For many, the words ‘menstruation period’ connotes something unknown and mysterious. You surely know that it is related to some bodily change that the girls have to go through once they attain puberty. But that’s all you know about it. You feel like asking your parents what exactly it is. Yet, you stop and stammer when uttering the words ‘menstruation period’.

Yes, people are normally hesitant to ask about it. This article will hopefully help you know more about this normal bodily change that every woman has to go through.

What is menstruation and menstruation period?

Menstruation usually onsets after the girls attain puberty which is usually at the age of 12 and 13. The initial phase of the ‘menstruation period’ is also known as menarche. This period is usually preceded by the enlargement of breasts. The time period or cycle of menstruation is usually about a month. It is counted from the first day of the bleeding till the commencement of the next period.

Menstruation occurs due to the discharge of the menstrual fluids from the uterus through the vaginal canal. There is heavy bleeding during the initial phase of menstruation which lasts for about two to three days. This is followed by two to four days of lighter bleeding. Blood and uterine tissues usually constitute the menstrual flow. The quantity of the fluid may vary from person to person. But normally it can be from four to twelve teaspoonfuls.

Effects of Menstruation period

Cramping in the abdomen is the common problem associated with menstruation. This commonly occurs some days prior to menstruation and can last for few days after the completion of period. This happens due to the contraction of the muscles in the uterus and the over-production of the prostaglandin hormones.

Bathing in lukewarm water or applying heat on the abdomen through hot water bottle or heating pad relieves cramping. Exercise also helps as it hastens up the blood flow and produces endorphin which is a natural pain killer.

Taking pain killers that you can procure over the counter also ease the cramps by curbing the effects of prostaglandin hormones. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are some of the drugs used for the purpose.

It is always advisable to consult your physician in order to select the best drug and its dosage. And if the condition is more acute, then it is imperative that you seek the advice of a gynaecologist or a primary health care practitioner.

Some of such conditions are as follows:

• The quantity of bleeding is more.
• The time period of menstruation cycle is irregular occurring at the wrong time frequently.
• The bleeding is prolonged, continuing for more than a week.
• You are yet to have your period even if though you are already fifteen.
• You have missed your period since the last three months.
• You are apprehensive that you might have conceived.
• You fall ill and have fever after using a tampon.

Developing cramps immediately after the menstruation period that lasts for two to three days is normal. It usually goes away with the lowering of the level of prostaglandin in the body. But if the cramps do not go away after three days and continues to bother you even after taking pain killers available over the counter, then it is time to consult your doctor.

The time of menstruation period

The first period of a girl usually continues for two to seven days. This is followed by the second one which could be after thirty to forty days. This can even take longer. The quantity of bleeding may be more or less from the first one.

The menstruation periods do not follow a normal pattern in the initial phase. With time, which may be up to a couple of years, it becomes regular.
The menstruation cycle may be 24 days, 28 days or even 30 to 34 days. While it can be from 21 to 45 days in case of teenage girls, the normal menstruation cycle of grow-up women has a time period of 21 to 35 days. But, if it is shorter than 24 days or longer than 45 days or it doesn’t fall into a set time period even after two years of attaining puberty, then it is better to seek the advice of a doctor.

Missing the menstruation period for a month when you are ill or stressed is normal. (You must consult your doctor if you are having sexual intercourse and miss the period. You may be using the contraceptives to the best of your knowledge and yet can get pregnant.) But once your menstruation is normal and regular, you should consult your doctor if you miss it for a month.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation refers to the release of eggs by the ovary. The release is at its maximum during the mid period of the menstrual cycle (mid-cycle), which is two weeks after the beginning of menstrual period. At times, the ovulation may be associated with temporary pain in the abdominal area. Taking the pain killers meant for cramps usually relieve this pain.

What is PMS?

PMS or the premenstrual syndrome occurs before the beginning of the menstruation period. This is associated with the following symptoms:

• Tenderness in the breast
• Anxiety
• Retention fluid
• Irritability and restlessness
• Dietary cravings
• Difficulty in getting proper sleep

All these symptoms of PMS normally stop once the bleeding starts.

