Natural treatment to reduce period pain in Montpellier.

The age of appearance of first periods in girls varies widely and is influenced by several factors, including genetics, nutrition, general health and environment.

In France, most young girls (around 90%) have their first period between the ages of 11 and 14.

• The median age is 13,1 years, meaning half of adolescent girls have already had their period by this age.
• The average age is 12,6 years.

However, it is important to note that:

• Some girls may get their period as early as 8 years old or as late as 15 years old.
• There is no reason to worry if a girl doesn't get her period at 13.

The menstrual cycle is a complex biological process that occurs in women of childbearing age. It lasts on average 28 days, but can vary from one woman to another and from one cycle to another.

The menstrual cycle is divided into four main phases:

1. The follicular phase (days 1 to 14)

During this phase, a follicle, containing an egg, develops in one of the ovaries. The level of the hormone estrogen increases, which stimulates the growth of the uterine lining.

2. Ovulation (day 14)

The mature follicle releases the egg into the fallopian tube. This is the time in the cycle when pregnancy can occur if the egg is fertilized by a sperm.

3. The luteal phase (days 15 to 28)

If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates. The level of progesterone, another hormone, decreases, leading to the breakdown of the uterine lining.

4. Menstruation (days 28 to 1)

The uterine lining and blood are evacuated through the vagina in the form of bleeding: these are the periods. Periods mark the start of a new menstrual cycle.

Hormones play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle.

• The pituitary gland, located in the brain, secretes hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone.
• The ovaries, in turn, release these hormones into the bloodstream, where they act on different organs of the body, including the uterus.
• The menstrual cycle can be influenced by various factors, such as stress, exercise, diet and certain medications.

It is important to note that the menstrual cycle is not always regular.

Many women have cycles that are shorter or longer than the average 28 days. Cycles can also be irregular, meaning the length of time between periods can vary from month to month.

In general, menstruation appears once a month, that is, the menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days.

However, it is important to note that the length of the menstrual cycle can vary from one woman to another and even from one cycle to another for the same woman. A cycle is considered normal if it lasts between 21 and 35 days.

This means that a woman can have her period every 3 weeks or only every 5 weeks, and this is still completely normal.

Here are some factors that can influence the length of the menstrual cycle:

• Age: The cycles of young girls who have just started their period are often irregular and can take a few years to stabilize.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding women may not have a period for several months.
• The stress : Stress can disrupt hormones and lead to menstrual cycle irregularities.
• Physical exercise: Intense physical exercise can also have an impact on the length of the menstrual cycle or even completely stop it for high-level athletes.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, can change the length of the menstrual cycle.

If you notice that your periods have suddenly become irregular or you are experiencing heavy or unusual bleeding, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.

The length of periods varies from woman to woman, but on average they last between 3 and 8 days.

• Most often, periods last between 4 and 6 days.
• For some women, periods may only last 2 days or less.
• Other women may have periods that last up to 10 days.

It is important to note that the amount of bleeding can also vary from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle.

The first two days of periods are usually the heaviest, then the bleeding gradually decreases until it stops completely.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• It is completely normal for the duration and abundance of periods to vary from one cycle to another.
• If your periods have suddenly become irregular or you have heavy or unusual bleeding, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.
• You can use menstrual hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, or a menstrual cup, to absorb bleeding.
• You can also take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve menstrual cramps.

The color of the period can vary from bright red to dark brown or even black. It is important to note that the color of menstruation is generally not an indicator of health.

This color variation is due to the amount of oxygen the blood is exposed to:

• Bright red rules: Fresh blood is rich in oxygen and therefore gives a bright red color. This is usually the color seen at the start of your period, when the flow is heavy.
• Brown rules: Blood that flows more slowly and stays in the uterus longer becomes more oxidized, turning it a dark red or brown color. This is often the color seen towards the end of your period, when the flow is less.
• Black rules: Black blood is heavily oxidized blood that has stagnated in the uterus for some time. This can be seen at the end of your period or after a blood clot.

notice that your periods have suddenly become irregular or you have heavy or unusual bleeding, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.

Pain during periods, also called dysmenorrhea, is a common phenomenon that affects around 80% of women. They can vary in intensity and duration from one woman to another and from one cycle to another.

Two types of dysmenorrhea exist:

• Primary dysmenorrhea: It is the most common form, which occurs from the first period and is not linked to any underlying pathology.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea: It appears later in life and is often associated with an underlying pathology, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.

The causes of primary menstrual pain are not fully understood, but are thought to be due to a combination of factors:

• Prostaglandins: During menstruation, the uterus produces inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. These substances cause muscle contractions which can be painful.
• Lack of oxygen: Uterine contractions can compress blood vessels, depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen, which can cause pain.
• Hereditary factors: If your mother or other women in your family have suffered from period pain, you are more likely to suffer from it too.

The secondary menstrual pain, as for them, are caused by an underlying pathology.

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus and can cause pain, heavy bleeding and other problems.
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID): PIDs are infections of the female reproductive organs and can cause pain, abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge.

