Mastering your Menstrual Cycle: Relief and Empowerment with Latitude Wellness

Your menstrual cycle is a remarkable journey of hormones and physical changes, a natural part of your reproductive health. However, it can often bring discomfort and challenges in the form of common symptoms. At Latitude Wellness, we are committed to empowering individuals to embrace their menstrual cycles and find relief from these symptoms. In this blog, we'll explore the four main phases of the menstrual cycle, the symptoms associated with each phase, and how our natural therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and naturopathic medicine, can provide both relief and address the underlying causes.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Phases

The menstrual cycle is a unique voyage, beginning during early adolescence, typically between the ages of 12 and 14. The onset of menstruation, known as menarche, varies due to genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. At Latitude Wellness, we are here to guide you through the four fundamental phases of your menstrual cycle.

1. Menstruation (Days 1-5): Menstruation, or your period, marks the inception of your cycle. During this phase, your body sheds the uterine lining that thickened in anticipation of pregnancy. This shedding results in vaginal bleeding, typically lasting about 3 to 5 days.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): After menstruation, the follicular phase takes the lead, usually spanning from day 6 to day 14. In this phase, your ovaries develop follicles, each housing an immature egg. Hormone levels, notably follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), surge, stimulating the growth of these follicles.

3. Ovulation (Around Day 14): Ovulation is a pivotal moment in your menstrual cycle, generally happening around day 14 but varying among individuals. During ovulation, a mature egg emerges from the ovarian follicle into the fallopian tube, awaiting the possibility of fertilization by sperm. This phase is marked by heightened cervical mucus production and a temporary increase in basal body temperature, crucial for those managing fertility.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Following ovulation, the luteal phase takes control and typically extends from day 15 to day 28. During this phase, the empty follicle metamorphoses into the corpus luteum, secreting progesterone. Progesterone readies the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn't occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in progesterone levels, initiating menstruation, and commencing the cycle anew.

Common Symptoms Experienced by Women

Your menstrual cycle may bring forth an array of physical and emotional symptoms, with some being more prevalent during specific phases. At Latitude Wellness, we understand that these symptoms are unique to each individual and offer tailored support.

1. Menstruation Phase: Common symptoms during menstruation include:

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

• Abdominal or pelvic discomfort

• Lower back pain

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Bloating

• Breast tenderness

2. Follicular Phase and Ovulation: These phases often come with:

• Increased energy and improved mood

• A decrease in menstrual pain

• Mild pelvic discomfort during ovulation (mittelschmerz)

• Changes in cervical mucus consistency

3. Luteal Phase: Common symptoms during the luteal phase include:

• Breast tenderness

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Bloating

• Food cravings

• Increased fatigue

• A negative impact on mental health

These symptoms can vary significantly among individuals, and while some may experience minimal discomfort, others may have more pronounced symptoms that interfere with daily activities.

Exploring Natural Therapies for Menstrual Health

In today's world, there is a growing interest in natural and holistic approaches to health. When it comes to managing the menstrual cycle and its associated symptoms, individuals are increasingly turning to therapies that offer relief without the potential side effects of medical interventions. At Latitude Wellness, our team of experts, including Vancouver acupuncturists, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and naturopathic doctors, are passionate about natural and holistic approaches to managing your menstrual cycle.

Acupuncture: Balancing Energy

Acupuncture, an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the precise insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to harmonize the flow of energy, known as "qi." In the context of menstrual health, acupuncture is believed to regulate hormonal fluctuations that contribute to symptoms like painful cramps, mood swings, and fatigue.

Empirical studies suggest that acupuncture can be highly effective in reducing the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. A study published in the journal "Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" in 2019 found that acupuncture significantly reduced PMS symptoms in women. By stimulating specific points on the body, our Vancouver acupuncturists believe acupuncture may help alleviate pain and improve mood, promoting a more comfortable menstrual experience.

Massage Therapy: Relieving Muscle Tension

Our skilled massage therapists specialize in easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, particularly during menstruation and the luteal phase. Massage can alleviate menstrual cramps and lower back pain, improve blood circulation, and provide emotional relief, easing mood swings and stress.

A study published in the "Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology" in 2017 demonstrated the effectiveness of abdominal massage in reducing menstrual pain in adolescents. This non-invasive therapy can improve blood circulation in the pelvic region, reducing congestion and discomfort. Our Vancouver registered massage therapists believe that it also offers emotional relief, as the soothing touch of a skilled massage therapist can help ease mood swings and stress associated with the menstrual cycle.

Chiropractic Care: Enhancing Nerve Function

Chiropractic care focuses on spinal adjustments to promote optimal nerve function. While not primarily aimed at addressing menstrual symptoms, chiropractic care indirectly contributes to menstrual health by maintaining overall well-being. Spinal misalignments can impact nerve function, potentially exacerbating discomfort during menstruation.

Although more research is needed to establish a direct link between chiropractic care and menstrual symptom relief, anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals experience reduced pain and improved comfort after chiropractic adjustments. By promoting spinal alignment, our Vancouver chiropractors believe that chiropractic care may contribute to a more balanced and pain-free menstrual cycle.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Strengthening Core Muscles

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized field that focuses on strengthening and relaxing the muscles in the pelvic region. It is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, or discomfort during menstruation. The pelvic floor plays a significant role in supporting the reproductive and urinary systems.

A study published in the "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada" in 2019 highlighted the effectiveness of pelvic floor physiotherapy in managing pelvic pain. By addressing muscle imbalances and tension in the pelvic floor, our Vancouver physiotherapists believe this therapy can lead to reduced menstrual discomfort and improved overall pelvic health.

Naturopathic Medicine: A Holistic Approach

Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach to healthcare, considering the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms. When it comes to menstrual health, naturopathic medicine offers a range of interventions, including dietary changes, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.

Studies have explored the efficacy of various natural supplements, such as chasteberry, evening primrose oil, and magnesium, in managing PMS symptoms. These supplements may help balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and alleviate common symptoms like breast tenderness and mood swings. Our Vancouver naturopaths strongly believe that the holistic nature of naturopathic medicine allows for a personalized approach, taking into account the unique needs and challenges of each individual's menstrual cycle.

At Latitude Wellness, we are dedicated to helping you navigate your menstrual cycle with comfort and confidence. Understanding its phases and symptoms is the first step in achieving optimal menstrual health. Our natural therapies, backed by empirical evidence, provide holistic relief and address the root causes of menstrual symptoms. Consult our qualified healthcare professionals at Latitude Wellness for personalized treatment plans that empower you to embrace your menstrual cycle with greater comfort and balance. As research continues to uncover the potential of natural therapies, we remain committed to supporting your menstrual health and overall well-being.

References:

1. Zhou, J., Qu, F., & Sang, X. (2019). Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 12(1), 11-18.

2. El-Lithy, A., El-Mazny, A., Sabbour, A., & El-Deeb, A. (2017). Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 30(4), 558-561.

3. Stewart, E. G., & Mitchell, M. S. (2019). Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 41(6), 789-795.