Sometimes, women are prone to show some emotions. They may start crying without any apparent reason. Having a proper understanding of the feeling is important to cope with such emotions. If they are serious and difficult to manage, then take the help of the doctor.

Tampon or pad – which is better?

Both tampons and pads can be used during the menstruation period. Tampons are available is various sizes, with different absorbent capacities. But they should always be changed in every four hours lest there might be bacterial infection, odor or leakage. It is worn inside the vagina.

Pads are worn inside the underwear and they are self-adhesive. Like tampons, they should also be changed every four hour. Different varieties of pads are available that can used depending upon the intensity of bleeding.

The suitability of tampons or pads depends on personal preferences. Girls who indulge in sports activities like swimming find the pads bulky. But many other girls find the pads convenient.
It is always better to keep pads or tampons in the pocket or bag for exigencies.

Sometimes, you may find it difficult to take out the tampon. If such cases, immediately consult your doctor. Unlike pads, tampons have more risks of developing toxic shock syndrome, which results due to bacterial infection. This happens when the tampon is not changed frequently or has a higher absorbent capacity than that is required for you.

Missing periods

Suffering from fever and anxiety can result in missing your menstruation period. Being underweight, doing excessive exercise, illness may be its cause. If the menstruation doesn’t start even after fifteen. If you are already fifteen year of age and yet to have your menstruation period, then consult your doctor.

But you are undecided as to whether to go out for a jog or soothe your muscles and bones by taking complete rest? How about taking opioid, the well-known pain killers available at the chemist’s shop? And what about the innumerable advertisements proclaiming ‘instant cures’ that you come across in newspaper and television? Sometimes, the pain becomes so excruciating that the person suffering from it would try anything to get rid of it. At times, this can force people to try something which can even be harmful.

Always consult your doctor for chronic pain

It is imperative to know what treatment options you have to get to rid of or at least to manage your chronic pain that has bogged you down for so long. Some renowned experts in the field of pain management shed light on the common myths and facts about chronic pain.

Fact and myths about chronic pain

Myth – Treating the underlying cause is necessary to cure chronic pain
Many people associate a chronic pain with some sort of underlying cause and believe that instead of just trying to address the pain, it is important to treat the cause behind it for permanent cure. But it is easier said than done. Anne Louise Oaklander, MD, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School says that only a thorough check-up of the condition will reveal if there indeed is a relationship between the pain and any associated disease which needs attention.

Sometimes, there may not be any real or treatable conditions that can be correlated to chronic pain. Some other times, the patient may still have the pain even after undergoing treatments for the underlying cause. Like Steven P. Cohen, MD, director of pain research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C points out, “ In case of some patients, no clear-cut disease or condition could be found that can be responsible for the pain even after conducting a whole range of tests.” So, treatment of the pain as well as the underlying cause if any is the best approach. This of course can only be done by taking the help of medical experts.

Fact: Any pain however mild it may be needs medical attention
Many people often continue to live with the pain throughout their life. Since they are able to bear the pain and can go through their daily activities unhindered, they believe that it doesn’t warrant medical consultation.

But diagnosis and its treatment of any mild pain is important for it can either be the result of an underlying disease or at times, can lead to an serious chronic pain. Chronic pain develops gradually but you end up with some serious problem if left untreated. What is more, you might get used to coping with it by using the over the counter medicines and pain killers, which can be harmful and dangerous the long run. In some cases, it can also result in sleeping disorder and depression.

Myth: Taking bed rest is the most effective cure
It was earlier believed that having bed rest is the most proper way to treat chronic pains like back pains. Experts do not advise it any more. Cohen says that bed rest is not that helpful for most chronic pains including back pain. On the contrary, it may sometimes accentuate the pain and can also make it worse. Going through the normal routine of physical activities is better way to get relief.
Having said that it is true that taking proper rest is necessary in case of an injury. Hence, going by the medical advice is the best approach.

Myth: The pain is bound to increase progressively with age
Some people are under the impression that the pain they suffer from would definitely worsen with passing age. According to Cohen, even some doctors have this pre-conceived notion and take it for granted. And when an old man approaches them with chronic pain, they do not try to make a detailed diagnosis of it.
While it is true that the pain we feel or the conditions like arthritis worsen with age, they still can be treated.

