3 Foods that Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Dream - The time of menstruation is a moment when a woman just wants to curl up in bed and watch her favorite movie in peace.

However, frequent menstrual cramps make it difficult to get through the day comfortably. Almost every second is filled with continuous pain. As a result, we can only complain because we don't know who to blame.

Amidst the cramps and discomfort during menstruation, these foods can help fight PMS cramps, Dream friends.

Salmon

Vitamin D can help reduce pain symptoms during menstruation.

Salmon is also a good source of vitamin B6, which can help reduce irritability and breast pain. Don't like salmon? Try mackerel, sardines, or herring.

Broccoli

Broccoli has many health benefits and several nutrients that have been proven to help women fight PMS. It contains calcium, vitamins A, C, B6, and E, as well as minerals calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Vitamin A can help regulate fluctuating hormone effects during menstruation.

Eggs

Eggs can help fight PMS because they are a good source of vitamins D, B6, and E. Vitamin E is known to alleviate PMS symptoms as it helps control brain chemicals that can cause PMS.

So let's consume these 3 foods during menstruation, Dream friends.

(Source: Everyday Health)

Menstruating Twice a Month, Is It Normal?

Dream - Every woman has a different menstrual cycle. Some have longer cycles, while others have shorter ones.

A regular and routine menstrual cycle is one of the signs that a woman's reproductive system is functioning properly.

When menstruation is late or occurs twice in one month, it can cause concern. To avoid confusion, it is important to know the difference between menstrual bleeding and spotting.

Spotting is the occurrence of light bleeding, which is generally associated with pregnancy, ovulation, or intercourse. Spotting can also be caused by extreme weight changes and stress. The stress hormone cortisol can affect ovarian function, which can lead to irregular menstruation or even spotting between periods. In addition, certain medications such as birth control pills can also cause spotting.

So how do you differentiate them? Generally, menstruation occurs on a fairly regular schedule, and light bleeding that occurs between periods is usually classified as spotting.

Having Menstruation Twice a Month

Having menstruation twice a month can be a sign of certain health disorders. One should not experience heavy bleeding more frequently than the standard menstrual cycle.

While spotting that occurs between periods can be a sign of certain health conditions, including vaginal infections, cervical polyps, uterine polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, and the use of hormonal contraceptives

"Heavy and prolonged bleeding during the menstrual period is likely due to an underlying condition that needs to be addressed immediately. Especially if we don't know the reason why it happened," said Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, an obstetrician and gynecologist specialist, quoted from PopSugar.

It is important to consult a doctor if experiencing irregular menstruation, having it twice in one month, or spotting between periods. Especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Such as unexplained weight gain, hair loss, breast pain, fatigue, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, or heavy bleeding with large blood clots. 

Report: Meisya Harsa Dwipuspita/ Source: PopSugar

Remove the Stigma Around Menstruation, Eliminate the Term 'Bread' and No Need to Hide

Dream - Menstruation is a natural occurrence experienced by women every month once they reach puberty. It is also known as the menstrual cycle, starting from adolescence until women enter old age.

As a natural cycle in their bodies, menstruation is so inherent and should be a source of pride for a woman.

However, unfortunately, many women feel uncomfortable about menstruation. This discomfort can be seen when a woman tries to hide her condition when she is menstruating or hurriedly puts a pad in her bag.

This sense of shame is due to the stigma surrounding menstruation in Indonesian society. It is not uncommon for the perception of being 'dirty' during menstruation to be a fear for Indonesian women.

Phrases for Referring to Menstruation and Sanitary Pads

Unconsciously, the use of phrases such as 'coming month' or 'having it' further reinforces the misconception about menstruation as a normal thing for a woman. 

“Not only the phrase for menstruation, even referring to sanitary pads as 'bread' when it's not something that needs to be disguised,” explained Ni Putu Gita Saraswati, Winner of EUGD Heroes 2021 at the Every U Does Good Heroes event, Tuesday, November 1, 2022.