Women’s Reproductive Roadmap
by author Gail Johnson

Of all the areas of well-being, women’s reproductive health is one of the most complex and fascinating. From the onset of menstruation to the journey through menopause, women experience an array of physical and emotional symptoms that range from bothersome to insufferable.

But women are finding new, natural, and effective ways to deal with their unique makeup. And experts agree that despite all the advances in research and treatment, what helps women enhance their reproductive health the most is taking care of their body, mind, and soul.

“In no way can you be reproductively healthy without being emotionally healthy,” says Dr. Jerilynn Prior, founder of Vancouver’s Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research.

Lorne Brown, founder of Acubalance Wellness Centre, a traditional Chinese medicine clinic that treats infertility, agrees that a woman’s overall well-being determines her reproductive health.

“The basic principle of Chinese medicine is to nourish the soil before you plant the seed,” Brown says.

Getting started

When it begins
Regardless of when the first signs of puberty appear, a girl’s period usually starts two to three years later.

In the United States the average age of breast development in girls in 1970 was 11.5 years, while in 2000 it had fallen to just under 10 for white girls and nine for black girls, with many developing breasts before age eight.

In Canada there was an eight-month decrease in the age at first menstruation (menarche) between the oldest and youngest age groups in a sample of more than 8,000 women surveyed for a 2008 Journal of Adolescent Health study.

What it means
Although not all girls will have problems as a result of early-onset puberty, some research shows that the sooner girls hit puberty, the more likely they are to suffer negative health consequences, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and depression.

Furthermore, early puberty means longer lifetime exposure to estrogen, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer. Menarche before age 12 raises the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent compared to that at age 16.

Although no one knows exactly why girls are starting puberty sooner, among the theories are obesity, premature birth, and environmental chemicals.

How it feels
Along with getting used to the initially very weird experience of bleeding down there, young girls can also be taken by surprise if they experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Besides mood swings, they might resent the fact that boys don’t have to go through the same ordeal, though adolescent girls are often excited by the prospect of growing up.

When to take your daughter to the doctor

• she hasn’t had her period within three years of developing breasts
• she exercises excessively or has an eating disorder
• she has monthly cramps but no signs of blood

Period problems

PMS
One of the most common and recurring issues for women is PMS. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. See sidebar (below) for natural remedies.

Irregular periods
In adulthood irregular periods can be a concern for many women. These can be caused by excessive weight loss or gain, eating disorders, stress, overexercise, a break in routine, or anxiety about getting pregnant. Other possible causes include polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormone problems. Talk to your health practitioner to rule these out.

Heavy bleeding
Some women experience heavy bleeding. Possible causes include fibroids, hormonal abnormalities, pelvic-inflammatory disease or other infection, stress, weight loss or gain, travel, illness, polyps, or, in rare cases, endometrial cancer.

Increasing dietary or supplemental iron and drinking salty liquids (bouillon or vegetable juice) is a good idea to help replenish lowered blood count.

Painful periods
Painful periods are caused by high levels of prostaglandin, a hormone that increases the normal contraction of the muscle wall in the uterus. As with PMS, exercise can be a potent
tool in diminishing pain.

Natural ways to conquer PMS

• calcium, magnesium, B₆, zinc, and vitamin E
• St. John’s wort
• evening primrose and flaxseed oils, which are a source of essential fatty acids
• regular aerobic exercise
• a healthy diet with small, frequent meals high in complex carbohydrates, which elevate serotonin levels in the brain

Period suppression

Gail Johnson is an award-winning journalist.

Source: alive #321, July 2009