Period Questions, Answered

Too embarrassed to ask your ob/gyn? Here's 8 things you should know about period problems.

Are you clued-in on your periods? It's something we experience on a monthly basis, so it's good to get acquainted with Aunt Flo. These common questions (some embarrassing, some weird!) and answers can help you get a better idea of what to expect during those days.

1. What is the normal flow?

Some women release most of their menstrual fluid in just a couple of days, while for others the flow is fairly consistent each day. What's significant isn't the rate of your flow, but the total amount. So what's considered a 'normal' amount? A period that lasts between 3 and 7 days, with a flow of between 4 and 12 tablespoons of blood.

When to seek help: Of course, you can't exactly measure your flow, but there are signs to tell if you're bleeding more than normal: If you're soaking your sanitary protection every hour or so, or menstruating for more than 7 days, see your ob/gyn. Heavy or prolonged periods are usually due to a temporary hormonal imbalance, but can occasionally spell something more serious such as fibroids, endometrial cancer or ectopic pregnancy.

2. What are those gross clots?

Blood clots are a normal part of the average period, and are often shed on the heaviest days of bleeding. Normally, your body produces anticoagulants to keep menstrual blood from clotting, but during the heavier days, menstrual fluid is expelled rapidly which prevents the anticoagulants from taking effect.

When to seek help: Blood clots aren't usually a cause for concern, but if you experience excessive clotting or very large clots, you should see a health care professional to rule out any other conditions such as a miscarriage or fibroids.

3. How much discomfort is normal?

While a few lucky gals may go through their periods pain-free, chances are we'd experience from some degree of cramping. The good news is, most women find that symptoms subside by their mid-20s or after their first pregnancy.

When to seek help: If the discomfort interferes with you going about your daily routine, you may be suffering from a condition known as dysmenorrhea (painful periods). See your doctor to rule out other causes such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an ovarian cyst or uterine fibroids.

4. What if the blood isn't always red?

It's something of a myth that menstrual blood is always bright red. Towards the end of your period, the flow is more gradual and blood oxidizes to become brownish. Not a cause for concern.

5. What's up with a missed period?

If you're sexually active, the obvious suspect that comes to mind is pregnancy. But if you have ruled it out, there are other reasons why you might skip a bleed: Hormonal imbalances, stress as well as crash dieting can play all havoc on your menstrual cycle.

When to seek help: If you start to skip consecutive periods and pregnancy is ruled out.

6. Why is my menstrual cycle irregular?

Irregular periods are most common in the first 5 years of having your first menstruation and in perimenopausal women, and the culprit is often a hormonal imbalance. For adolescents, the menstrual cycle usually stabilize themselves over time. Sometimes, irregularity in menstrual periods can strike women of any age. If you've previously had more regular periods, stress, chronic illness, anxiety, poor nutrition or excessive exercise could be at fault.

When to seek help: If irregular periods are making it difficult for you to predict fertility when you're trying for a baby.

7. Should I be worried about spotting between periods?

"Spotting" in between periods occur as a normal and harmless part of ovulation for some women, but using an IUD or oral contraceptives can lead to breakthrough bleeding, too. (If you still experience spotting after the first three cycles of oral contraceptive use, ask your doctor to change your prescription to a pill containing higher dosages of progesterone or estrogen.

When to seek help: Breakthrough bleeding can be an irregular occurrence for many women but for others, it can happen in between most or all of your periods. Most of the time your hormones are the culprits, but as spotting can be an indication of more serious problems, it's best to get checked out just in case.

8. Why do I need to poop when I have my period?

You're not alone! Your period does affect your bowel movement: Research has found that one-third of women experience abnormal bowel movements during their menstrual periods, and many have looser stools for a couple of days at the beginning of menstruation. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed that progesterone fluctuations may be the culprit.

source: http://sg.shoppinglifestyle.com/health/period-menstruation-questions/1620/1/

Sex Mistakes Women Make

1. Never initiating sex
This is probably the most common mistake women make. Don't rely on your partner to get things started every time. "When you initiate sex, it shows him that sex with him is a priority in your relationship," says Lou Paget, author of 365 Days of Sensational Sex. "It also shows him that you relish sex for sex's sake." Men find this show of power sexy, and they get totally turned on by the simple fact that you want them sexually


2. Being unresponsive in bed
Let your partner know that you're having a great time. "Most important, let yourself go during sex," says Sari Locker, author of Mindblowing Sex in the Real World.Watching and hearing you get turned on makes him turned on, so go ahead and let it show. "Don't be afraid of what sounds and words might come out of your mouth. It's only natural and quite normal to express yourself when something feels so amazing," adds Locker.


