Menstrual disorders such as irregular cycles, painful cramping and bloating, missed periods, spotting, clotting and excessive flow can occur during times of stress or illness throughout women’s lives. In some instances, though, women’s menstrual symptoms can be relentless, causing discomfort and worry. Women who make a few basic lifestyle adjustments can gain control of their menstrual cycle routines and diminish uncomfortable symptoms.
Menstrual Disorders
Estrogen and progesterone help to maintain the functioning of the menstrual cycle. These hormones signal the release of eggs from the ovaries and increase the shedding of the uterine lining during periods. With a myriad of factors affecting hormone releases such as stress, sleep/wake patterns, the use of alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes, many women experience cycle disruptions. Additionally, too much or too little exercise, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can increase menstrual disorders.Types of Period Problems
Women can experiences irregular periods at any time during their lives. As young women enter puberty, menstrual cycles may require several years to regulate. Women between the ages of 35 and 45 also experience missing periods, spotting, pelvic pain, and excessive monthly flow as they enter perimenopause. Women between the ages of 45 and 55, entering menopause can experience fleeting menstrual periods and a variety of symptoms related to waning hormone levels that signify the end of fertility. Most women experience painful and uncomfortable menstrual periods once in awhile. A small percentage of women can experience relentless and incapacitating menstrual disorders. These women should consult their medical health professional to discuss alternative treatment options to improve the quality of their lives.Treatments for Menstrual Disorders
Women who are healthy overall, eat nutritious meals, exercise, and find ways to relieve their stress can diminish the occurrence of menstrual disorders.Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a healing, Chinese treatment that relieves stress, increases digestion, maintains fluid and hormone balances, boosts metabolism, and decreases fatigue can be an effective therapy for reducing menstrual cycle disorders. Throughout Chinese history, acupuncture is notable for balancing energy or maintaining “Chi.” When Chi wanes, the body is susceptible to illness. Acupuncture unblocks energy allowing the body to heal itself.A professional acupuncturist can locate a disturbance of energy in the body that can disrupt menstrual cycles. The practitioner places tiny, painless needles along the body that are similar to the size of salt crystals, while patients rest on the table. During the procedure that is also useful for smoking cessation, and weight loss women feel only a slight pressure. Acupuncture procedures are painless and without side effects.
Menstrual Disorders and Acupuncture
As an aspect of Ancient Chinese Medicine, acupuncture unblocks energy interruptions that can occur from stress, lack of exercise, and illness. Acupuncture that accompanies yoga, stretching, and meditation can maintain open energy levels. Acupuncture can balance and regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary and endocrine glands. This Chinese healing technique implies that the body knows how to heal itself. Toxins, irritants, inflammation, and “dis- ease,” either physical or emotional can influence the metabolism and immunity. Acupuncture increases natural healing mechanisms that medications disrupt.Considerations
A small percentage of women suffer with relentless and incapacitating menstrual cycle disorders. These women may require medical attention that can include prescription medications and surgery. Women should discuss medical options that include these procedures and determine if the benefit outweighs risk of side effects and serious illness.
