MENSTRUATION

WHAT IS MENSTRUATION?  Estrogen causes the uterine lining to thicken, form glands and increase the uterine blood supply. Progesterone causes the glands in the endometruim to begin secreting embryo- nourishing substances.

Definition cont.  A fertilized egg can implant only in 5-6 days (days to reach the uterus) If conception has not occurred, the remaining follicle will produce E&P for about 12 days.

Cont.  As the Estrogen & Progesterone levels drop, the tiny arteries and veins in the uterus close off. The lining is no longer nourished and is shed.

OVULATION METHOD:  Born with all your eggs- as many as 450,000.  Stored in ovaries, each inside its own sac called a follicle.  As one matures into puberty, your body begins to produce various hormones that cause the eggs to mature. This is the beginning of your first cycle!

 As ovulation approaches, the blood supply to the ovary increases and the ligaments contract, pulling the ovary closer to the fallopian tubes, allowing the egg, once released, find it’s way into the tube.

 Inside the fallopian tube, the egg is carried along by tiny, hairlike projections, called “cilia” toward the uterus.  Fertilization will occur if sperm are present as the live egg reaches the uterus.

 1. A cycle begins on the first day of your period.  2.Dry days after menstruation. Most women have several days of dryness after menses. (No sensation of discharge) Most women have several days of dryness after menses. (No sensation of discharge)

 3. Mucus days: Fertility begins as soon as mucus appears. Your fertile time begins when you feel a sensation of discharge. Mucus starts off with a day or two of sticky mucus, Mucus starts off with a day or two of sticky mucus,

which becomes increasingly creamy, wet and slippery. which becomes increasingly creamy, wet and slippery. Mucus becomes more fluid and thinner as ovulation approaches. Mucus becomes more fluid and thinner as ovulation approaches. AS SOON AS mucus appears it nourishes sperm until ovulation. AS SOON AS mucus appears it nourishes sperm until ovulation.

PUBERTY  Puberty begins when a girl is ___?  At birth your ovaries actually contain all the eggs(ova) they will ever have.

 External changes: breast, hips, pubic hair, underarm hair.  Menarche at age 13.(Average)  For the first few yrs after menarche, it’s normal for your cycle to be irregular or skip.

 Puberty ends after menstruation is established and regular.

TYPES OF MENSTRUATION:  Normal Cycle: Begins on first day of flow.  Estrogen acts on the endometrium, causing it to grow and thicken.

Normal cont.  Menstrual flow actually consist of not only blood but also vaginal and cervical secretions and tissue from the lining of the uterus.  Avg cycle is 28 days (23-36 is the range)

PAINFUL MENSES:Dysmennorrhea  Pain in your lower abdomen during menstruation, extending to hips,lower back and thighs.  Nausea, vomitting and diarrhea.

 Primary Dysmennorrhea: last 1-3 days. Occurs between periods (w/ or w/o bleeding), few days before period, and is accompanied by spotting or gushing blood. Occurs between periods (w/ or w/o bleeding), few days before period, and is accompanied by spotting or gushing blood.

CAUSES OF PRIMARY DSY.:  STD’S, PID, endometriosis, cyst or tumor.

ABSENCE OF PERIODS:  Young girls: menstruation not begun at age 16.(Primary Amenorrhea)  Adult, non-pregnant women:6 mos or longer.

 Secondary Amenorrhea: Menstruating for years then miss one. Pregnant-Stress Pregnant-Stress Lost weight quickly Lost weight quickly

Exercise a lot Exercise a lot Medications Medications Obese women fail to menstruate, breastfeeding can delay menses.Obese women fail to menstruate, breastfeeding can delay menses.

HEAVY PERIODS: Hypermenorrhea  Menstrual periods longer than 7 days.  Bleeding is unusually heavy.  Very common  Reflect some spontaneous disturbance of hormone cycle.

Cramps  TREAT CRAMPS: EXERCISE-Stretching EXERCISE-Stretching Heat Heat Distractions (movie) Distractions (movie) High calcium foods/tablets High calcium foods/tablets Light diet-less grease, starch Light diet-less grease, starch Over counter meds Over counter meds

TSS-TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME:  1936: Earle Hass invented a cardboard tube of compressed cotton with a string in side. First Tampon!  Next 40 yrs, tampons were sold with little or no federal or state health protection oversight

 Between the ages of are the frequent victims of TSS.  1-17 of every 100,000 menstruating women develops TSS  Described as a disease in Two yrs later reports increased.

SYMPTOMS:  Sudden high fever of 102or up  Vomiting  Diarrhea  Dizziness, fainting  Rash-looks like a sunburn

 Use correct tampon or pad for individual flow.  Tampons: change every 4-8 hours. Slimfits for light flow Slimfits for light flow Regular for medium flow Regular for medium flow Super for heavy flow Super for heavy flow

 Wash hands before and after inserting a tampon or changing a pad.  Keep tampons/pads in a dry place.  Never use tampons that have been opened in purse or drawer. 