Menstrual Cycle and Physical Activity
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Menstruation is a normal physiologic phase that begins during adolescence wherein the progestational endometrium is shredded leading to blood loss and numerous hormonal changes. In the normal menstrual cycle, there is a complex interplay between estrogen and progesterone hormones. Under normal circumstances, it occurs every 28 to 35 days, the blood flow lasts for 3 to 5 days and the average blood loss is 30 to 80 ml. It is governed by the general health of the girl, and socioeconomic and nutritional status. The coordination is carried out by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.[1]
There are many menstrual disorders such as Dysmenorrhoea, Amenorrhea, Hypomenorrhea, Polymenorrhea, Oligomenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Metrorrhagia, and Premenstrual syndrome. All of these can be affected by many factors like age, family history, smoking, and physical activity.
It is very important to understand the association between physical activity and menstruation, reproductive hormones, and ovulation as it influences fertility outcomes. Studies have proved that physical activities and exercises have a great effect on the reduction of menstrual disorders.[1]
Menstrual disorders[edit | edit source]
Dysmenorrhoea: Painful cramps of the uterus during menses. Pain is felt in the lower abdomen and inner thighs. There are symptoms in many cases like low back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. It is quite common and almost 50 % of the women suffer from it.10% of women suffer severely. There are two categories in this: Primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs soon after menarche once ovulation is established.[2]Secondary dysmenorrhoea occurs due to any pelvic pathology such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, adhesions, or cervical stenosis.
Premenstrual syndrome: Many women of reproductive age have some discomfort before a few weeks of menstruation. This includes mood swings, tension, breast tenderness, bloating, irritability, depression, and fearfulness.
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kulshrestha S, Durrani AM. Prevalence of menstrual disorders and their association with physical activity in adolescent girls of aligarh city. Int J Health Sci Res. 2019;9(8):384-93.
- ↑ Mahvash N, Eidy A, Mehdi K, Zahra MT, Mani M, Shahla H. The effect of physical activity on primary dysmenorrhea of female university students. World Applied Sciences Journal. 2012;17(10):1246-52.
