Have you ever felt stuck trying to navigate and manage your menstrual cycle? Do you experience irregular or painful periods? Are you looking for ways to better manage your menstrual symptoms? As an OBGYN, I believe that understanding what exactly a “normal menstrual cycle is” is key to navigating your menstrual health.
So, let’s get down to the basics! A typical menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, although variations are common. During a cycle, the body goes through hormonal changes that result in the shedding of the uterine lining, better known as menstruation. During your menstrual cycle, you can experience common issues like irregular periods, which can be caused by factors such as stress, diet and exercise, or certain medical conditions. You may even experience heavy bleeding during menstruation (also known as menorrhagia) which can be caused by conditions like fibroids or PCOS.
Learning out to navigate your menstrual health can significantly increase your quality of life! If you want to learn more about how to track your cycle then you’ll want to check out this video.
Now that you have a better understanding of what happens to the female body during menstruation, let’s chat about what steps you can take to start managing your menstrual health:
Track your cycle
Keeping a menstrual calendar or using a tracking app can help monitor the length and regularity of your periods. I use and LOVE the Flo app.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all positively contribute to your menstrual health.
Seek medical advice for irregularities
If you experience irregular periods or other concerning symptoms, such as severe pain or unusually heavy bleeding, I urge you to please go see an OBGYN. We’re here to help you!! Remember that your period is a vital sign—having a period is NORMAL and necessary!
Consider hormonal contraception
Birth control pills, patches, or hormonal IUDs can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms like cramping and heavy bleeding for some individuals. Now, I’m not saying that birth control pills are the end all be all… of course not!
There’s so much more that goes on within the female body that could be causing discomfort during your cycle. I have multiple videos on this, but PCOS is a big one! If you suffer from PCOS then a hormonal contraceptive won’t necessarily help you manage your menstrual cycle. When dealing with PCOS you need to treat the disease as a whole (and not just with birth control pills)! If you want to learn more about navigating PCOS, make sure to watch this video.
Manage symptoms
Over-the-counter pain relievers, heating pads, and dietary supplements like iron can help alleviate menstrual cramps and other discomforts. But first please check with your doctor—first and foremost you want to make sure your symptoms are not a sign of a bigger problem!
Practice good hygiene
Change menstrual products regularly, and maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
Overall, staying informed about normal menstrual cycles, recognizing common issues, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed are essential for managing menstrual health effectively!
