A Comprehensive Guide to Women's Reproductive Health

When you think about women’s reproductive health, you tend to focus on the normal functioning of the reproductive system, sexual wellness, pregnancy, and childbirth. But there is a lot more to reproductive health than that.

For instance, women’s reproductive health also includes maintaining hormonal balance, which impacts various aspects of your daily life, including mood, energy levels, weight, and overall health and well-being. This is because reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone are among the hormones that control and regulate daily bodily functions. For example, reproductive hormones also bring diuretic and anti-depressant properties. Therefore, you cannot lead a healthy life without achieving hormonal balance. On the flip side, failing to maintain the hormonal balance can lead to serious issues that affect women’s reproductive health, fertility, and overall wellness.

So, it is crucial to learn about reproductive health in detail and uncover every aspect for a better understanding. It helps you maintain reproductive health, identify health issues early, take appropriate measures, achieve overall wellness, and lead a healthy life.

This article is a comprehensive guide to women’s reproductive health. It covers the menstrual cycle, fertility, contraception, reproductive health issues, preventive care, and menopause. It also explores how Saheli enables women to make empowered health choices and achieve health empowerment and overall reproductive wellness.

Key Takeaways

1. Women’s reproductive health encompasses more than just the reproductive system and pregnancy. It includes other aspects such as hormonal balance. Understanding them is crucial.
2. The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase involves specific hormonal changes and physiological processes that prepare the body for potential pregnancy.
3. The menstrual cycle is regulated by key hormones: oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones control various aspects of the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive wellness.
4. Regular periods indicate good reproductive health and hormonal balance, while irregular periods can signal underlying health issues such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, and more.
5. Menstrual health affects physical, emotional, and social well-being. Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can impact fertility and overall health, while hormonal changes can influence mood and emotional state.
6. Good menstrual health and regular periods are crucial for fertility. Irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalances can make conception challenging. Tracking menstrual health helps predict the fertile window for better planning.
7. Regular gynaecological exams, Pap smears, HPV testing, hormonal assessments, ultrasound scans, endometrial biopsies, and other preventive measures are essential for maintaining reproductive health and early detection of issues.
8. Tracking the menstrual cycle and using fertility awareness methods like the Standard Days Method, Cervical Mucous Method, and Temperature Method can help predict ovulation and determine the fertile window for conception or contraception.
9. Saheli is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill that offers effective contraception without disturbing hormonal balance. It has a weekly dosage pattern, making it a convenient and safe option for women.
10. Saheli enables women to make informed health choices by providing a safe, reversible contraceptive option that does not affect hormonal balance. It supports women's reproductive rights, health empowerment, and financial independence.
11. Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is characterised by the cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and a significant decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels, leading to various physical and emotional changes.
12. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Effective management strategies include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, and alternative therapies like acupuncture and herbal supplements to improve quality of life during this transition.

What is Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is an integral part of a woman’s life. It starts during puberty, happens in four phases, and continues until menopause. It is also interrupted from pregnancy until after childbirth, sometimes after breastfeeding, depending on individual hormonal responses and breastfeeding practices.

The menstrual cycle is a complex interplay of hormones orchestrating a series of processes in the reproductive system to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy, trigger ovulation, and reset the uterus when pregnancy does not occur.

An ideal menstrual cycle spans 28 days, though it is normal for a woman to have menstrual cycles that range from 21 to 35 days.

What are the 4 Phases of the Menstrual Cycle?

The four phases of the menstrual cycle are:

1. Menstrual Phase

The menstrual cycle starts with this phase. It lasts anywhere from three to seven days. During this phase, menstrual bleeding occurs as the uterine lining, also known as endometrium, formed during the previous cycle, is shed. The bleeding starts with light flow and progressively becomes heavier before gradually reducing and stopping.

• The menstrual phase lasts from 3 to 7 days.
• The uterine lining is shed.
• Bleeding gradually increases and then tapers off.
• The symptoms include cramps, bloating, and fatigue.

2. Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts simultaneously with the menstrual phase. It begins on the first day of menstruation and stops with ovulation. It can last from 11 to 27 days, varying significantly among women. During this phase, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the development of follicles in the ovaries.

One of these follicles will mature into an egg. Before the egg is released, the uterus prepares itself for a potential pregnancy by developing a uterine lining, which thickens due to the spike in the oestrogen levels. The increase in oestrogen simultaneously signals the brain to reduce FSH production. As a result, the multiple follicles in the ovaries stop developing, allowing just one dominant follicle to keep growing.