If you are experiencing significant menstrual pain that is affecting your daily life, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Here are some tips for relieving menstrual pain:

• Applying a hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help relax muscles and relieve pain.
• Gently massaging your lower abdomen with essential oils will help relieve cramps.
• Regular exercise can help reduce menstrual pain.
• Deep breathing meditation can help reduce stress and tension.

Remember that every woman is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find what gives you the best relief and seek medical attention if the pain is severe or interferes with your daily life.

Heavy periods, or menorrhagia, affect approximately 30% of women of childbearing age. They are characterized by a menstrual flow greater than 80 ml per cycle, the equivalent of changing protection every two hours or less.

Beyond the daily inconvenience, heavy periods can alter women's quality of life, limiting their social and professional activities. In some cases, they can even lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Symptoms and causes of heavy periods

In addition to a heavy flow, heavy periods can be accompanied by:

• Smaller or larger blood clots
• Tiredness
• Abdominal pain
• Feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen

What causes heavy periods?

• Hormonal imbalance: high estrogen and/or insufficient progesterone can disrupt the menstrual cycle and increase flow.
• Adenomyosis: presence of endometrial tissue in the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids: benign tumors of the uterus that can compress the endometrium and increase flow.
• Uterine polyps: benign growths of the uterine lining that can cause heavy bleeding.
• Intrauterine device (IUD): some types of IUDs may increase menstrual flow during the first few months of use.

What are the natural treatments to relieve heavy periods?

• Choose foods rich in iron (red meat, green vegetables, legumes) to prevent anemia.
• Eat foods rich in magnesium (bananas, almonds, dark chocolate) to help regulate hormones.
• Certain medicinal plants such as lady's mantle, motherwort or red sage can help reduce menstrual flow. Contact me to choose the plant best suited to your needs.
• Essential oils of lavender, geranium or chamomile can be diluted in a vegetable oil and massaged into the lower abdomen to relieve cramps and promote relaxation.
• Exercise stimulates blood circulation and can help reduce pain and menstrual flow.
• Meditation helps manage stress, which often aggravates symptoms.

Prolonged menstrual problems can cause great worry and significant discomfort in women. Among these disorders, periods that do not stop are of particular concern. A period that extends beyond the usual duration, often more than seven days, may indicate hormonal imbalances or underlying conditions like uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

Another common phenomenon is the return of periods only two days after their end. This can be a sign of irregular menstrual cycles, often influenced by stress, hormonal changes or thyroid disorders. This irregular cycle can significantly disrupt daily life and cause anxiety.

Periods that last a long time, beyond the normal duration, may be of particular concern in premenopausal period. During this phase, hormonal levels fluctuate significantly, causing irregular and prolonged bleeding. Women may experience heavier and longer periods, with bleeding that may last for several weeks.

To manage these disorders that last longer than expected, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions and explore suitable natural treatment options based on medicinal plants. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and managing stress, can also help regulate future menstrual cycles and alleviate bothersome symptoms.

Menstrual odors can vary for each woman. A particularly common smell is that reminiscent of iron. Periods that smell strongly of iron are generally due to the presence of blood, rich in iron and hemoglobin. This metallic smell is normal and usually does not indicate any health problems.

However, sometimes smelly periods can become more pronounced or unpleasant, which can be embarrassing and worrying. The causes of these odor variations can be multiple. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which makes odor worse. Using sanitary napkins or tampons and changing them regularly is essential to maintaining good hygiene.

Other factors, such as vaginal infections, can also cause unusual odors. Yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can cause strong, unpleasant odors. If menstrual odor is accompanied by other symptoms like itching, irritation or abnormal discharge, it is important to consult a gynecologist.

Some women may have atypical menstrual experiences, such as periods without pain, bleeding, or blood.

Pain-free periods are generally considered a blessing. Many women experience severe menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and headaches during their periods. The absence of pain during menstruation may simply mean that the body is handling hormonal changes well and that the uterus is contracting effectively to expel the uterine lining without causing painful spasms.

On the other hand, periods without bleeding, often called amenorrhea, can indicate underlying health problems. Amenorrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, excessive weight loss, strenuous exercise, or medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. .

Bloodless periods, also known as cryptic menstruation, occur when the bleeding is so light that it goes unnoticed. This may occur early in pregnancy or be linked to hormonal fluctuations. Women may still experience premenstrual symptoms such as bloating and mood swings even when there is no visible bleeding.

Menstruation can be accompanied by various symptoms, including fever, headache and fatigue. These manifestations can vary in intensity and cause significant discomfort.

Periods and fever are often a cause for concern. Although a slight rise in body temperature is normal due to hormonal changes, a true fever may indicate an infection or inflammation, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. If the fever persists or is accompanied by severe pain, abnormal discharge or general malaise, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Periods and headaches are also common. Hormonal fluctuations, including dropping estrogen levels before menstruation, can trigger headaches or migraines in some women. Menstrual headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, adequate hydration, and stress management. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend hormonal treatments or other interventions.

Fatigue during periods is another common complaint. Menstrual blood loss can lead to decreased iron levels, causing anemia and, therefore, fatigue. Hormonal changes can also affect sleep quality, contributing to a general feeling of fatigue. To combat fatigue, it is recommended to maintain a diet rich in iron, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.