Pregnant Beach

Menstrual Cycle For every woman, the monthly menstrual cycle is a life event that was very much a mystery to us when it began. No matter how much information our mothers gave us, or how many health education class lectures we endured, we still didn’t know. Menstrual cycles are as unique as is every woman. Not every cycle is 28 days; menstruation can start on the 26th or 30th day too. Some women have erratic menstrual cycles and they never know when it will begin. The onset of menarche usually occurs anywhere from age 9 to age 17; all girls are different in heredity, weight, activity, diet, health, etc. and this all has an influence on when menstruation occurs for the first time. It is normal for it to be irregular and not come at a regular interval for the first few months. Flow may be very light and last only a couple of days at first, then three months may go by until another menstrual cycle begins. The cycle should become more regular as the months progress, and of course, a health care provider should be consulted if irregularity continues or heavy bleeding occurs. The menstrual cycle occurs as a result of an egg being released from an ovary once every 28 days or so. As it travels through the Fallopian tubes, it approaches the uterus, which has been building up cushiony lining for the fertilized egg to implant. If a sperm does not penetrate the egg in its travels, then the unfertilized egg continues from the Fallopian tubes on through the uterus and out as the lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual cycle. If fertilization has occurred, the embryo will implant into the plump lining of the uterus where the cells will continue to divide forming a viable fetus. At this point in time, the menstrual cycle ceases until the pregnancy is brought to term or another event occurs which would cause the pregnancy to be terminated. Many women look forward to this time, because they get a break from having their monthly menstrual cycle and they get to experience pregnancy. If a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or there are other issues such as heavy bleeding, cramping, and/or prolonged cycles, options are available to regulate the cycle and control the uncomfortable symptoms that are being experienced. Most of the time, birth control pills are the first treatment option. Birth control pills are available in many different hormone combinations and strengths, and can be prescribed according to what type of menstrual cycle issue the patient is having. These pills are also fairly inexpensive making them accessible to all women. Our menstrual cycles do not have to take control of our lives. There are many options available for every unique woman. It is her choice to decide what is appropriate for her and her menstrual cycle. Ask your health care provider during your regular check ups about any questions or concerns you may have about your menstrual cycle.

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First Signs of Pregnancy

Planning for a pregnancy is an exciting time filled with dreams of your little one. There are things you can do to ready yourself for conception and the following months. Even if you are not experiencing the early signs of pregnancy, it is crucial that you prepare yourself for your intended conception. The first few weeks of pregnancy are very important in the baby’s development so it is a good idea to refrain from doing things that can be harmful to the fetus. It is wise to quite smoking before you conceive. Once you decide that you want to have a child, put the cigarettes out and stay away from them. Of course, this is no easy task, but it won’t be any easier after you experience the early signs of pregnancy. Drinking in excess is also detrimental to a developing baby. Before you notice the first signs of pregnancy, keep drinks to a minimum or stay away from alcoholic beverages entirely. The same goes for prescription medications. Inform your doctor that you are trying to conceive and find out if any prescription medication you may be taking can harm the baby. Many women choose to wait until they have the first signs of pregnancy to quit their bad habits. Some wait until they miss their period before talking to their doctors, but taking care of these things before you are pregnant will benefit the baby. Part of this is because you have already rid you body of toxins and you are have the information you need from your doctor. There is no bad time to start an exercise program. Consider working out before you notice the first signs of pregnancy. It is important to consult your physician before starting any exercise program and make sure to exercise in moderation. Many women make the mistake of waiting until the baby is born before starting a regular workout routine but a moderate exercise plan can be easily followed throughout your pregnancy. It is important that you always take care of yourself in general. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to have a baby or if you are having the first signs of pregnancy. Bad habits are hard to break and they are not really easier to break when you are carrying a child. Introducing you baby to a healthy body that was taken care of before the first signs of pregnancy were even apparent will increase the baby’s chances of having a healthy start.

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Early Signs of Menopause

Early Signs of Menopause The early signs of menopause usually begin to occur around the age of forty. Many women report first noticing hot flashes and vaginal dryness; these two symptoms are cardinal early signs of menopause according to Real Age Menopause Center, at www.menopause.realage.com. Other women may notice an increase in irritability or edginess, in addition to emotional swings that come and go as frequently as hot flashes. Other early signs of menopause are monthly cycles becoming irregular or having less flow than usual. Not one woman I know would complain about their period lightening up or stopping completely. That’s one nice thing about being pregnant, you don’t have to deal with it for nine months! A hysterectomy can take care of it too, for good! Women who begin to experience early signs of menopause before the age of forty experience the same symptoms as older women, however, they are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fractures, and ovarian cancer. These woman may be experiencing early signs of menopause because they underwent chemotherapy or radiation, or had a hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). The hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation are no longer stimulated to be produced because of interference by the cancer treatment, or because of physical removal of the ovaries. There are many treatment options available to help alleviate some of the symptoms and early signs of menopause, such as estrogen or hormone replacement therapy, soy consumption, and other herbal supplements and therapies. Strategies proven to help minimize early signs of menopause include a low fat diet, regular aerobic exercise, stress reduction, such as meditation or yoga, and increased consumption of soy based products. Tofu, soy milk and cheese, miso, and meat substitutes all are rich in phytoestrogens which are just as effective as traditional hormone replacement therapies in treating early signs of menopause. Menopause is a time to look forward, to not having to plan around that ‘time of the month’, whether it comes naturally, or it is induced by other means. It is a part of life many women enjoy because they are released in some way, they can be more spontaneous in a sense, and not burdened by always thinking about protection from either getting pregnant or from spotting through on your clothes. I don’t know any women who would miss that either. Check the many online sites that have information readily available on the early signs of menopause, and just about anything else you need to know regarding your reproductive health. Here’s to you!