Fact: Chronic pain and depression are related
Chronic pain has also got a psychological root. It can be the manifestation of anxiety and depression. According to Cohen, there exists a definite relationship between depression and pain but it is difficult to establish in what way or to what extent it is responsible for it. Not surprisingly, some people do not buy this idea.

A relationship between emotional turmoil or the disturbed state of mind and chronic pain is also substantiated through brain imaging studies. It shows that the same parts of the brain is activated both by physical as well as psychological trauma.

That apart, it has been found that certain anti-depressant medicines can alleviate chronic pain. So, at times, doctors also prescribe an anti-depression drug for chronic pain even if you may not be suffering from any psychological disorder.

Myth: Drug addiction can result if you take opioid pain killers
Many people are apprehensive that taking opioid for a long period would make them dependent on it. This fear of becoming addicted to it forbids them to take medication even if they may be suffering from severe chronic pain. So, Cohen suggests using opioid for short-term use after taking the advice of the doctor. In such cases, the chances of addiction will be less.
Oaklander agrees with Cohen and says that some people have to be cautious while taking opioids. This is so especially for people who have a family history of addiction. But such people can surely use the drug after consulting a pain specialist.

Myth: Opioid will relieve you of chronic pain for good
Using opioids is undoubtedly a good and effective treatment for chronic pain. But the truth is it is not the sure and definite way of curing chronic pain. The drug is also fraught with side effects. People often make the mistake of taking the prescription of the doctor or the use of opioid as a ticket of ‘freedom from chronic pain’.

As Cohen points out, “The drug is not effective for all types of pain and also known to have the risks of side effects.” Its prolonged use makes the body dependent upon it and as the body gets acclimatised to it, higher doses are required to get relief. So, constant monitoring of the pain and treatment is necessary to avoid it.
Some evidence also suggests that opioids can make other treatment options ineffective. At times, when you use it to get relief from a pain, it can increase the pain or make it chronic. For instance, if a person suffers from mild headache will develop severe head-ache after taking high dose of opioids.

Hence, the effectiveness of opioids in curing chronic pain depends upon its cause, intensity and nature. But they are still not the only or complete treatment option. Like other treatments of chronic pain i.e. acupuncture or anti-inflammatory drugs, it is one of the way of treatment.

Fact: An all-encompassing, complete treatment of chronic pain is rare
Sometimes people are under the false notion that a sure and effective cure for their chronic pain can be indeed be found. Advertisements in the newspapers or an info-commercial aired in the television propagating such tall claims could be behind this. But such advertisements only bank on the ‘hope or desperation’ of the people. There is no such single and straight way to cure the chronic pain. Coping with chronic pain instead requires adopting a whole lot of treatments like drugs, physiotherapy, counseling etc. It will take time and you can only control chronic pain after going through the different techniques.

Fact: Chronic pain is too stubborn
It may sound discouraging but you may not be cured even after going through a whole gamut of treatments by good doctors. Cohen says that it is unrealistic to expect a cure from a chronic pain that has been bothering you for two decades with a short span of time. Coping with chronic pain is a long drawn process and needs grit and perseverance in ample measure to be cured of it for good.
But do not be despondent about it. Although you may not be able to get rid of the pain completely, still with proper treatment you will surely be able to manage it. The pain will lessen considerable which will allow to you to go through the range of physical activities like bending, stretching, running or squatting. So, managing the chronic pain will usher in a qualitative change in your lifestyle.

Tooth brushing is a daily activity and it is also essential for maintaining a healthy oral hygiene. Yet many are unaware that they are committing some serious tooth brushing mistakes.

Following are ten common tooth brushing mistakes people inadvertently commit.

