For women, menstruation is not only a barometer of their physical condition, but also plays an important role in achieving pregnancy. Therefore, many women trying to conceive have questions about menstruation, such as "Is it okay to have menstrual cramps?" and "What is a normal cycle?" This time, Rohto Pharmaceutical will answer all of your questions.
Are you experiencing any concerns about your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or discomfort?
More than 70% of respondents said they "have" concerns about their menstrual cycle.
It's clear that many people are interested in this topic. However, since menstruation isn't a topic that's easy to discuss casually with just anyone, many people probably end up suffering in silence.
Next, we will specifically discuss what people are concerned about regarding menstruation and answer their questions.
Q2 For those who have concerns about menstruation, what are your concerns? (Multiple answers allowed)
For example, menstrual cramps, which many people are concerned about, can sometimes be so severe that they have to stay in bed. In such cases, there may be an underlying condition such as endometriosis, so it's a good idea to consult a clinic first. Also, the amount of menstrual blood is usually considered to be 20-140g (about the amount of 20 sanitary pads per menstrual period), and the menstrual cycle is usually considered to be 25-38 days, so please use this as a reference. If you are concerned that your menstrual blood volume is abnormal, or that your menstrual period is too long, too short, or unstable, you should consult a clinic.
In addition to the answers mentioned above, here are some other comments regarding concerns about menstruation.
- Although my period usually comes on schedule, sometimes it starts earlier than expected or ends shorter than usual.
- I'm experiencing slight bleeding before my period starts. Could this be a sign of impending menopause?
- Blood clots appearing
- I have PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Q3 Regarding the relationship between menstruation and pregnancy,
What kind of image do you have of it?
It seems that the important role of menstruation in pregnancy is widely known, and we received comments such as, "I maintain a regular lifestyle to ensure smooth menstruation." On the other hand, some people said, "I'm trying to conceive, so I feel sad when my period comes." Stress can also affect menstruation, so it's recommended to try to live a relaxed life.
What is menstruation? What are menstrual irregularities?
Rohto Pharmaceutical's response
Menstruation is defined as "periodic bleeding from the uterine lining that usually occurs at intervals of about one month and stops naturally after a limited number of days." Menstrual abnormalities are those that deviate from the range of normal menstruation as shown below.
Menstruation that occurs repeatedly in less than 25 days is called "frequent menstruation," while menstruation that lasts for 39 days or more but less than 3 months is called "infrequent menstruation." Other menstrual abnormalities include abnormalities in menstrual flow, such as "menorrhagia" and "hypomenorrhea," abnormalities in the duration of menstruation, such as "menorrhagia" and "short menstruation," and "dysmenorrhea," which is caused by symptoms associated with menstruation.
Menstrual cycles can be disrupted by rapid dieting or hormonal imbalances caused by stress, and some people experience irregular menstrual cycles due to worries or an irregular lifestyle. It is also known that diseases of the uterus, ovaries, thyroid, etc., can be the cause. Do not self-diagnose; consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Does having irregular menstrual cycles make it harder to get pregnant?
Rohto Pharmaceutical's response
Some women may have experienced pregnancy despite having irregular periods. However, menstrual irregularities can sometimes be related to underlying medical conditions or infertility factors such as anovulation, so self-diagnosis is not recommended. Furthermore, irregular periods can make it difficult to pinpoint ovulation.
For example, why not try taking your basal body temperature to check if you're ovulating, or make a habit of noting down physical changes that occur during your menstrual cycle?
It's not uncommon for menstrual cycles to become irregular temporarily due to changes in lifestyle or other factors, but if the abnormality persists, don't ignore it and see a doctor as soon as possible. It's a good idea to bring your basal body temperature chart with you to your appointment.
What did you think of everyone's comments about menstruation? If you have any anxieties or questions about your period, don't hesitate to consult a nearby clinic instead of worrying alone. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, and preventing coldness can also help with regular menstruation. Be mindful of these things on a daily basis to help with fertility planning and overall health management.