3. Forgetting his nipples
The nipples hold a concentration of nerve endings and are usually regarded as more erogenous in females. Which is why many women overlook men's nipples as an erogenous zone. But nipples can be his thing, too."Many men have very sensitive nipples. Regardless of how sensitive they are, some men enjoy having them stimulated," says Yvonne K. Fulbright, author of Touch Me There! Try sucking gently on the nipples, using your tongue to increase stimulation, and alternate kissing and licking the areola.


4. Making him responsible for your orgasms
"It is important for women to know that they are in charge of their own orgasm," explains Barry R. Komisaruk, co-author of The Science of Orgasm. Because ultimately, you're responsible for your own pleasure and satisfaction.Don't expect your partner to be a mind reader, start focusing on communication: Give him feedback, tell him what turns you on and how you like to be touched. If you're uncomfortable talking about it, you can guide his hand with yours.


5. Limiting sex to the bedroom
Why restrict your lovemaking session to the bed or the bedroom? Surprise him with sex in an unexpected place."Men love the combination of two things: A sense of adventure, and when their women are spontaneously overcome with erotic passion," says Lou Paget, author of 365 Days of Sensational Sex. So don't overlook countertops, stairwells or even the balcony. By exploring new, naughty places for a nooky, you'll be making some very steamy memories of your own.


source: http://www.shoppinglifestyle.com/love/slideshow/sex-mistakes-women-make/932/1/

Menstrual Cycle

received this info from email...




*PASS THIS ON EVEN IF YOU DO NOT USE IT*

Recently this past week, Nicole Dishuk (age 31...newly graduated student with a doctoral degree about to start her new career as a Doctor....) was flown into a nearby hospital, because she passed out.

They found a blood clot in her neck, and immediately took her by helicopter to the ER to operate. By the time they removed the right half of her skull to relieve the pressure on her brain; the clot had spread to her brain causing severe damage.

Since last Wednesday night, she was battling... they induced her into a coma to stop the blood flow, they operated 3 times... Finally, they said there was nothing left that they could do... they found multiple clots in the left side of her brain... the swelling wouldn't stop, and she was on life
support...

She died at 4:30 yesterday. She leaves behind a husband, a 2yr old Brandon and a 4yr old Justin... The CAUSE of DEATH - they found was a birth control she was taking that allows you to only have your period 3 times a year... They said it interrupts life's menstrual cycle, and although it is FDA approved... shouldn't be - So to the women in my address book - I ask you to
boycott this product & deal with your period once a month - so you can live the rest of the months that your life has in store for you.

*Please send this to every woman you know - you may save someone's life... *Remember, you have a CYCLE for a reason*!

The name of this new birth control pill is *LYBREL** *. If you go to http://lybrel.com/, you will find at least 26 pages of information regarding this drug.

The second birth control pill is, *SEASONIQUE* . If you go to the website http://seasonique.com/, you will find 43 pages of information regarding this drug.

The warnings and side effects regarding both pills are horrible. Please, please forward this information to as many daughters AND sons, co-workers, friends and relatives. Several lives have already been changed.

Ovulation Calendar

received from a friend... A website to calculate when is the best time to make baby:

http://www.babyhopes.com/pages.php?pageid=23

Are You Dressing Too Sexy for Work?

What's Smart for the Boardroom

Tops: Blouses can be stylish but should be modest enough to cover up the cleavage, shoulders, back and midriff. Avoid overly sheer fabrics: Good fabric choices are silk, rayon, and cotton-polyester blends. Experiment with different styles that complement your shape, but stay away from anything that clings like second skin.


Skirts: Skirts can be just above the knee, but no shorter. Tailored A-line or pencil skirts are classics, but you can also inject a touch of fun into your work attire by wearing skirts that feature floral prints, subtle beadings or embellishments.


Pants: Go for dressy, tailored pants in neutral colors with a mid-rise or higher. Pants should be fitted, but not too tight, and should not show visible panty lines.


Dresses: Look for tailored dresses with full coverage such as shirt dresses and wrap-dresses. For dresses that are a tad more revealing (like sun dresses or halter-styles), layer up with a cropped jacket or cardigan for a professional look. The cut should be relaxed but not too fitted. Hemlines should hit around or just above the knee.


Shoes: Shoes should be close-toed, and heels should be no higher than two inches. Opt for neutral colors and classic designs. Standard pumps and kitten heels are safe bets.