Tooth brushing Mistake No.1- Using an unsuitable tooth-brush
“Your toothbrush has to be of the right size for your mouth. Its handle should be good enough to provide the leverage to move it smoothly inside your mouth. In case you have to make extra effort to insert the tooth brush inside your mouth, then it is not of the right size,” says Richard H. Price, DMD, the consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. Likewise the handle should also have to be comfortable. Both manual and electric toothbrushes are available in the market.
“It is immaterial whether you use a manual or an electrical one for brushing,” says Michael Sesemann, DDS, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an Omaha dentist. If you brush properly either of the two will do.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 2 – Using a toothbrush with faulty bristles
Toothbrushes come with both straight and angled bristles. So, is it a fact that one is better than the other? Dentist answered to this query in the negative. “It is the way you use the bristles which is important rather than the bristles themselves,” opines Sesemann.

Using hard bristles may damage the gums. So, the ADA recommends the use of soft bristles. “The bristles should just be able to remove away plaques without damaging the gums,” says Price. According to the dentists bristles made of animal hair may not be good enough.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 3 – Improper duration of brushing
According to Price the brushing should be done for two to three minutes. It should also be done twice or even thrice a day as longer duration between brushing may facilitate the bacterial action which would lead to the formation of plaques and inflammation of the gums. But generally people neither brush for two minutes nor do it twice daily. That is why Seseman advises people to brush each quadrant of the teeth and gum for half a minute. For this reason, many companies manufacture toothbrush with inbuilt timers in it.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 4: Frequent and hard brushing
It is true that brushing should ideally be done thrice a day. But too much brushing of teeth can also be harmful. Brushing for more than four times in a day can expose the gums and result in irritation of the tooth and damaging the enamels of the teeth.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 5 – Improper brushing
“Do not brush your teeth horizontally. Use short strokes vertically up and down. While brushing the gum lines, the brush should be held at a forty five degree angle to it,” says Sesemann.
Take care to brush the inner surface of the teeth and the tongue as well.

Tooth-brushing Mistake No. 6 – Brushing only some part of the gum and teeth
Many people indulge in brushing the same part of the teeth only while neglecting the other areas. This should be avoided. All the parts of the teeth and gum should be brushed uniformly. This can be achieved by beginning the brushing from different parts of the mouth.

Tooth-brushing Mistake No.7 – Ignoring the inner side of the teeth
Like in the outer or frontal side of the teeth, plaques also form in the inner side of the teeth. But people often fail to brush the frontal teeth, especially the backside of the inner side of the teeth. This can surely damage the teeth. So, care should be taken to brush the inner sides of the teeth as well.

Importance of adequate care of the brush in tooth brushing

Apart from proper brushing of teeth, taking adequate care of the tooth brush is also as important.

Tooth brushing Mistake No.8 – Not cleaning the toothbrush properly after brushing the teeth
Laurence Rifkin, DDS, a dentist in Beverly Hills, Calif says that people often do not clean the toothbrush properly. So, when they brush the teeth next time, the old bacteria again get into the mouth. So, it is imperative that you clean the toothbrush properly with water after brushing.

Tooth brushing Mistake No.9 – Not drying the toothbrush after brushing
A wet or moistened toothbrush facilitates the growth of bacteria in it. The shape of the bristles also changes as you brush if they are wet. By this, the toothbrush becomes unfit for use in no time. “The wet bristles of the toothbrush act as the repository of the bacteria. It is advisable to dry the brush and recap it after use,” says Price.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 10 – Brushing with the same brush for too long
“The toothbrush should normally be changed every three or four months. It should also be changed if the bristles become unfit for brushing,” advises the American Dental Association. But the time interval alone should not be the guiding factor in this regard. The condition of the toothbrush should also be taken account. “Once the bristles become frayed and hard, it is better to change the toothbrush. It is not difficult to know its state just by visual examination,” says Price. Some of the toothbrushes come up with some color indicator for the purpose.

Tooth brushing has to be done correctly in order for us to have a good oral hygiene, make sure you do it right.

Sunburn is one of the most common problems that results due to the exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays in the sunlight. Generally, the outer layer of the skin reddens due to this (first degree burn). There is also a mild pain associated with it. Usually this condition can be treated at home.

When blisters and rashness occurs along with swelling and pain, then there is in-depth damage to the skin (second degree burn). Hence, the recovery time is more in such cases.

