MENSTRUATION CYCLE
Menstruation - each woman experiences it differently; some endure significant pain and discomfort, while others face little to no issues whatsoever.
The menstruation cycle occurs regularly in female mammals. The term 'overt' refers to the bleeding that occurs in humans and their close relatives, such as chimpanzees. In contrast, when there is no bleeding, it is referred to as 'covert,' indicating that the uterine lining has been reabsorbed back into the body. This process is observed in other mammals and is known as the oestrus cycle. A significant portion of the uterine lining is also reabsorbed in humans.
Menstruation typically commences approximately two years after the onset of puberty, a stage referred to as 'menarche,' and ceases at menopause, which occurs around the average age of 52. However, the age of menarche has been decreasing over time; in Europe, this age was 17 before 1830, but by 1960, it had reduced to 13.
By the year 2000 in the USA, the average age at which girls began their menstruation cycle was approximately 12 and a half years for white girls, while it was around 12 years for African American and Mexican girls.
During the Industrial Revolution, pollution was a significant factor, as it obscured sunlight and the long hours spent in dim factories, particularly during the winter months with little daylight, had serious consequences. A 2011 study indicated that insufficient levels of vitamin D3 were associated with an earlier onset of menarche. This observation could clarify why girls with darker skin in northern regions experienced this onset earlier and why there was a notable decline during the Industrial Revolution. In contemporary society, people now spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, leading to widespread vitamin D3 deficiency.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), commonly referred to as estrogen mimics, are significant culprits in this issue. Our environment harbours over 100 such estrogen mimics, as outlined in Our Stolen Future. This troubling trend is occurring globally, with fetuses and infants being particularly vulnerable to exposure. The era of glass baby bottles has sadly passed; today, everything from mugs to teething rings and toys is crafted from plastic. These items often contain harmful EDCs like BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates. Additionally, babies' food is often heated in plastic containers or frying pans coated with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), all of which pose grave risks to their health.
The earlier girls begin their menstruation cycle, the longer they are subjected to estrogen, which increases the likelihood of developing cardiometabolic disorders and certain cancers. Tragically, some children may become sexually active as young as eight or even younger. It is entirely normal for a menstrual cycle, commonly referred to as a 'period,' to start with a small amount of blood, gradually intensifying to a heavier flow before tapering off again.
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Eumenorrhea - is the term used for normal menstruation lasting between 3-5 days, but 2-7 days is also considered normal. Blood lost during this time is roughly 10-80ml, 35ml being the average.
Dysmenorrhea - is the terms used for a painful 'period' due to contractions of the uterus as it expels the lining. These contractions are caused by prostaglandins which also causes uterine cramps during childbirth.
Amenorrhoea - is the absence of the menstruation cycle.
Hypomenorrhea - means very little blood loss - less than 10ml.
Oligomenorrhoea - means rare periods occurring at intervals or more than 35 days. The normal cycle length is between 21-35 days thereby making 28 days the average. In some women the cycle length can vary from 1-8 periods a year. Oligomenorrhoea is often found in those suffering from PCOS.
Metrorrhagia - or abnormal bleeding usually takes place during Peri-Menopause where the normal cycle length becomes disrupted. It is associated with anovulation (lack of ovulation). During the first few months before menopause, bleeding can be excessive leading to menorrhagia.
Menorrhagia or Hypermenorrhea - is excessive blood flow for a prolonged period of time. Caused by hormonal imbalances and exacerbated by Fibroids, Cancer, PCOS and Adenomyosis amongst others.
In the follicular or initial phase of the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining thickens under the influence of estrogen, resulting in what is referred to as a proliferative lining. During this time, estrogen prevails as the primary hormone, while progesterone levels remain consistently low.
In the second luteal phase of the cycle, the lining ceases to grow and transitions to a secretory state under the influence of progesterone, typically the predominant hormone. However, many women encounter low levels of progesterone during this phase, leading to significant discomfort and distress.
The issues at hand are anovulation, the absence of ovulation, or a poorly functioning luteal phase. In a typical menstrual cycle, which spans 21 to 35 days, ovulation invariably takes place 12 to 14 days prior to the onset of menstruation, regardless of the cycle's length. In essence, the luteal phase commences with ovulation and continues until menstruation begins.
In a defective luteal phase, bleeding takes place BEFORE the completion of the 12-14 days. Spotting may occasionally happen for several days prior to the main bleed. This situation arises when the corpus luteum fails to produce adequate levels of progesterone.
Estrogen plays a crucial role during puberty, facilitating the development of breasts and hips. Additionally, it promotes the growth of fat cells, contributing to the thicker fatty layer that women possess compared to men. Furthermore, fat cells serve as a non-ovarian source of estrogen.
