Naprogesic - The Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is the periodic bleeding that signals a woman is not pregnant. It is commonly referred to as a ‘period’ and occurs once a month as the womb sheds its lining.

The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of a period. The average cycle lasts for approximately 28 days, however the length can vary as every woman is slightly different.

In the first half of the cycle the hormone oestrogen rises in order to make the lining of the uterus grow and thicken. At about day 14 (in a typical 28 day cycle) an egg (or an ovum) is released – this is called ovulation.

During the second half of the cycle, the hormone progesterone rises in order to prepare the woman’s body for pregnancy. It is during this time that the egg begins to travel through the fallopian tube to the uterus and the lining of the uterus continues to grow and thicken. If the egg has been fertilized (joined) with sperm, it will stay in your uterus and form a baby. If the egg is not fertilized, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed as it is no longer needed. The blood loss over this time is actually partly blood and partly tissue.

This cycle recurs roughly every 4 weeks. Your period may not be the same every month, nor will it be the same as another woman’s periods. They can last from 2-7 days; they can be light, heavy or moderate. The amount of blood lost is usually only about 2-5 tablespoons over the course of your entire period.

Some important things to know about periods:

• Periods may be irregular and will not come at the same time each month

• You should get your period roughly once each month however you may have one period in 28 days and your next one in 38 days

• In time, possibly in your second year of menstruation, your periods should become regular

• Use our online period planner and mark the first day (or all the days) of your period each month with an "X". This will help you have a better idea of when your period might come the next month.
  

Considerations during your period:

• Use sanitary pads or tampons during your period and keep some in your bag in case you start your period at an unexpected time

• Change your tampon or sanitary pad every 4 hours or whenever it is full of blood

• Clean your hands before changing your tampons

• Shower more regularly than usual, especially if blood has touched your outer skin
  

 

When will my period start and when does it finish?

Women will generally begin to have their period when they reach their early teens. There are a number of factors that influence when a woman will get her first period.

These can be:

• Hereditary
• Dietary
• Overall health

There is some evidence to suggest that women are now getting their period earlier than their grandmothers did – this is believed to be a result of improved nutrition and lifestyle . Women, will continue having their periods until menopause, at which time periods cease.

The time of menopause can vary between women, but on average, the age of menopause is approximately 51. Once a woman reaches menopause, she is no longer releasing eggs and can no longer fall pregnant.

Irregular periods

Irregular periods are usually more common in the first few years after your period starts, after childbirth, miscarriage or in the lead up to menopause.

Irregular periods can be caused by:

• Stress
• Starting or changing contraception
• Pregnancy or miscarriage
• Change in diet
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Hormonal imbalance

How much blood will I lose?

The amount of blood lost during each period will vary from woman to woman. On average, you can expect to lose 2-5 tablespoons over the course of your entire period . Remember, the blood that you lose during your period is actually made up of blood and unwanted tissue.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome or the term we are more familiar with – PMS, includes a wide range of symptoms that vary from woman to woman and from month to month. Most women experience PMS during the week or two weeks before their period begins. Some of the symptoms that many women will experience are:

• Food cravings
• Bloating and fluid retention
• Swollen feet or hands
• Weight gain
• Enlarged, tender breasts
• Acne
• Headaches
• Backaches
• Appetite changes, such as food cravings for particular foods
• Fatigue
• Hot flushes
• Anxiety and crying
• Mood swings, irritability, aggressive behaviour
• Trouble Sleeping
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Nausea and clumsiness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Decreased sex drive

Don’t let PMS rule your daily activities. You can still lead a normal, active life. Below are some tips to help you relieve the symptoms of PMS.

Tips for relieving PMS

There are treatments that can help to relieve PMS; however every woman is different - what works for some may not work for you.

Consider the tips below to help manage your PMS

• Modifying your diet can help
  Adopt a healthier way of life, eat healthy foods, do regular exercise and get lots of sleep. Try avoiding salt, caffeine and alcohol and welcome wholegrain foods and anything containing calcium and magnesium.

• Exercise can help
  Don’t believe the myths about not exercising during your period. You can still exercise during your period. Exercise can help improve circulation and reduce PMS.

• Naprogesic can help
  Anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen (the active ingredient in Naprogesic) can help relieve cramping, headaches and backache associated with period pain. Try taking Naprogesic either at the first sign of bleeding or the day before your period. This will help reduce the number of pain molecules that your body produces.

 

Can I give Naprogesic to my young daughter?

Yes. Naprogesic is suitable for use from the onset of puberty. Remember if your pain is severe or persistent, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional or pharmacist.