• The follicular phase lasts between 11 and 27 days
• It starts on the first day of the cycle and lasts till ovulation.
• Ovaries, triggered by the Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), develop follicles.
• The uterus develops a uterine lining/endometrium to prepare for a potential pregnancy.
• The endometrium thickens due to high oestrogen levels.
• Oestrogen increase signals the halting of FSH production.
• Only one follicle continues to grow as a result.

3. Ovulation Phase

Ovulation happens when the ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. It is triggered by an increase in the luteinising hormone (LH). In an ideal menstrual cycle that spans 28 days, ovulation may occur on day 14. However, it may vary among individuals depending on their cycle length. It may vary even among different cycles, in case the individual has irregular menstrual cycles due to various factors, including stress, illness, and changes in routine.

• During ovulation, some women may experience mild pain or discomfort on one side of the Lower abdomen. This is known as ovulation pain or mittelschmerz.
• Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube.
• It occurs during the middle of the cycle.
• The ovulation day in a cycle may vary among individuals depending on the cycle length.
• It may vary among different cycles if the individual has irregular menstrual cycles.

4. Luteal Phase

The last phase of the menstrual cycle is the luteal phase, which starts after ovulation and lasts about 14 days in an ideal 28-day cycle.

During this phase, the follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a transient, small endocrine gland. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which maintains the thickened uterine lining and prepares it for implanting a fertilised egg. Without fertilisation, the corpus luteum breaks down, and the progesterone levels drop, triggering the onset of menstruation and starting a new cycle from the beginning.

• The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle.
• It starts after ovulation and lasts around 14 days in an ideal cycle.
• The follicle transforms into the corpus luteum.
• The corpus luteum secretes progesterone hormone.
• Progesterone makes the uterine lining suitable for implanting a fertilised egg.
• Without fertilisation, the corpus luteum breaks down.
• The progesterone levels drop as a result, triggering the start of a new cycle.

What are the Hormones Responsible for the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is controlled by the female reproductive hormones, namely:

• Oestrogen
• Progesterone
• Luteinising Hormone (LH), and
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

1. Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a female reproductive hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. It also supports bone health, cardiovascular function, and skin health. Oestrogen is primarily produced by the ovaries. It causes the thickening of the uterine wall and prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy.

2. Progesterone

Progesterone maintains the endometrium/uterine lining and prepares it for implanting a fertilised egg. The hormone is mainly produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation. It decreases in level and triggers menstruation if fertilisation does not occur, thus maintaining the menstrual cycle. It also acts as a natural diuretic and anti-depressant, regulating mood and overall wellness.

3. Luteinising Hormone (LH)

The luteinising hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, triggers ovulation around the middle of a menstrual cycle. When the luteinising hormone level increases, the fully mature follicle that developed in the ovary during the follicular phase releases an egg. The hormone also stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.

4. Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles, and the hormone is vital for ovarian follicles to grow and mature. When its level drops, only one follicle keeps developing and matures into a mature egg. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland, just like the luteinising hormone.

These hormones control the entire menstrual cycle. By maintaining these hormonal levels and achieving good hormonal balance, you can ensure reproductive health and consistent periods. In contrast, failing to maintain the levels of these hormones can cause health issues and irregular periods.

So, What are Regular and Irregular Periods?

Regular Periods

A typical menstrual cycle of a healthy woman is between 21 and 35 days long and varies among women. When the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is consistently the same or within a range of 2-3 days of each other, the individual will have a regular menstrual cycle. Regular periods indicate reproductive wellness and a good hormonal balance.

Irregular Periods

When a woman’s menstrual cycles are shorter or longer than the normal range or when a woman misses periods, they are called irregular periods. Variations in the length of menstrual cycles usually coincide with heavy or light menstrual bleeding. If the menstrual bleeding occurs outside the normal range of 2-7 days, it is also considered a menstrual irregularity.

Irregular periods may be caused by underlying health conditions. It is indispensable to consult a doctor to determine the cause of irregular periods and receive appropriate preventive care. You must also monitor your reproductive health and have a good understanding of how menstrual health affects your life.

How Does Menstrual Health Affect Women’s Lives?

Menstrual health and good hormonal balance can impact women's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Women’s Health

When there is hormonal balance, and when the reproductive system is functioning correctly, a woman will have regular periods. In contrast, irregular cycles come with menstrual disorders that indicate underlying health issues, such as:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts

2. Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

3. Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it.

4. Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths inside the uterus.

5. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) that causes ovaries to stop functioning normally before the age of 40.

6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an inflammation of the female reproductive organs.

7. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

8. Stress high enough to disrupt the hormonal balance and affect the menstrual cycle.

9. Diabetes caused by insulin resistance.

10. Obesity that disrupts hormonal balance.

11. Hyperprolactinemia, which causes an increase in prolactin in the blood.

12. Chronic Conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

These conditions may affect fertility, women’s health, and quality of life. So, medical attention is a must. Prolonged menstrual irregularities can have lasting effects on overall health and reproductive wellness. Conditions like PCOS can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Heavy bleeding in the long term can cause iron deficiency and anaemia, leading to chronic fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

Emotional Health

The menstrual cycle involves changes in various hormone levels, which influence the mood and emotional state of women. So, it leads to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause symptoms such as:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Anxiety

Understanding and managing these symptoms is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being.

Social and Professional Life

While emotional health, anxiety, depression, and irritability can affect work relations and productivity, pain and heavy bleeding can force women to take leave from work and reduce participation in social activities and interactions.

However, the most significant impact of menstrual health is on fertility, reproductive wellness and the ability to conceive.

How Does Menstrual Health Impact Fertility and Conception?

Good menstrual health, regular periods, and good hormonal balance are directly linked to fertility, reproductive wellness, and the ability to conceive. They are essential to create a conducive environment for ovulation and successful conception. Menstrual health impacts fertility in the following ways.

1. Irregularities in Ovulation Makes It Difficult to Predict Ovulation

The day of ovulation, the days preceding it, and the day after ovulation are crucial for conception. So, anticipating and predicting the ovulation date is a must to achieve pregnancy. Good menstrual health and regular periods lead to consistent ovulation during every cycle. So, it is easier for someone enjoying good menstrual health to predict the ovulation day and increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Irregular periods make it harder to predict the fertile window.

2. Poor Hormonal Balance Affects Women’s Reproductive Health

The change in hormone levels orchestrates how the reproductive system prepares for pregnancy. So, good hormonal balance and menstrual health are crucial for conception. Hormonal imbalances can cause conditions like lack of ovulation, also known as anovulation, or inadequate preparation of the uterine lining to support pregnancy due to luteal phase defects.

3. Underlying Health Conditions Impact Fertility

Conditions that affect menstrual health can also impact fertility. PCOS causes irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation. Endometriosis can cause inflammation and scarring, creating a hostile environment for egg fertilisation and implantation. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause irregular periods and ovulatory dysfunction, making it challenging to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.

Preventive Care to Ensure Menstrual Health and Fertility

Preventive care is crucial for maintaining menstrual health and reproductive wellness. You can opt for the following preventive care measures for early detection and treatment of underlying reproductive health issues.

1. Regular Gynaecological Exams

Visit your gynaecologist at least once a year to monitor menstrual health. During these checks, the doctor usually assesses the overall health of the reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and cervix, through a pelvic exam. The gynaecologist physically checks for any abnormalities, such as masses or cysts, that could indicate conditions like ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.

Regular follow-up appointments ensure that any detected abnormalities are closely monitored and managed. This proactive approach helps prevent minor issues from developing into serious health problems.

2. Pap Smears and HPV Testing

A Pap smear test is conducted to detect cervical cancer or precancerous changes in the cervical cells. Women aged 21-29 should take this test once every three years. Women aged 30-65 should take it once in five years, combined with HPV (Human papillomavirus) testing, which helps identify high-risk strains of HPV that could lead to cervical cancer.

3. Hormonal Assessments

Hormone levels of the four reproductive hormones, namely oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), should be measured through blood tests to diagnose conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders. Further, thyroid functions must be assessed through thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4).

4. Ultrasound Scans

Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound tests must be conducted regularly to diagnose conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometrial abnormalities, adenomyosis, and other structural problems.

5. Endometrial Biopsy

During an endometrial biopsy, a small sample of the uterine lining is taken and analysed. This test helps diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.

6. Bone Density Tests

Women lose bone density with age and are prone to osteoporosis, especially when they suffer from conditions like early menopause and PCOS that affect oestrogen levels. Women who carry those risks should take a DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) to measure bone density and detect osteoporosis early to take preventive measures on time to protect bone health.

7. Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile

Hormonal imbalance also leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risks. So, women with hormonal imbalances should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and lipid profile to identify these health risks early and treat them.

