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