MENSTRUAL CYCLE AWARENESS : KNOW YOUR FLOW

Can we assure that women living in 21st century are aware of the menstrual cycle ? 

Even now also women are forced to obey the old traditional way irrespective of the cast and creed in all parts of the world. Women are considered as impure during this period even to their spouse, parents ,relatives and are isolated for these days even in this highly educated society. The mindset of these people should be change by educating them about the menstrual cycle and they should be aware that this is the inbuilt process for women exclusively. 

WHAT IS MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and the structures of the uterus and ovaries of the female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible. The ovarian cycle controls the production and release of eggs and the cyclic release of estrogen and progesterone. The uterine cycle governs the preparation and maintenance of the lining of the uterus (womb) to receive a fertilized egg. These cycles are concurrent and coordinated, normally last between 21 and 35 days in adult women, with a median length of 28 days, and continue for about 30–45 years.

Naturally occurring hormones drive the cycles; the cyclical rise and fall of the follicle stimulating hormone prompts the production and growth of oocytes (immature egg cells). The hormone estrogen stimulates the uterus lining to thicken to accommodate an embryo should fertilization occur. The blood supply of the thickened lining (endometrium) provides nutrients to a successfully implanted embryo. If implantation does not occur, the lining breaks down and blood is released. Triggered by falling progesterone levels, menstruation (a "period", in common parlance) is the cyclical shedding of the lining, and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.

Each cycle occurs in phases based on events in the ovary (ovarian cycle) or the uterus (uterine cycle). The ovarian cycle consists of the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase; the uterine cycle consists of the menstrual, proliferative and secretory phases. Day one of the menstrual cycle is the first day of the period, which lasts for about five days. Around day fourteen, an egg is usually released from the ovary. Menarche (the onset of the first period) usually occurs around the age of twelve years.

The menstrual cycle can cause some women to experience problems that disrupt daily lives. These can include cramps, tender breasts, tiredness, and premenstrual syndrome. More severe problems such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder are experienced by 3–8% of women. The menstrual cycle can be modified by hormonal birth control.

CYCLES AND PHASES

The menstrual cycle encompasses the ovarian and uterine cycles. The ovarian cycle describes changes that occur in the follicles of the ovary, whereas the uterine cycle describes changes in the endometrial lining of the uterus. Both cycles can be divided into phases. The ovarian cycle consists of alternating follicular and luteal phases, and the uterine cycle consists of menstruation, the proliferative phase, and the secretory phase. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which causes the nearby anterior pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Before puberty, GnRH is released in low steady quantities and at a steady rate. After puberty, GnRH is released in large pulses, and the frequency and magnitude of these determine how much FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary.

Measured from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next, the length of a menstrual cycle varies but has a median length of 28 days. The cycle is often less regular at the beginning and end of a woman's reproductive life. At puberty, a child's body begins to mature into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction; the first period (called menarche) occurs at around 12 years of age and continues for about 30–45 years. Menstrual cycles end at menopause, which is usually between 45 and 55 years of age.

TYPES OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Disposable:

• Pantyliner: Sticks to the inside of underwear to absorb blood and uterine lining during menstruation, sometimes worn with a tampon or for light discharge.
• Sanitary napkin (pad): Worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. Available in many different absorbencies and lengths, with or without wings.
• Tampon: Inserted inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be used while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbency.

Reusable:

• Menstrual cup: Inserted inside the vagina to catch blood/uterine lining.
• Cloth menstrual pad: Worn inside underwear.
• Period underwear (AKA period panties): Can refer to either underwear that keeps pads in place, or absorbent underwear that can take the place of tampons and pads.
• Menstrual sponge: Inserted like a tampon or cup and worn inside the body.
• Towel: large reusable piece of cloth, most often used at night (if nothing else is available), placed between legs to absorb menstrual flow.

Cleansing products

• Douches: A fluid used to flush out the inside of the vagina.
• Feminine wipes: A moist, sometimes scented cloth used to wipe the vulva.
• Unscented soap: A gentle way to wash the vulva to minimize the risk of irritation.

A SANITARY NAPKIN

MENSTRUAL CUP

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRODUCT DISPENSER

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) or menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) refers to access to menstrual hygiene products to absorb or collect the flow of blood during menstruation, privacy to change the materials, and access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. It can also include the "broader systemic factors that link menstruation with health, well-being, gender equality, education, equity, empowerment, and rights".^[1] Menstrual hygiene management can be particularly challenging for girls and women in developing countries, where clean water and toilet facilities are often inadequate. Menstrual waste is largely ignored in schools in developing countries, despite it being a significant problem. Menstruation can be a barrier to education for many girls, as a lack of effective sanitary products restricts girls' involvement in educational and social activities.

Menstrual Hygiene Day creates an occasion for publicizing information about menstrual hygiene management issues in the media. The day offers an opportunity to actively advocate for the integration of menstrual hygiene management into global, national, and local policies and programmes.

Reading in the book "Growth and change" about menstruation and puberty (Tanzania)

Celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day in Amra Padatik, India

 I am very passionate about sharing menstrual cycle awareness so that more woman can live in harmony with their cycle. Raising the awareness and conversation about this topic will only help spread the word so please share this article as far and wide to every sister in your life.