Monthly period, menstrual cycle, menstruation, or menses comes from the English word Menstruation. It is a sign that “I am a woman now” and ready to conceive. Women are born with about 250,000 eggs in each ovary, but only about 400 of these will mature. Each month, the body releases one egg from the ovary. This egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. If the egg is fertilized by sperm during this time, fertilization occurs, and the fertilized egg will implant itself in the thick, soft uterine wall, where the embryo will continue to grow. However, if the egg is not fertilized, the body will shed the uterine lining and the egg through the vagina, resulting in menstruation.
The fluctuating hormone levels during each menstrual cycle can easily affect a woman’s mood. For example, during ovulation, a woman may feel more energetic, sexier, and have a higher sex drive. During this time, some may eat more, become easily irritated, quick-tempered, sensitive, or suddenly become tearful without any reason.
This issue can be resolved by eating smaller, more frequent meals. It is advisable to eat foods rich in protein, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid very sweet foods or foods made from flour, and refrain from tea, coffee, and caffeinated beverages. Regular exercise is recommended because the substances released by the body after exercising help balance the digestive and mental systems, reducing irritability and overeating.
Before the menstrual cycle begins, some may experience breast tenderness or swelling, while others may have acne on their face and constipation. Eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing sugar and salt intake in food can help alleviate these symptoms.
Before menstruation, there may be a discharge of clear mucus (without itching) from the vagina. Do not be alarmed, as this is a normal occurrence. There are two types:
- Clear mucus, which usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle when the egg is mature. It is odorless and non-itchy.
- Thick white discharge resembling wet flour, which occurs before and after menstruation. It is odorless and sometimes yellow.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is characterized by a large amount, strong odor, and vaginal itching, with a yellow-green or blood-tinged color. This can be caused by vaginal inflammation, such as a yeast infection, or the presence of foreign objects in the vagina, or infections from sexually transmitted diseases. If there is abnormal discharge, it is advisable to see a doctor for treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other reproductive organs.
Information sources:
1. Sex education for youth www.teenpath.net Path2Health Foundation
2. Reproductive health issues, Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health