Menstrual Health and Menstrual Health and HygieneHygiene

-Dr. Supriya Shah -Dr. Supriya Shah (BAMS, PGDEMS, DYA)(BAMS, PGDEMS, DYA)

‘ ‘ nLiten yourself ’nLiten yourself ’Feb 2012Feb 2012

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Adolescence

Key stages in lifeinfancychildhoodadolescenceadulthood.

Changes in adolescent girls:

The female reproductive system

Fallopian tubeClitoris

Ovary

Womb lining (endometrium)

Womb (uterus)

Cervix

Vagina

Inner lip

Vaginal opening

Anus

Pubic hair

Outer lip

Opening for urine

X

1. Ovulation 2. Thickening of the womb lining

3. Menstrual bleeding (period)

The menstrual cycle

Usually around 28 days long, but can

range from 23 to 35 days.

Egg

Physical health issues:Physical health issues:

• Skin problems: AcneSkin problems: Acne

• Menstrual problems: Menstrual problems: – Pre-menstrual syndromePre-menstrual syndrome

– Menstrual crampsMenstrual cramps

Feelings during menses…

Abdominal cramps

Weight gain and bloating

Backpain and Bodyache

Swollen or painful breasts

Mental /behavioral health Mental /behavioral health issuesissues

• Overly concerned about Overly concerned about

the looksthe looks

• Irritable behavior, Irritable behavior,

depressiondepression

Headache and Irritability

anger

depression

Short temper

…If these symptoms occur usually a week before menstruation and are severe, it is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Some ways to cope sanitary napkins

Menstrual Cups

Some market names…

Cloth pads are another alternative..

When to visit a doctor ?...When to visit a doctor ?...• Dysmenorrhoea – If menstruation is painful that

is severe enough to limit normal activity or requires medication.

• Menorrhagia- Excessive (>5-6 tsp. per day) uterine bleeding Prolonged (>7days) regular

• If any discharge that is colored, has strong odor, or itches call a doctor…

AmenorrheaAmenorrhea

• Amenorrhea is the absence of Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation.menstruation.

– Absence of menses by age 14 without Absence of menses by age 14 without secondary sexual development.secondary sexual development.

– Absence of menses for 6 months in a Absence of menses for 6 months in a previously menstruating female.previously menstruating female.

Thank you…