8. Cancer Screenings

It is indispensable to take regular breast exams and mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, especially if you have a family history or other risk factors. You can also take regular gynaecological exams and ultrasound to diagnose ovarian cancer as part of a preventive strategy. Those with a genetic predisposition for breast or ovarian cancer should get genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

With these health screenings and regular check-ups, women can manage their reproductive health and ensure fertility. When they have good reproductive wellness and fertility, they can conceive and have children by identifying the fertile window.

What is a Fertile Window?

The specific time period in a menstrual cycle, during which women can most likely conceive, is called the fertile window. Engaging in intercourse during the fertile window maximises the chances of pregnancy.

• The ideal time for the fertilisation of the egg is around ovulation, and the life of an egg is 12-24 hours. However, the sperm can live for five days.
• So, the fertile window starts five days preceding ovulation and extends till one day after ovulation.
• The chances of pregnancy vary even within the fertile window.
• The day of ovulation and the three days leading up to it are the most fertile days.
• The chance of conception after that gradually reduces until the next cycle.

What is Fertility Tracking?

The length of the menstrual cycle of a woman with regular periods is between 21 to 35 days. Ovulation, which determines the fertile window, occurs during the middle of the cycle. You can determine the fertile window by tracking the average cycle span and predicting the ovulation day of every menstrual cycle. This process is called fertility tracking.

Fertility tracking helps women:

• Predict the day of ovulation and determine the fertile window.
• Get clarity on their fertility.
• Identify the right time for intercourse to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
• Reverse contraception at the right time and prepare for a child.
• Detect potential health issues and risks early and address them.

Fertility tracking can be achieved using fertility awareness methods that involve tracking the menstrual cycle and observing and recording various physiological indicators and symptoms.

1. Standard Days Method

This method involves identifying a consistent menstrual cycle length between 26 and 32 days and predicting ovulation. However, it is unsuitable for women with cycle spans that do not fall within that range.

2. Cervical Mucous Method

The thickness of cervical mucous varies during the various phases of the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. When it is relatively clearer, stretchy, more abundant, and reaches the consistency of egg whites, it indicates impending ovulation.

3. Temperature Method

Hormonal changes around ovulation increase the basal body temperature by 0.5°F. Recording the temperature every morning before getting out of bed reveals ovulation patterns.

Combining these fertility awareness methods enhances the accuracy in predicting ovulation and helps you determine the fertile window more precisely.

How does fertility awareness help with conception and contraception?

Tracking menstrual health and determining the fertile window is crucial for both conception and contraception. Using this knowledge, you can plan for or avoid a pregnancy.

For Conception

By tracking the menstrual cycle and predicting the day of ovulation using a fertility awareness method, you can determine the fertile window and pinpoint your most fertile days. Having intercourse during this time increases the chances of conception. So, a woman with a better understanding of her menstrual health, reproductive wellness and fertility will find it relatively easier to plan her pregnancy.

For Contraception

In contrast, the most fertile days can be identified and couples can avoid intercourse during those days to prevent pregnancy. It can be considered a natural family planning method. However, since the chances of pregnancy still exist outside the fertile window, it is advisable to complement this natural contraception method with a reliable contraceptive as a backup measure.

So, understanding the menstrual cycle and tracking fertility and reproductive health empowers women to make informed decisions about contraception and choose a safe and effective contraceptive like Saheli.

How does Saheli Complement Natural Contraception and Women’s Reproductive Health?

Saheli is the world’s only non-steroidal oral contraceptive pill that is completely free from all the side effects. DCGI has approved it and Saheli Plus has been included in the National Family Welfare Programme of India since 1995. Trusted by millions of women in India for planning family and child spacing, it is a safe and highly affordable choice for most women.

With its proven effectiveness, it complements natural contraception by acting as a backup to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is also a convenient choice for women, as it has a unique weekly-once dosage pattern, in stark contrast to hormonal pills that come with a daily dosage.

How does Saheli Promote Good Reproductive Health?

In addition to offering effective contraception, Saheli also offers numerous reproductive health benefits.

• Saheli contains Centchroman, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).
• CSIR research reveals that Centchroman is beneficial as anti-oestrogenic in a few organs like the uterus while being a potent oestrogenic agent in a few other organs.
• Unlike hormonal pills, Saheli does not disturb your hormonal balance while providing effective contraception.
• As a result, it helps women maintain good hormonal balance and menstrual health.
• Saheli helps maintain breast health, lipid profile and bone density, which are vital for women’s reproductive health and overall wellness.

With these benefits, Saheli not only helps women maintain good reproductive health and achieve effective contraception but also enables women to make empowered health choices and plan their families according to their convenience.

How Does Saheli Enable Women to Make Empowered Health Choices?

