhealthy body and an imbalanced hormonal concentration in the female body. Irregular periods may cause stress, pain, and physical ailments.   

This article will discuss the importance of the menstrual cycle in the lives of women, the benefits of regular periods, and how to deal with irregular periods. 

Why Does Period Bleeding Happen?

Menstruation, or a period, refers to the vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a monthly cycle in women. It serves as a natural process for maintaining overall health. In women, the period functions as a way of eliminating unneeded tissue from the body. Every month the female body readies itself for fertility/pregnancy/. The uterine lining becomes thicker in order to potentially support and nourish a fertilized egg. During this time, an egg is released, prepared for fertilization and implantation in the uterus lining. In the event that the egg remains unfertilized, the body no longer requires the thickened uterine lining, leading to its gradual breakdown and eventual expulsion, accompanied by some blood, through the vagina. This constitutes the menstrual period, and once it concludes, the entire cycle recommences.

Experiencing your monthly cycle might lead to uneasiness, social inconvenience, and physical discomfort. However, menstruation offers unexpected advantages for a woman’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Let us discuss the top benefits of regular periods in detail: 

Periods As a Friend: Benefits of Regular Menstrual Cycle

#1 Indicates Hormonal Equilibrium: 

The advantages of female sex hormones include the capacity to conceive, deliver, and breastfeed infants. Regular and normal menstrual cycles indicate a hormonal equilibrium, which is essential, considering common hormonal imbalance-related symptoms found in the majority of women. If left unattended, imbalanced hormones result in aggravated PMS, exhaustion, weight gain, and a heightened likelihood of developing severe health problems. A regular menstrual cycle is a testimony to the fact that your body is maintaining a balance between necessary hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 

#2 Signs of Good Physical Health

Historically, menstruation has been depicted as a curse for women and a period of distress. In truth, your menstrual cycle is a vital health sign that signifies good health and fertility. The absence of periods (a medical condition called amenorrhea) or irregular period cycles are signs of health problems.  Consistent menstrual cycles also aid in gaining knowledge about your bone, thyroid, and metabolic well-being. 

#3 Helps You Plan Your Sexual Activities

During menstruation, our bodies experience numerous unseen alterations that can influence women’s personal sexual desires. Recognizing this pattern allows them to anticipate how their bodies may respond to potential sexual encounters. By comprehending your cycle, you can pinpoint the most suitable days for sexual excitement and pleasure, as well as take advantage of days with heightened energy for physical activity and fitness. Furthermore, engaging in sexual activity while menstruating could be pleasurable due to the presence of natural lubrication.

#4 Slows the Signs of Aging 

The aging process in women is slower than in men due to the loss of iron during menstruation. Although excessive iron loss can result in anemia, fatigue, and additional health issues, an excess of iron can promote free radicals, elevating the chances of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Monthly periods lead to a reduction in iron levels in an optimum size, potentially contributing to an extended lifespan, which could explain why women tend to outlive men. This extended longevity is a clear advantage of menstruation.

#5 Cleanses Your Body Naturally

Experiencing a menstrual cycle serves as an innate purification method for the internal system, eliminating bacteria from the reproductive system and aiding in the removal of surplus iron. This “cleansing process” can contribute to a reduced chance of heart disease. Utilizing birth control pills to suppress or halt menstruation may disrupt the development of your breasts and bones. Additionally, prolonged absence of your period can impact your fertility levels. 

All these advantages of having a period may not be apparent or noticeable, but they hold significant value.

 

Irregular Periods Are Your Enemy: Take Prompt Actions 

What is an Irregular Period?

An inconsistent menstrual cycle could indicate a period happening more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days, both of which fall outside the typical range for a menstrual cycle. An irregular menstrual cycle also involves skipping several periods consecutively or not having a period at all. Additionally, women experiencing irregular cycles may face extreme or unforeseeable changes in their flow.

Types:

When a female ceases to experience her menstrual cycle, this is referred to as amenorrhea, indicating that something may be amiss. Primary amenorrhea occurs when an adolescent girl has not had her initial period during puberty. Secondary amenorrhea is the stoppage of the period for a minimum of three months.

Effects:

Inconsistent menstrual cycles, skipped periods or extremely painful and intense post-menstrual syndrome symptoms signal that the concentrations of one or more hormones may be deficient or excessively elevated. These can cause illness, stress, pain, aging, hair loss, and many other physical issues in the female body.

What causes irregular periods?

Various factors can cause inconsistent menstrual cycles, such as stress, hormonal imbalance, prior medications, and medical conditions like Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, etc. 

Treatment for irregular periods:

Your physician may suggest multiple treatment alternatives based on your symptoms, such as  Hormonal treatments, Surgical intervention, exercises, stress reduction and coping strategies, and modifications in nutrition. It is critical to diagnose and treat this issue in an early stage before complications arise. 

Conclusion: 

Periods are part and parcel of a woman’s life. Educating oneself about periods and seeking support from friends, family, or healthcare professionals can help in developing a healthier relationship with this natural process. Periods are critical for a woman’s body and have multiple benefits. Still, if you experience stress or pain during periods, you can use period pain-relieving devices like Welme and enjoy your daily routine without worrying about periods.