What's Way Too Sexy for the Workplace

Blouses that reveal too much skin such as cleavage- or midriff-baring tops and spaghetti straps. Layer with a longer camisole underneath or throw on a cardigan or jacket for cover-up.


Overly sheer or shiny fabrics such as see-through lace and head-to-toe metallic ensemble.


Clothes with extremely fitting cuts, including figure-hugging tops and hip-hugging pants.


Exposed bra straps and visible panty lines.


Skirts and dresses that end more than one hand-width above the knee or with revealing side slits. If you're going for an above-the-knee skirt or dress, pair with opaque stockings or leggings for a more professional look.


Pants with a low rise or hip-huggers that expose the midriff.


Dresses with revealing necklines such as halter, deep-V neck or low-back dresses.


Sky-high stilettos or anything with heels higher than two inches.


Shoes with open toes, strappy sandals or overly bright colors.


source: http://www.shoppinglifestyle.com/beauty/article.asp?id=766

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE....

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' .. that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.

* Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

Ladies Period Caution

It has been a traditional theory that ladies are not suppose to wash their hair during their period.
But there are no solutions to the question why?

The victim will only realise at their later stage of their life, facing the symptoms of breast and ovary cancer.
Today ladies still wash their hair during their period with the thinking that they will be safe if they blow dry their hair. But this will not prevent them from getting the cancer.

Please read the article below:

A well known Taiwanese medical professor specialise in cancer research based in a Japanese university did a survey on 30,000 pre cancer patients.
She found these patients are very choosy in their food, wash their hair during their period and carry heavy object and drink cold drinks. This will course the incomplete of ovulation and the remaining menses will turn into toxic and the imbalance of hormone will lead to ovary and breast cancer.

During the research she found the method of prevention to these cancer.
The secrets are;
One must change their lifestyle and eating habits.
Do not wash our hair while having period, do not wash your hair just for the cooling effect and contraction of ovary.

Excessive bleeding must be investigated by a gynae.

No cold drinks .

If you feel drowsy, breast expansion and constipation, these are the early symptom of ovary or breast cancer.

To prevent use:
Black sugar
Chinese lotus (leng ngau)
Carrot and Barley
Boil to soup and drink.

This is the best prevention.

Online site for bras - victoriassecret.com

heard that this brand quite good...
http://www.victoriassecret.com/

Bra Codes

AND, just a thought for all the women out there........

MENtal illness, MENstrual cramps, MENtal breakdown, MENopause............

Ever notice how all of women's problems start with men?.........And when we have real trouble it's HISterectomy!!!!

Send this to all women to have a laugh AND, don't forget to have a mammogram!!!!!!
A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...
- Hard to Find
- Supportive
- Comfortable
- Always Lifts You Up
- Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging
- And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!!

Online site for bras - lasenza.com

comfortable & branded...
http://www.lasenza.com/

Bra Fit Book (a must read for ladies)

gals, a very good guide, many Asian ladies are wearing them too tight or riding high on the back.

This guide is good, click here for reference: http://tentacool.net/misc/others/bra_fit_book.pdf

Use pad for more than 3 hours can cause cervical cancer & bacteria infection

FOR THOSE OF US WHO USE SANITARY NAPKINS/PADS:

IF u ever wondered what were the ingredients that made popular brands so
'free! and light and carefree', well here's the bit:

The material that makes the pad so paper THIN, is cellulose gel. YEap,
it's not even cotton!!!!!!

DO NOT wear the same pad for more than 3 hours of a maximum!!! After
this duration, the genital area is prone to bacterial action and may
result in cervical cancer or other complications!!!!!!!!!!

REMEMBER! NEVER NEVER NEVER WEAR THE SAME PAD FOR MORE THAN 3 HOURS!!! !

SO yes, please pass on this message to as many women as possible and
save lives!!!!!!!!!!

If you are a woman and use pads, but especially if you use tampons, read
this and pass it on to your friends. For the men receiving this email,
please forward it to your friends, significant others, wife, sisters, mothers,
daughters, etc.) Thanks!

Check the labels of the sanitary pads or tampons that you are going to
buy the next time and see whether you spot any of the familiar signs
stated in this email.

No wonder so many women in the world suffer from cervical cancer and
womb tumors. Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in
tampons? Why would they do this?

Because asbestos makes you bleed more, if you bleed more, you're going
to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so
dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom (not), did
not consider tampons as being ingested, and, therefore, didn't consider
them illegal or dangerous.
This month's Essence magazine has small article about this and they
mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies
are: Organic Essentials @1-800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @(800)755-0212.