When women choose hormonal Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), they have to consider their short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects include nausea, weight gain, hair fall, acne, and mood swings. Long-term side effects of progestin-only pills include blood clots, high blood pressure, increased cardiovascular risks, etc.

However, Saheli is different. It is the world’s first non-steroidal OCP, and it has no side effects. Further, it has a much shorter list of contra-indications and can be consumed by most women, including breastfeeding mothers. As a result, when they choose Saheli, women:

• Have a safer and healthier choice for contraception.
• Know what is good for their health and what is not.
• Have a pill that does not affect their hormonal balance.
• Know the difference between hormonal OCPs’ hormonal manipulation and Saheli’s localised action, which enables them to make an informed, empowered health choice.
• Select a safe, reversible contraception that does not disturb the endocrine system and the ovulatory cycle.

10 Ways Saheli Contributes to Women’s Health Empowerment

Saheli enables women to exercise control over their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health, which helps them attain health empowerment and financial independence. With Saheli, women can:

1. Monitor their reproductive health better by seeking regular medical advice regarding its usage.
2. Prevent unintended pregnancies.
3. Exercise their reproductive rights and control their fertility.
4. Plan their family and bear children when they have the financial stability to ensure good living conditions and a great future for the children.
5. Achieve better health outcomes and reproductive wellness and attain their reproductive goals.
6. Postpone pregnancy and complete their education.
7. Build a career and achieve growth in their personal and professional lives by planning their motherhood.
8. Raise a child while being financially independent.
9. Reach a position where they have the decision-making authority.
10. Join the workforce and contribute to the economy and nation.

So, Saheli enables women to make empowered health choices, contributes to their health empowerment, and primarily helps achieve contraception as long as they menstruate.

Menopause - What Happens When a Woman Stops Menstruating?

When a woman stops having her menstrual cycle consecutively for 12 months, she has reached Menopause, which marks the end of her menstrual cycle.

• Menopause happens around the age of 50
• It can happen earlier or later as well.
• After menopause, women can still stay healthy and sexually active.

What are the Three Phases of Menopause?

The three stages leading up to menopause and beyond are:

1. Perimenopause, a phase that leads up to menopause over several years, during which the ovaries gradually reduce oestrogen production, impacting the menstrual cycle, and stop releasing eggs.

2. Menopause, which occurs when a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months.

3. Post-menopause, which is a phase beyond menopause, where women lose reproductive hormones and have various symptoms and increased health risks.

What are the Symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort
• Pain and discomfort during sex
• Frequent urination
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Mood swings and irritability
• Memory problems, brain fog, and loss of focus
• Weight gain
• Pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
• Hair loss
• Changes in skin texture
• Reduced moisture levels in the skin, eyes, and mouth

What are the remedial measures you can take to manage menopause symptoms?

You can manage menopause symptoms with a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, daily exercise, good sleep, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, constant hydration, vaginal lubricants and moisturisers, nutritional supplements, and regular medical check-ups.

Knowledge is Health

The objective of learning about women’s reproductive health, menstrual cycle, fertility, contraception, and menopause is to understand your menstrual health and reproductive wellness. A thorough understanding of these topics helps you take control of your reproductive rights, attain health empowerment, take preventive care, and identify health issues and risks early to address them and lead a healthy life.

FAQS

1. What is the normal menstrual cycle of a healthy woman?

An ideal menstrual cycle spans 28 days, though it is normal for a woman to have menstrual cycles that range from 21 to 35 days.

2. What are the signs of a healthy period?

The signs of a healthy period are:

• Regular Cycle lasting between 21 and 35 days and remaining consistent month to month.
• Bleeding that lasts between 3 to 7 days.
• Moderate flow, with a total blood loss of about 30 to 80 millilitres.
• Brightly coloured menstrual blood at the beginning, gradually becoming darker through the cycle
• Manageable pain and mild to moderate cramps
• Absence of severe symptoms like extreme fatigue, severe headaches, or excessive mood swings
• Minimal clotting
• Predictable premenstrual symptoms like bloating, mild cramps, or breast tenderness

3. How can you prevent menstrual problems?

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation and reduce stress.
• Stay hydrated to alleviate bloating and cramps.
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress through relaxation techniques.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Schedule regular gynaecological check-ups for early detection of issues.

4. When are the safe days to avoid pregnancy?

Safe days to avoid pregnancy are typically include:

• The first 7 days of the menstrual cycle.
• Days 21 to the start of the next period in a 28-day cycle.

However, this method is not 100% reliable and varies per individual. Use additional contraception for better protection.