Menstruation and Self Help
Why is it that what used to be considered the essence of
Mother Earth, powerful, the matriarch, and even endeared
as Goddess like is now thought of as a bind, even a curse
to the millennium woman. What has changed with the passing
of time to alter the female thought process? 
Where will it
lead?
Let’s celebrate being a woman and what it offers. The freedom of crying openly, the choice of a third piece of chocolate, creative energy, and the new beginning which the monthly release offers.
Menstruation need not limit your lifestyle and routines. There are natural health care options, some simply based on your diet, that can help alleviate the sensations which some of us experience. Consider an exercise routine, this will increase circulation – as well as make you feel great
The average fluid loss is around 90-120mls per month during the period. This is very easy to monitor if your choice of sanitation is the Keeper. Women generally find their period becomes heavier as they get older. Some women suffer from very heavy periods with many reasons for this, which could include an hormonal imbalance, approaching the menopause or the presence of fibroids, or simply, due to our individual makeup. If you suffer from heavy periods ensure you have an adequate intake of iron, magnesium, zinc and the vitamin B group. If you have any concerns consult your doctor.
The most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are nervous tension, irritability and mood swings, there are several reasons for this but attention to diet and regular exercise may alleviate the discomfort.
Woman with a high fat and low fibre intake may have increased levels of the hormone oestrogen, some doctors believe that elevated levels of this hormone may result in anxiety. It has also been suggested that high caffeine intake is associated with a more likely chance of suffering from PMS. Interestingly, low levels of the vitamin B group can cause irritability and lead to the incidence of thrush.
Ovulation occurs 14 days before the arrival of your period.
Some women are never aware of ovulation taking place while
others may 
suffer from acute cramps. One old fashioned and
effective remedy is to relax with a hot water bottle on
the affected area. Consider reducing your intake of caffeine
and increasing the amount of green leafy vegetables. Regular
exercise will keep your muscles toned and promote general
well being.
Consult your doctor if you suffer from severe pain regularly.
Breast tenderness is another common symptom which can occur up to two weeks before your menses. By reducing your caffeine intake and, if you smoke, the number of cigarettes coupled with attention to your diet may help reduce tenderness. You may wish to consider eating skimmed instead of full cream dairy products, removing fat from meat, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day, which of course, are low in fat and high in nutrients.
Regular breast examinations are vital; if you discover an abnormality consult your doctor.
Endometriosis
Can cause severe cramp-like pain, heavy bleeding
and painful intercourse. The tissue forming the lining of
the womb grows outside the womb and around the organs with
the pain most severe around the time of ovulation. You may
wish to consider a diet low in animal fat and high in fibre
which may avert oestrogen pitches.
It is recommended that everyone should ensure they have
a well balanced diet with an adequate intake of iron, magnesium
and vitamin B. Often once someone has improved their diet
they find the symptoms of PMS subside. Avoid those mid morning
snacks of cakes and biscuits, your body has to work much
harder to assimilate processed sugars than those found in
fruit, also consider eating more nuts and seeds.
Complimentary therapies such as yoga, massage, cranial osteopathy, homeopathy as well acupuncture and acupressure may help as well as improve your general health.
Interesting
Some women suffer constipation the week before
their period, which may also contribute to uncomfortable
bloating.
Increased levels of progesterone can cause an unpleasant taste or smell on the breath.
A particularly high number of woman who suffer from agoraphobia also suffer premenstrual symptoms.