Monthly cyclic changes in the reproductive system of a woman

In the body of a woman throughout the reproductive period, a series of recurrent changes occur monthly, which prepare her for the conception and bearing of the child. This regular sequence of changes is denoted as a menstrual cycle, ending with an outflow of menstrual blood from the vagina. All the ovules from the fetus are retained in the ovaries until, during puberty, the hormones of the anterior pituitary (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) begin a cycle of changes leading to the maturation of the ovules each month and release from the ovary. At the same time, the whole system of the reproductive tract undergoes cyclic changes aimed at preparing it for implantation (introduction) of a fertilized egg and feeding the developing embryo. In days before menstruation, a woman's mood changes (for example, irritability, hypochondria, aggressiveness), sensations of bloating, increase in the size of the abdomen and swelling of the mammary glands.

The menstrual period lasts 3-5 days. This bleeding caused by the destruction of the vascular rich in the mucous body of the uterus.

The follicular stage lasts up to half of the menstrual cycle (an average of 14 days). One of the follicles begins to outstrip others in its development, while the others are reversed. The follicle gradually produces more and more estrogens, which have a variety of effects both on the entire female body and on the reproductive organs: the endometrium thickens, because the glands grow in it; mucus in the cervix gets more alkaline reaction and decreases. This promotes the advancement of spermatozoa on the woman's reproductive tract and the preservation of their viability.

The ovulatory stage is marked by a significant increase in the production of estrogens, the secretion of the luteinizing hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland sharply increases, which leads to rupture of the follicle, release of the oocyte and its release into the cavity of the peritoneum.

The phase of the yellow body (secretory) is characterized by the multiplication of cells of the burst follicle, resulting in the formation of a yellow body, the cells of which produce the steroid hormone progesterone estrogens: in the endometrium, there is a further proliferation of glands and blood vessels; cells secrete a liquid containing amino acids, carbohydrates and mucus.

Daily measurement of body temperature at the same time is one way of determining the time of onset of ovulation. Some women use this either to increase the chances of pregnancy or to reduce it.

Thus, it should be noted that the hormone progesterone (pregnancy hormone) ultimately reduces the excitability and contractile activity of the uterus, promotes the preparation of the mammary glands to milk secretion, peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and the transportation of the egg to the uterus. That is, the egg released from the ovary moves along the fallopian tube, provided it is passable. At the same time, it is here, if there was an eruption of sperm in the vagina, the ovum meets with the few (less than 100) of the millions of spermatozoa. And, as a rule, only one of them penetrates through the cell membrane into the egg, that is, its fertilization takes place, implantation into the endometrium of the uterus with the formation of the fetus and placenta. Taking into account that ejaculation occurs only at the moment of orgasm, a special consideration deserves a stage of sexual arousal of a man and a woman.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Problems associated with menstruation

Dysmenorrhea - violations of menstrual function, in which there are quite strong pains of a spastic nature. It is more common in girls. It usually becomes less pronounced after the woman gives birth. May be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability.

Strong and prolonged muscular contractions of the uterine wall can be caused by:

• increased concentration of prostaglandins in the uterus and its neck;
• expansion of the cervix with passage of blood clots;
• infection of the pelvic organs;
• endometriosis - a condition in which endometrial tissue develops in the pelvic cavity outside the uterus (appears after 20 years);
• adenomyosis - a condition in which endometrial tissue is inserted into the wall of the uterus; use of intrauterine contraceptives;
• benign tumors of the uterus.

Heat helps to relieve pain: you can apply a warm water bottle to your stomach or back. Exercise during menstruation can ease the pain, since they contribute to the release of endorphins in the brain, which are natural painkillers. The lower abdomen can be lightly lubricated with ichthyol ointment in half with petroleum jelly. In the evening, drink a cup of hot broth of ginger with sugar. The broth should be very strong. Drink all the days while menstruation continues.

You can take oregano tincture for 30-40 drops 3-4 times a day (10 g of herbs for 150 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol - insist 7-10 days in a dark place at room temperature) or oreaka infusion (2 tablespoons per 2 cups boiling water) for 20-40 minutes before meals.

In accordance with the recommendations of the doctor, antispasmodic and analgesic agents are used: nospa, baralgin, spasmalgon, donalgin, analgin, in extreme cases tramadol; as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, nimesulide, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc. (reduce the level of prostaglandins in the body). Almost always add sedatives.

A favorable effect of taking marvelon during 4-6 cycles of oral hormonal contraceptive was noted. Also apply three-phase hormonal contraceptives triregol, danaldanazole, from the first day of menstruation for 4-6 cycles daily until a positive effect is obtained. Patients with diabetes, heart and kidney failure, epilepsy, these drugs are not prescribed. To teenagers and girls hormonal preparations are not recommended.

In severe cases, hormones are prescribed (lupron or danazol).

In most European countries, there are medicines containing antiprostaglandin.

Premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS; premenstrual tension) is a complex pathological symptom complex that occurs before menstruation (for 7-14 days) and stops with the onset or in its first days. Premenstrual syndrome can be observed both during puberty and during other transitional periods of a woman's life (after delivery, especially complicated, during menopause, after gynecological operations).

The causes of premenstrual syndrome are not fully understood, but can be caused by fluctuations in the level of hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone). Another factor may be an elevated level of prostaglandin in the blood.

The main causes of premenstrual syndrome:

• increased level of stress;
• overwork;
• caffeine, high fluid intake and smoking (may exacerbate symptoms);
• depression;
• deficiency of vitamin B6.

In most cases, premenstrual syndrome is manifested simply by irritation, bad mood or tearfulness.

The following symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are common:

• headache;
• dizziness or faintness;
• sudden changes in mood;
• distracted attention;
• increased or decreased sexual desire;
• soreness and engorgement of the mammary glands;
• outbreaks of acne;
• bloating, constipation, diarrhea;
• pain in the joints;
• fluid retention, causing weight gain and swelling of the face, ankles and hands;
• Awkwardness in movements and a tendency to injury;
• insomnia.

On the recommendation of the doctor used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, ibuprofen, aspirin, nimesulidid.), Diuretics, vitamins B6, E, magnesium; soothing, antidepressants, tranquilizers; contraceptive means (marvelon), hormones (danazol, lupron).