Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of causes, including pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, diseases, trauma, and certain medications.
It is cervical mucus and as long as it isn't greenish or very smelly it is perfectly normal. Your mucus will fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle changing from dry and pasty to wet and slippery around the time of ovulation.Natural Fertility this will explain a little bit more about it.
Well according to Leslie Kenton in Passage to Power, its foods like coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar (and anything containing sugar) artificial flavourings and colourings, convenience foods, wheat and wheat products, meat, fish, game, cigarettes, drugs, chocolate, colas and milk and milk products... so it's basically all the refined and junk foods. In the pre menstrual phase its best to eat lots of fresh fruit and veg, soy products and healthy stuff that allows your body to detox.
Yes it is very normal, period time is time to rest, release and regenerate and as most women live such incredibly busy lives - they feel it more and more. Slowing down and resting up before your period, eating well, take time out to pamper yourself will reduce your discomfort during your period.
A normal regular period is usually about 28 - 32 days long. Period length vary's from woman to woman and this is perfectly normal. Blood colour does vary, mine usuallly starts off fairly bright red, and then as it slows down turns a brownier colour. I wouldn't worry about its colour, if your cycle is regular and your are not suffering alot of pain then its probably ok. Blood colour and flow rate can also vary from cycle to cycle. If you are really concerned see your doctor.
Yes very possible, after being on the pill for 5 years it may take your body some time (how long depends on the individual) to regain its natural rhythm. I wouldn't be too concerned about being irregular for a few months - if it continues for a much longer time, you may need to help your body along - using diet, supplements, the moon etc. While you were on the pill, your body and menstrual cycle was triggered by artificial hormones - it was a fake cycle. So your body needs to learn how to bleed naturally again.
While you are waiting and having an irregular cycle, it is just as important to be able to recognise your fertile signs so as to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Learning to recognise you fertile mucus/ovulation etc will help you to chart your cycle, and know your fertile time. You can download our free e-book, it will give you lots of useful info.
It is ok to have sex but you still need to be careful a use contraception because you will ovulate before you bleed for the first time. This means that at some point before your period you will be fertile and able to conceive a baby. If you haven't had a period - and don't know when you are likely to be fertile, then you may fall pregnant by accident before you have even had a period.
Also I think that being sexually active is likely to bring on your period sooner. I would recommend that you start to become familiar with cycles and mucus,so when the changes start happening in your body, you might be able to recognize them.
Scientific studies reveal that on an average, a woman can lose anywhere between 30 and 90 ml of fluid which constitutes both of blood and mucosal tissue over 3-7 days of menstruation.
Slight abdominal pain and cramping during periods is normal. The intensity and duration varies from person to person. This is due to the release of hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins which stimulate contractions of smooth muscles of which the uterus is one.
Unless the pain is completely debilitating, in which case visiting a doctor would be recommended, most symptoms can be cured using home-made remedies such as hot water compresses and abdominal massage.
Women usually experience one or a combination of physical and emotional symptoms just before they start their monthly periods. Some of the symptoms include temporary weight gain or feelings of heaviness, tenderness of the breasts, headaches, cramps and general irritability. All these together constitute what is known as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
PMS usually sets in a week or so before menses starts and goes away before the bleeding starts.
Majority of females have very limited or no knowledge about menstruation and the importance of personal hygiene while menstruating. Maintaining adequate hygiene during menses is necessary to stay away from infections as well as for general comfort and easy mobility.
Due to this lack of knowledge, many women follow very unsafe practices such as using coir and unsanitary cloth pads during their menses.
One time use sanitary products should be disposed of with care. Sanitary pads should not be thrown out in the open as it may turn into a breeding ground for bacteria. They should not be flushed down the toilets either as the plastic can choke up drains.
They should be wrapped in newspaper and thrown out along with the garbage. If your village or town does not have daily garbage collection facility, it is better to burn them instead of letting them lie around.
While opting for a sanitary solution is best, in case a sanitary napkin or a tampon is not available, a clean cotton cloth can be used to soak up the menstrual flow. The cloth should be changed periodically depending on the flow.
In case you plan to use the same piece of cloth again, make sure it is washed thoroughly, dried under the sun and stored in a clean and dry place.
Talking openly about puberty and menstruation at home and school are probably the best options. The government, as part of its efforts to reach out to adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 18, has involved ASHAs to spread the word about menstrual hygiene.
As part of this, ASHAs are encouraged to hold monthly meetings in Anganwadis or Panchayat Bhavans to talk about general health and menstruation issues. ASHAs are also required to make home visits for the benefit of those girls who do not attend the monthly meetings.