This is crucial because it triggers the development and maturation of an egg or eggs every month. Additionally, it plays an essential role in stimulating the endometrium to grow and thicken each month in anticipation of a potential fertilized egg. However, when present in excess, it can cause endometrial cells to proliferate unchecked, and without sufficient progesterone to counteract the effects of estrogen, this growth will persist.
Maintaining a balance is essential, and it is crucial to monitor this; otherwise, excitatory hormones such as estrogen will persist in their stimulation.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes responsible for the breakdown of proteins. Their primary function is to degrade endometrial tissues after the menstrual cycle. However, if they are overly active, often due to excess estrogen in the body—which stimulates their production—it can lead to pathological consequences. Elevated levels of MMPs can result in inflammation and excessive uterine bleeding.
When progesterone levels are low and estrogen levels are high, the uterine lining will keep thickening before it begins to deteriorate. Progesterone inhibits both MMPs and estrogen.
MMPs play a crucial role in tissue remodelling and are also partially accountable for various inflammatory diseases. Notably, estrogen levels are elevated in these conditions; indeed, many autoimmune diseases present heightened levels of both estrogen and MMPs.
Alcohol consumption can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, which may manifest as anovulation, luteal phase dysfunction, recurrent amenorrhea, early menopause, and an elevated risk of spontaneous abortions and breast cancer.
The combination of contraceptives and alcohol leads to an increase in estradiol levels while causing progesterone levels to drop. When alcohol is consumed without contraceptives, progesterone levels also decrease. In both scenarios, the balance between these two hormones is disrupted. Additionally, alcohol elevates testosterone levels, which may result in hyperandrogenism; excess testosterone further diminishes progesterone levels. As a carbohydrate, alcohol reduces sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), with fructose, sucrose, and glucose lowering SHBG by 80%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. A diminished SHBG level enables an increase in free testosterone, and to a lesser extent, estrogen. Conversely, progesterone raises SHBG levels, thereby lowering free testosterone. Women with low SHBG and elevated free testosterone may experience severe PMS symptoms.
Stress can significantly disrupt the ovarian cycle, potentially leading to the development of cysts that inhibit progesterone secretion. Since progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining a normal cycle, it's imperative to minimize stress as much as possible—an increasingly challenging task in today’s fast-paced world. Notably, progesterone has a soothing effect by acting on GABA receptor sites, and GABA itself is recognized as one of the most calming neurotransmitters. For more insights on managing stress and anxiety, feel free to reach out. Additionally, progesterone helps prevent the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, thereby reducing the overall stress response.
Menorrhagia - when persistent bleeding becomes an issue, it is crucial to administer a substantial dose of progesterone, typically ranging from 400 to 600 mg daily. In cases of ongoing bleeding, it is advisable to take it consistently both daily and hourly. This approach ensures that progesterone levels remain elevated throughout the day.
If a menstrual cycle is present, it is advisable to use progesterone on a daily, even hourly, basis until the bleeding is managed effectively. Additionally, progesterone can be utilized to stabilize the cycle once the bleeding has ceased.
In cases of heavy bleeding during Peri-Menopause, progesterone can halt the bleeding; however, it will not restore regularity to the menstrual cycle.
Progestins are frequently administered to halt bleeding; however, they inhibit progesterone production and can lead to unwanted side effects. Kindly refer to the section on Contraceptives.
The following potent antioxidants can aid in addressing heavy, persistent bleeding. NOTE: between 400-600mg Natpro progesterone cream is needed as well.
- N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) - 2000mg per day
- Taurine - 2000mg per day
- Vitamin D3 - 5 000iu's per day, more if vitamin D3 level is low. Vitamin D3 actually helps to shrink fibroids
- Bioflavanoids - 1000mg per day
Vitamin D3 is essential for the normal function of all cells. Have a blood teV
It's important to highlight that vitamin D3 specialists advise maintaining levels at a minimum of 50ng/ml (125nmol). However, recent research indicates that levels between 70-100ng/ml (175-250nmol) are preferable, in stark contrast to the 30ng/ml (75nmol/L) deemed sufficient by several governments. The recommended minimum daily intake should be 5,000iu; however, the latest findings advocate for an intake of 10,000iu per day.
Taurine is yet another potent antioxidant. Research has revealed that women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding often exhibit low levels of this compound.
Bioflavonoids are known to enhance the strength of capillaries, which can become weakened during heavy or persistent bleeding and spotting. A study featured a composition of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin.
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Disclaimer: Although this web site is not intended to be prescriptive, it is intended, and hoped, that it will induce in you a sufficient level of scepticism about some health care practices to impel you to seek out medical advice that is not captive to purely commercial interests, or blinded by academic and institutional hubris. You are encouraged to refer any health problem to a health care practitioner and, in reference to any information contained in this web site, preferably one with specific knowledge of progesterone therapy.
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