Q: Hello ma’am, throw more light on menstruation

A: The uterus (womb) usually prepares to receive a fertilized egg every month and when that fails, the thickened lining of the uterus, which had prepared to receive a baby, is shed. That is what comes out as menstrual blood.

Usually, this blood does not contain clots as anti-coagulants in blood ensure that this doesn’t happen. However, if the blood is flowing faster than the anticoagulants can work, then clots appear. This would usually happen on the heaviest day of the flow. So, clots do not necessarily suggest a problem.

But, if this appears to be the case on all or most days of the period, or you find that you’re using a sanitary towel per hour for several hours, please see your gynaecologist. Conditions that may lead to excessive bleeding and therefore, clots in blood during a menstrual period include a miscarriage (of a pregnancy), fibroids, dramatic recent weight loss, thyroid problems, large uterus etc If this is further accompanied by feeling of faintness, tiredness and paleness, you should head to the hospital immediately.

Cramps usually occur as the uterus tries to get rid of the foreign body, in this case, blood within it. Cramps appear, sometimes, to be more of an issue for some girls than the actual menstruation itself. For most girls, in the first few years of starting their periods, they usually do not have cramps and when these cramps eventually start showing up, they usually last for a few days.

Some time-tested remedies include hot baths, hot water bottles applied to the area of pain and pain relief using over the counter analgesic drugs may be helpful. If analgesics have to be taken, these should be started as soon as the cramps start or even as soon as period starts in order to be effective. Remember not to exceed recommended doses.

Also stay away from alcohol and caffeine, which worsen cramps.

Avoid salt and salty foods and alcohol during your menstrual periods as these cause your body to retain more water and worsen bloating.

Drink a lot of water and complex carbohydrates. They reduce water retention and fill your tummy without being unnecessarily heavy.

For more posts on menstruation, please click on the following links:

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/07/13/daily-health-tips-video-adolescent-questions-about-menstruation/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/12/daily-health-tips-foods-to-avoid-when-on-your-menstrual-period/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/03/11/daily-health-tips-why-do-i-have-heavy-menstrual-flow/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/12/11/daily-health-tips-does-cold-water-worsen-menstrual-cramps/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/05/04/daily-health-tips-does-my-sugar-craving-worsen-menstrual-cramps/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2013/11/22/daily-health-tip-menstrual-cramps/

Enjoy!

Have a great weekend y’all 🙂