Home remedies for menstrual disorders

Menstruation is the simple process of shedding the old uterine lining (endometrium) periodically  to make way for a new one.
Every woman who menstruates, experiences menstrual problems at one time or another. The most frequently reported problems are pain in abdomen and lower back, fluid retention,  bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and depression, skin blemishes, fatigue, and carbohydrate cravings.
Common causes for these problems may be family history, being overweight, being severely underweight, taking certain drugs, smoking, stress, lack of activity, not enough sleep and over consumption of alcohol, salt, red meat, sugar, chemotherapy or radiation.

There are many types of menstrual disorders, such as
Menorrhagia :Abnormal uterine bleeding. Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual bleeding.(missed periods)
Oligomenorrhea: Light or infrequent menstruation.
Dysmenorrhoea: painful periods
Polymenorrhea: abnormally frequent periods ( also called pelvic inflammatory disease).
Metrorrhagia : bleeding at irregular intervals, particularly between the expected menstrual periods.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD).
Serious menstrual problems can lead to infertility, infection, and in some cases, death. Such problems require medical treatment but, some of the milder problems can be relieved with simple home remedies.

Home remedies for menstrual disorders are:

• to reduce period pain in abdomen and lower back,  a hot water bottle or heating pad  or simply, a hot towel can be applied to the affected area for immediate relief.
• massaging with essential oils like lavender, clary sage, and marjoram oil effective in reducing the severe pain that is caused by endometriosis.
• apple cider vinegar: effective against menstrual problems.
• black pepper and aloe vera combination provides relief from abdominal cramps, headache and backache.
• basil relieves some of the normal pain associated with menstruation
• cinnamon for less bleeding, pain, nausea, and vomiting
• cumin seeds : antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of cumin seeds provide relief from pain
• chamomile tea provides relief from muscle spasms
• daily ginger supplements may help reduce the amount of blood lost during menstruation
• drinking water in which fenugreek seeds are soaked for 12 hours gives relief from period pain.
• ginger and black pepper combination reduces period pain.
• green, unripe papaya regulates menstrual flow
• foods with a high content of water like lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, and berries help the retention of water in the body
• drinking lots of water also helps water retention in the body, and to produce a hormone called vasopressin that contributes to cramps.
• sipping warm water will soothe abdominal cramps.
• antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric relieve menstrual pain.
• food sources like chicken, milk, fish, whole grains, brown rice, beans, soybeans, green leafy vegetables and walnuts are rich in vitamin B6.vitamin B6 provides relief from depression, mood swings, and low serotonin levels.
• fatty foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine and salty foods should be avoided
• fibre-rich foods like papaya, brown rice, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, olive oil and broccoli, chicken, fish, and leafy green vegetables, flaxseed, avocados, peanut butter, prunes, chickpeas and bananas have to be taken.
• citrus fruits increase iron absorption into the body, since iron is easily depleted during menstruation.
• foods such as avocados, date palms, papayas, eggplants, pineapples, and plantains are rich in serotonin. Serotonin is an important chemical and neurotransmitter that reduces symptoms like depression, anxiety and sadness.
• meditation, practicing mind-ful breathing help to get enough sleep and  to reduce stress
• vitamin D supplements are effective in treating PCOS symptoms.
• aerobic exercises are most effective in reducing PMS symptoms. These exercises make   the release of feel-good endorphins, which help  release stress and anxiety and get the blood circulation throughout the body.
• for better hormone balance, yoga for 35 minutes, five days a week has to be practiced.
  
  All these home remedies provide relief when the symptoms are mild. It’s better to consult a doctor if menstrual problems are severe.