Menstruation

Disadvantages of Pads

Bulky Can slip out of place Inconvenient for athletes Not as hygienic Can produce odor

treatments for endometriosis

Danazol (not used much anymore) A synthetic male hormone that inhibits the release of FSH and LH Causes endometrial lining to shrink Side effects include weight gain, acne, hair growth, and deepening voice Nafarelin (nasal spray) Reduces estrogen level Simulates menopause Side effects include headaches, menopausal symptoms Birth Control Pills Stops normal cycle of hormones but when discontinued symptoms recur Surgical Laparoscopy A procedure using a laparoscope to burn endometrial tissue with a laser Hysterectomy Major surgery to remove uterus

PMA

Defined as pain, bloating, mood changes, and emotional shifts before the onset of your period (affects many women) PMS (Dysmorphic): 3-5% of women (older women) goes beyond typical PMS Interferes with ability to work, study, etc. No single or agreed upon cause

PMS theory: Progesterone theory

Developed by Katherine Dalton; Too low level of progesterone during the luteal phase (a drastic drop)

PMS: Endorphin theory

Endorphin are the neurotransmitters in your brain that effects your mood They peak about one week before your period and then drop drastically Serotonin is one endorphin linked to PMS Chocolate raises serotonin levels

amenorrhea

Failure to menstruate at an age when regular menstruation is the norm and in the absence of pregnancy or lactation primary amenorrhea: failure to begin menstruating by the age of 18

Three phases of the menstrual cycle

Follicular phase (includes menstrual period, first 14 days) Ovulatory phase (Day 14) Luteal phase (15-28)

hormones

Hormones involved in menstruation: Follicle Stimulating Hormone Luteinizing Hormone (both made in the pituitary gland) Estrogen Progesterone (Both made in the ovaries)

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

In 1980, use of tampons was linked to a dangerous condition called TSS, affected primarily young women Rapid onset, high fever, vomiting diarrhea, dizziness and rash on hands/feet, rapid drop in blood pressure Tampons absorb moisture in vagina Tip of tampon can scratch or tear the vaginal wall allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream Since 1990, USDA required manufacturers to label products for ranges of absorbency Physicians still advise to use "regular" tampons and change more frequently

causes of primary dysmenorrhea

Increased levels of prostaglandins which cause uterine contractions At the onset of the menstrual cycle, the prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract and expel the endometrial lining (if the lining leaves the fallopian tubes an enters other parts of the body it is called endometriosis) Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: Use of prostaglandin inhibitors such as ibuprofen and naproxen Home remedies such as heat, warm bath, hot tea, muscle relaxing exercises, good nutrition

secondary dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain caused by a specific disease or condition (most common form is endometriosis), uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory diseases

disadvantages of tampons

More at risk for TSS Can leak May be difficult to insert not sure when to change

Advantages of Pads

Obvious when it needs to be changed Better for women who tend to get vaginal infections Only choice to use immediately after childbirth Safer to wear at night Less chance for TSS

Menstruation

Periodic discharge of blood, tissue, fluid, and mucus in a sexually mature female. Generally lasts 3-7 days Menstrual cycle controlled by the endocrine system The body needs 17% body fat to trigger hormones for a period Continues until about age 50 (on average) when periods stop and menopause occurs

PMS: Estrogen/Progesterone theory

Progesterone, a hormone believed to have traquilizing

endometriosis

Severe pain at the onset of period, very heavy and frequent periods, painful bowel movements and painful sexual intercourse Tissue from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) outside the uterus found in locations such as ovaries, surface of the uterus, outer back wall of uterus retrograde menstruation: when blodd flows backward instead of downward through the cervix and out of the body though to go out the fallopian tubes and into the plevic and abdominal cavity possibly caused by douching to confirm: surgical procedure called laparoscopy (diagnostic procedure to look for tissue by inserting a scope into the navel)

Mittelschmerz

abdominal sensation during ovulation

PMS: Hypoglycemic theory

blood sugar level drops before period

secondary amenorrhea

ceasing to menstruate for more than 3 months after normal menstrual periods have been established but well before the usual age for menopause

menorrhagia

extremely heavy menstrual bleeding changing tampon/pad more than once an hour period lasts more than 7 days fatigue, interferes with regular lifestyle Causes are all theories, real causes unknown

History of feminine hygiene

first sanitary protection used by ancient Egyptians (they used papyrus leaves like tampons) some cultures put women in huts, lie in bed with towels Roman empire used cloth bandages Africans used rolled grass and roots Early 1900s used menstrual rags Sanitary napkins were developed during WW1 by Kimberly Clark (American manufacturer of surgical dressings) using surplus cellucotton, marketed under brand name Kotex 1933: Tampons invented by Tampax 1970: Pads with adhesive strips came on market Later different shapes and sizes, thinner and more absorbent

fat

functions of fat: to produce sex hormones

causes of amenorrhea

genetic predisposition athletic training (low body fat) dieting (anorexia) thyroid disorders hormonal problems birth defect with ovaries or uterus possible disturbance with relationship of pituitary gland and the ovaries

corpus luteum

literally "yellow body". A hormone secreting group of cells which form from the ruptured follicle

Advantages of Tampons

more comfortable not as likely to slip out of place allows you to swim, dance/play sports with ease usually odorless

primary dysmenorrhea

painful menstruation; Effects 50% of all menstruating women Not related to any disease or malfunction of the pelvic organs Symptoms include cramps, pain, backache, leg pain, nausea, and diarrhea

Hormones

powerful chemicals, secreted by ductless (endocrine) glands, released into the bloodstream and have profound effects regulating development, processes and behavior

Menses

the fluid containing blood and deteriorated endometrium which exits the body during menstruation

menses

the fluid containing blood and deteriorated endometrium which exits the body during menstruation

Menarche

when we get our first period