The menstrual cycle is a healthy, but pro-inflammatory, physiological process [1]. It is, therefore, possible to reduce (pre)menstrual changes/ symptoms, through a range of anti-inflammatory approaches [2]; 1. Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, or Naproxen, 2-4 days (400-1200mg per day) before you expect your period, will substantially reduce blood loss and cramping [3]. 2. Taking high strength Omega 3 oils every day can also make a big difference [4]. 3. Taking hormonal (contraceptive) medications, which typically alleviate all (pre)menstrual symptoms [5]. You may need to try a few different types before you find the one that works best for you- each person
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Anxiety
People who have anxiety may describe themselves as suffering with ‘chronic worry’ – as soon as they resolve one issue, another one pops up. They are in a constant state of high ‘danger alert’, feeling panicky, nervous, or worried that ‘something bad’ is going to happen. We all worry from time to time, but the thing that makes anxiety different from “normal worry” is that it is prolonged, and is out of proportion to the risk, or problem. For example, if a partner is an hour late from work (without calling) someone with anxiety may immediately think ‘they must have been in an accident’, rather than considering a
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Asthma/ wheezing
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways – the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. Wheezing describes the type of ‘whistling’ breathing that an asthmatic response can produce. When a person comes into contact with something that triggers their asthma, it causes their body to react in three ways [1]: The muscles around the walls of the airways tighten so that the airways become narrower The lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell Sticky mucus or phlegm sometimes builds up, which can narrow the airways even more. Main symptoms: These reactions cause the airways
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Bladder issues
Note: Bladder infections, incontinence, or urgency, are not directly hormone-related symptoms. However, some people find that they are more susceptible to these problems at certain times in their menstrual cycle, after giving birth, or in relation to hormone-related conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or fibroids. Well, in relation to menstrual cycle, hormonal medication, childbirth, or hormone-related conditions, there are two main bladder issues; 1. Bladder infections– Also known as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)- very common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connecting them. Anyone can get UTIs, but they’re particularly common in those with a female
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Bleeding- Heavy bleeding
Note: This information is for cyclical heavy bleeding only, if you may be pregnant, have just given birth, or had abdominal surgery, are peri-menopausal, or do not have a menstrual cycle, please consult a doctor about any unusual bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)– The medical term is ‘menorrhagia‘- This is quite a common problem (affecting up to 10% of the UK population), which can significantly affect quality of life. Sufferers may feel unable to leave the house for fear of bleeding through their clothes, or lack of access to toilets; they may feel tired, dizzy, physically weak, or find it difficult to concentrate.
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