A menstrual cup is a small and flexible cup designed for women during menstruation. One of the reasons that a menstrual cup has gained traction recently is due to the fact that it is considered eco-friendly compared to other alternatives, such as tampons. This is due to the fact that tampons tend to end up in landfills. Menstrual cups are reusable, which can contribute to reducing overall global solid waste.

While a tampon is designed to absorb the menstrual flow, the menstrual cup is actually designed to collect it. The individual is supposed to insert the cup into her vagina before menstruation begins, and the cup should rest against the vagina walls.

Menstrual cups have actually been around for decades, invented in the 1930s. The first menstrual cup meant for commercial purposes was patented in 1937. If the menstrual cup is sanitized properly, no health risks have been associated with it. There are also various sizes of menstrual cups based on age and whether the woman has ever given birth vaginally, for example. The costs vary widely across the world, and they tend to be more popular in developing countries. There are also translucent menstrual cups, as well as colorless cups, and cups that come in various colors. The cup is meant to be removed every 4-12 hours.

If you have any questions about what is best for you, please speak with our gynecologists during your appointment. Contact Women’s Health to schedule a time to come into our West Bloomfield office.

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Your menstrual cycle can be an indicator of your health status. Experiencing this natural process can be different for each woman. This makes it harder to know when something is normal and when it isn’t. What do you need to know about your menstrual cycle?

What Is Normal During My Period?

The menstrual cycle usually begins every 21 to 35 days and usually lasts two to seven days. Young women may experience longer cycles during their first few years of menstruation. Cycles tend to grow shorter with age.

Some women may have a very regular cycle that begins and ends at the same time. Others may notice some variation along with light or heavy flow that may be painful or painless. This all falls into the realm of what is normal.

What Isn’t Normal During My Period?

If you notice that your menstrual cycle doesn’t happen during the timeframe described above, you may have irregular periods. This occurs if the number of days between starting and stopping the cycle varies each month. The most common cause of this condition is known as anovulation.

Anovulation means that ovulation did not happen during the menstrual cycle. This is usually the result of a hormone imbalance. Other factors can cause a missed or irregular period, including:

• Chronic stress
• Short-term anxiety
• Taking birth control pills
• Extreme dieting or exercise
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Aging
• Illness

What Should I Do If I Have An Irregular Menstrual Cycle?

Seek medical advice if you notice changes in your period or if you experience irregular menstrual cycles. A gynecologist can perform an examination and figure out the cause and best way to treat it. Contact Women’s Health today to schedule an appointment.

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Dysmenorrhea is another way to describe the pain felt during menstruation. It is divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Common menstrual cramps fall into the primary group. They are recurrent, usually last a day or two before bleeding starts, and are not the result of a disease.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain that is felt due to a reproductive disorder like uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Discomfort usually starts earlier in the cycle and lasts longer than primary cramps.

What Causes Dysmenorrhea?

A chemical called prostaglandin causes the uterus to contract, or tighten. The contractions tend to be stronger during menstruation. If it happens too intensely, it can apply pressure to surrounding blood vessels, cutting off the oxygen supply to uterine muscles. This brief period of oxygen loss causes cramping. The causes of secondary dysmenorrhea will vary based on the patient’s medical condition.

How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

There are several easy ways to help relieve primary dysmenorrhea. First, women should drink more water to help reduce bloating. Six to eight glasses per day are recommended. Also avoid anything that causes fluid retention, like salt. A healthy diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids can help ease pain on an ongoing basis.

Warm up a heating pad or hot water bottle and lay it on your abdomen. You can combine this treatment with an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Even though you may not feel like it during this time, exercise can also help. A workout releases endorphins that help dull pain and discomfort. If you are feeling fatigued, try a low-impact activity like yoga. Contact Women’s Health OBGYN’s in West Bloomfield, Michigan to schedule an appointment to learn more about managing dysmenorrhea.

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People who are not familiar with depression often associate it with a general sadness. They think of it as a feeling that is experienced due to external influences, like the loss of a loved one. The reality is that many people experience depression for internal reasons – specifically hormones. Hormones are substances found in our bodies that influences mood, reproduction, growth, development, metabolism, and sexual function.

Are Hormones Linked to Depression?

Menstruation can cause depression in women. Hormones are released during this process that are used to stimulate follicles in the ovaries to get them to prepare an egg for release. In response, the ovaries secrete estrogen while the egg develops until it is mature and ready to be released. Progesterone is also produced to cause the uterus lining to thicken in preparation for fertilization. Estrogen and progesterone play a role in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) related depression.

What Do I Do If I Am Depressed?

The first thing to do if you are depressed is to talk to a doctor. If you aren’t sure what’s causing the condition, start with your general practitioner. They can rule out other potential causes and direct you to the right professional.

If you believe that the problem is a result of menstruation, then your gynecologist may be able to help. A healthy diet, exercise, and proper stress management can alleviate some symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your Women’s Health and Menopause Center doctor to learn more about the best treatment plan for you.

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