The impact of the menstrual cycle on women’s health and well-being

Always having cramps during your period or feeling dizzy? These are one of the symptoms women feel whenever the monthly period comes but for some, they don’t really feel anything during their period and it’s just like another day. In this article, we will talk about the impact of the menstrual cycle on women’s health and how can it affects our daily lives and women’s well-being in general.

Understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on women’s health and overall well-being 1. What is a menstrual cycle?

According to Huffing Post UK, more than one-third of women do not understand their own cycles. So what is the importance of knowing how the menstrual cycle works?

A menstrual cycle is a natural and regular process that occurs in the reproductive system of women. It involves a series of hormonal and physiological changes that prepare the body for potential pregnancy each month.

The menstrual cycle typically lasts around 28 days, although it can vary from woman to woman and may range anywhere from 21 to 35 days.

2. Importance of understanding your menstrual cycle

Knowing how your body function can give you an overview of how can you take care of yourself and be healthy. Understanding fully what’s going on with your body can have a significant change in your daily life.

In addition, knowing how your cycle works means you’ll know how your hormones change over the weeks. Hormonal changes can be difficult to adjust to. For example, you have a scheduled project the week within your period. You can prepare the things that you might need or adjust the date of your project because you know that when you have a menstrual period for example you have really bad cramps on your first day.

Knowing your menstrual health or cycle really helps you to understand why you feel that way. When you ovulate usually there’s a sticky clear discharge that you’ll notice. Knowing these things might help you to get pregnant if you and your spouse are trying to get pregnant.

Lastly, if you are aware of menstrual health or cycle you’ll know if something is not normal already. For example, many women think that having cramps is normal. But ironically, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as endometriosis that really worsens the cramps.

According to Dr. Shireen a GP,

“Women’s health is poorly taught in our schools, and most of the research that exists around exercise is based around men and male physiology. There is a huge gap in general knowledge around hormones, the menstrual cycle, and how they impact our wider lives, such as with exercise.”

Thus, having good research about menstrual health or really understanding our menstrual cycle can really have a big impact on our well-being.

3. Four phases of menstrual cycle health

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The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, each marked by specific hormonal fluctuations and changes in the uterus and ovaries:

1. Menstrual Phase

The cycle begins with menstruation, commonly known as the period. During this phase, the uterus sheds its inner lining (endometrium) along with some blood, which is expelled from the body through the vagina. To know more about this article, click here.

2. Follicular Phase

Following menstruation, the follicular phase begins. Hormones stimulate the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries, each containing an immature egg.

3. Ovulation

Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, one matured follicle releases a fully developed egg in a process called ovulation. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it can potentially be fertilized by sperm. To learn mo about it, click here.

4. Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which releases progesterone to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy.

If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum disintegrates, and hormone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of a new menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries and controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain.

4. How can exercise impact the menstrual cycle Exercise can have both positive and negative impacts on the menstrual cycle, with effects depending on exercise intensity, duration, frequency, overall health, and hormone balance. Regular, moderate exercise promotes hormone balance and menstrual cycle regulation, benefiting individuals with irregular periods or hormonal imbalances.

However, intense or excessive exercise, combined with inadequate calorie intake, can lead to exercise-induced amenorrhea, resulting in the absence of menstruation due to elevated stress hormones and hormonal disruption.

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On the positive side, exercise can alleviate menstrual pain and symptoms, provide relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) through better circulation and stress reduction, and positively influence fertility for women trying to conceive. Increased blood flow during exercise may temporarily disrupt menstrual flow for some individuals, but this is usually not a concern unless accompanied by other irregularities.

Additionally, weight-bearing exercises support bone health, essential for preventing osteoporosis, while overall, regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, reduces insulin resistance, and enhances mental well-being, indirectly contributing to a healthier menstrual cycle.

It is crucial to recognize that individual responses to exercise vary, and significant changes in the menstrual cycle should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out health issues and ensure exercise routines align with overall health and well-being. 5. How about sports? Can women do sports during the menstrual period and how can it affect women?

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The menstrual cycle can affect sports participation, and sports can impact the menstrual cycle. Here are some key points: Performance: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can impact energy, strength, and endurance. Understanding these changes can help female athletes optimize training based on their cycle. Injury Risk: Hormonal changes, especially in the luteal phase, can increase injury risk, like ACL tears. Coaches should consider injury prevention during vulnerable times. Menstrual Symptoms: Cramps, bloating, and mood swings can affect comfort and concentration during training and competition. Managing symptoms through lifestyle and nutrition helps maintain performance. Recovery: Menstruation usually doesn’t affect recovery, but some athletes may experience fatigue or reduced recovery during periods. Bone Health: Intense exercise and hormonal changes can impact bone health, especially for those with irregular periods or amenorrhea. Adequate nutrition and training are crucial. Amenorrhea: High-intensity sports can cause exercise-induced amenorrhea, with long-term consequences for bone density and health. Fertility Planning: Understanding the menstrual cycle is essential for athletes planning pregnancy. Monitoring ovulation aids in family planning decisions.

Each woman’s menstrual cycle is unique, affecting sports participation differently. Open communication with coaches and healthcare professionals helps manage training and competition considering the menstrual cycle. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and rest support menstrual and athletic health.

6. Menstrual cycle and stress