The Menstrual Cycle

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This natural cycle that cleanses the body, brings forth new life, inspires monthly rhythms, and sheds that which is no longer necessary, is often accompanied by pain, negative emotions and a sense of inconvenience. It is possible to experience our cycles without the pain and discomfort and feel the gift life.

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Consider for a moment how you experience your cycle.

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What does it feel like?
Who first explained your cycle to you?
What did they call it?
How is menstruation viewed by your culture/religion?
What taboos have influenced you?
How does your partner feel about your period?
What impact has advertising had on your knowledge and attitude?
Is your experience different now compared to earlier in your life?

Starting from teenage years, roughly 50% of all females suffer from menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). As women continue through their life span, the tendency toward cramping and other menstrual symptoms may worsen as a result of hormonal imbalance. Women can experience a variety of sensations before, during or after their menses.

Common menstrual complaints include:

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• backache

• headache

• bloating

• nausea

• diarrhea

• constipation

• breast tenderness

• pain in the inner thighs

• irritability

• other mood changes.

 

Women also experience positive sensations such as relief, release, euphoria, new beginning, invigoration, connection with nature, creative energy, exhilaration, increased sex drive and more intense orgasms.

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