Besides sunburn, overexposure to sunlight can result in other health hazards

• Problems due to exposure to excessive heat which includes heatstroke.
• Allergic reactions due to exposure to sunlight and use of sunscreen lotions.
• The eye sight is also affected due to over exposure to sunlight which may result in burning sensation in the eyes and vision problem.

Long term effects of overexposure to sunlight include:

• Possibility of skin cancer.
• More number of cold sores.
• Chances of skin diseases like lupus due to over exposure to sunlight.
• Possibility of development of cataract, a condition that can even result in complete blindness.
• Development of brown spots and wrinkles.

The extent of sunburn is dependent upon the skin type. Fair skinned people with blue eyes and blond hair are most prone to sunburn. Skin of children below 6 years and older people above the age of 60, are more sensitive and hence reacts to the sunlight.

The intensity of sunburn also depends on the following:

• The sunrays are most intense between 10AM to 4PM and hence are more likely to cause sunburn during the day.
• Don’t be fooled by the presence of a cloud cover. The ultraviolet rays can pass through them. Even the reflected rays from the polished surfaces like glass, water, snow, white sand etc can be responsible for sunburn.
• During summer seasons, you are more likely to be affected by sunburn.
• Due to the thinning of the atmosphere as we move upwards, there are more chances of sunburn at higher altitude. In fact, the intensity of UV radiation increases by 4% for every 1000 feet of elevation above ground level.
• The sun rays are more intense near the equator. Due to this, the sunlight in southern USA is one and half times more than in the northern USA.

Prevention and treatment for sunburn

• Do not over expose your skin to the sunlight.
• Cover the skin with clothing and sunscreen.
• In case you are susceptible to any ailment which may aggravate by over exposure to the sun, do not go out into the sun between 10AM to 4PM.

During those days when the sunlight is especially strong, we not only have to protect ourselves against sunburn, but we also have to be wary of its long term effects on our health.

With the recent advancement in the field of dental cosmetics, plenty of teeth whitening options are available for everyone. It can be the teeth whitening strips available over the counter or the treatment of a professional dentist. So, you can keep on smiling without any inhibitions.

But caution should be maintained while using any teeth whitening product on your own, for sometimes they can result in some side effects.

Go for a thorough teeth examination before starting a teeth whitening regimen

• The teeth might need some cleaning or there might be cavities.
  In such cases, it is better to defer the teeth whitening process. Sometimes, there might be inflammation in the gums. Detection and treatment of all these conditions can only be done by the dentist.
• Seek the advice of your dentist about the most suitable teeth whitening regimen available over the counter for your teeth and the extent of whitening achievable.
• Select your teeth whitening regimen judiciously
  The teeth whitening products available over the counter are enriched with peroxide, especially carbamide peroxide, as the bleaching agent. Its concentration normally varies from 10% to 20%. So, it is better to start with a product that contains just enough of it for your teeth. In the case where the product is not providing the whitening effect but you are able to tolerate it, then you may go for a product that has a higher concentration of the bleaching agent.
• You should look for the ADA seal of acceptance on the product.
• Follow the instruction assiduouslyThe teeth whitening products, like the strips or gels, should be left for a specific period. For most products it is generally for half an hour in a day for about couple of weeks. Allowing it to stay for longer than the recommended time can result in irritation of the gums and other problems.
• Do not take soda, sports drinks or any other acidic drink within two hours of the teeth whitening session.

Take note of the following things for teeth whitening

• Women who are pregnant or have infant babies should defer their teeth whitening.
• The product states that the crown teeth are not amenable to teeth whitening. So unfortunately, if your crowns are stained, it will give an uneven look to your teeth.
• Sensitive teeth
  Teeth whitening can produce mild inflammation of gums and tooth sensitivity. Sometimes, there may be irritation in the gums if the trays are ill-fitting. If that is so, stop the treatment immediately.

Don’t make it a habit.
Some people go for teeth whitening at short intervals. After your teeth attain the desirable color, you can do it couple of times at most in a year. Going for a touch up session every month is sufficient once you achieve the satisfactory result after doing the teeth whitening.