Menstrual Health and Cycle

Menstrual Health

Definition

Menstrual health refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals during their menstrual cycles.

Importance

Menstrual health is crucial for overall health, as it affects quality of life, productivity, and reproductive health.

Menstrual Cycle Phases

The menstrual cycle consists of three phases:

1. Menstruation (Days 1-5): Bleeding phase, where the uterus sheds its lining.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Ovaries produce follicles, increasing estrogen levels.
3. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Corpus luteum produces progesterone, preparing the uterus for implantation.

Menstrual Disorders

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods, affecting 50-90% of women.
• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, primary (no menstruation by age 16) or secondary (cessation of menstruation).
• Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, cysts on ovaries, and insulin resistance.

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

MHM involves:

1. Using sanitary products: Pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to absorb menstrual flow.
2. Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands, changing products regularly, and cleaning the genital area.

Menstrual Health Challenges

• Stigma and taboo: Negative attitudes and silence surrounding menstruation.
• Limited access to sanitary products: Affecting 500 million girls and women worldwide.
• Inadequate MHM education: Leading to health risks and negative impacts on daily life.

Promoting Menstrual Health

• Education and awareness: Breaking the silence and promoting healthy practices.
• Access to sanitary products: Providing affordable, safe, and sustainable options.
• Supportive policies: Encouraging menstruation-friendly environments and laws.

Menstrual Health

Definition and Importance

• Menstrual health encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being during menstrual cycles.
• It affects overall health, quality of life, productivity, and reproductive health.

Menstrual Cycle Phases

• The menstrual cycle consists of three phases: menstruation, follicular phase, and luteal phase.
• Menstruation (Days 1-5): Uterus sheds its lining, characterized by bleeding.
• Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Ovaries produce follicles, increasing estrogen levels.
• Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Corpus luteum produces progesterone, preparing the uterus for implantation.

Menstrual Disorders

• Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods, affecting 50-90% of women.
• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, categorized as primary (no menstruation by age 16) or secondary (cessation of menstruation).
• Menorrhagia: Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, cysts on ovaries, and insulin resistance.

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

• Using sanitary products: Pads, tampons, or menstrual cups to absorb menstrual flow.
• Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands, changing products regularly, and cleaning the genital area.

Menstrual Health Challenges

• Stigma and taboo: Negative attitudes and silence surrounding menstruation.
• Limited access to sanitary products: Affecting 500 million girls and women worldwide.
• Inadequate MHM education: Leading to health risks and negative impacts on daily life.

Promoting Menstrual Health

• Education and awareness: Breaking the silence and promoting healthy practices.
• Access to sanitary products: Providing affordable, safe, and sustainable options.
• Supportive policies: Encouraging menstruation-friendly environments and laws.