A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado at Boulder sent the
following: 'I am writing this because women are not being informed about
the dangers of something most of us use: tampons. I am taking a class
this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and women,
including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that
tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell
you this - after learning about this in our class, most of the females
wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for
one, am going to do something about it To start, I want to inform
everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how


HERE ! IS THE SCOOP:
Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmf ul: Rayon (for
absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The
tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white
products in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem
here is that the dioxin, which is produced in this bleaching process,
can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially
carcinogenic cancer-associated)and is toxic to the immune and
reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower
sperm counts for men. For both sexes, it breaks down the immune system.


Last September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that
there really is no set 'acceptable' level of exposure to dioxin given
that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes
from repeated contact Karen Couppert 'Pulling the Plug on the Tampon
Industry'). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month,
for 38 menstruating years is 'repeated contact', wouldn't y! ou? Rayon
contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because it is a highly
absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left
behind in the vagina (as usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground
for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just
cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome)
occurs.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all
cotton. Other feminine hygiene products
(pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as
dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The
pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but, obviously, tampons are
the most dangerous.


So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons that
are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there
are very few compani! es that make these safe tampons. They are usually
only found in health food stores.


Countries all over the world ( Sweden , Germany , British Columbia , etc.)
have demanded a switch to this safer tampon, while the U.S. has decided
to keep us in the dark about it. In 1989, activists in England mounted a
campaign against chlorine bleaching. Six weeks and 50,000 letters later,
the makers of sanitary products switched to oxygen bleaching (one of the
green methods available) (MS magazine, May/June 1995).

WHAT TO DO NOW:
Tell people. Everyone. Inform them. We are being manipulated by this
industry and the government, let's do something about it! Please write
to the companies: Tampax(Tambrands), Playtex, O.B., Kotex. Call the 800
numbers listed on the boxes. Let them know that we demand a safe product
ALL COTTON UNBLEACHED TAMPONS.

AND FOR THOSE OF US WHO USE SANITARY NAPKINS/PADS:

IF u ever wondered what were the ingredients that made popular brands so
'free! and light and carefree', well here's the bit:

The material that makes the pad so paper THIN, is cellulose gel. YEap,
it's not even cotton!!!!!!


DO NOT wear the same pad for more than 3 hours of a maximum!!! After
this duration, the genital area is prone to bacterial action and may
result in cervical cancer or other complications!!!!!!!!!!

REMEMBER! NEVER NEVER NEVER WEAR THE SAME PAD FOR MORE THAN 3 HOURS!!!!

SO yes, please pass on this message to as many women as possible and
save lives!!!!!!!!!!

References:
1 Women Health Issues - Thrush

Facts about pad & tampons?

FYI.

If you are a woman and use pads, but especially if you use tampons, read this and pass it on to your friends. For the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) Thanks!

Check the labels of the sanitary pads or tampons that you are going to buy the next time and see whether you spot any of the familiar signs stated in this email.

No wonder so many women in the world suffer from cervical cancer and womb tumors. Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this?

Because asbestos makes you bleed more, if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom (not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and, therefore, didn't consider them illegal or dangerous.
This month's Essence magazine has small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are: Organic Essentials @1-800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @(800)755-0212.

A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado at Boulder sent the following: 'I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use: tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and women, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this - after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how

HERE ! IS THE SCOOP:
Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmf ul: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin, which is produced in this bleaching process, can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic cancer-associated)and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men. For both sexes, it breaks down the immune system.

Last September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set 'acceptable' level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact Karen Couppert 'Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry').. I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is 'repeated contact', wouldn't y! ou? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because it is a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products
(pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but, obviously, tampons are the most dangerous.

So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very few compani! es that make these safe tampons. They are usually only found in health food stores.

Countries all over the world ( Sweden , Germany , British Columbia , etc.) have demanded a switch to this safer tampon, while the U.S. has decided to keep us in the dark about it. In 1989, activists in England mounted a campaign against chlorine bleaching. Six weeks and 50,000 letters later, the makers of sanitary products switched to oxygen bleaching (one of the green methods available) (MS magazine, May/June 1995).

WHAT TO DO NOW:
Tell people. Everyone. Inform them. We are being manipulated by this industry and the government, let's do something about it! Please write to the companies: Tampax(Tambrands), Playtex, O.B., Kotex. Call the 800 numbers listed on the boxes. Let them know that we demand a safe product ALL COTTON UNBLEACHED TAMPONS.

AND FOR THOSE OF US WHO USE SANITARY NAPKINS/PADS:

IF u ever wondered what were the ingredients that made popular brands so "free! and light and carefree", well here's the bit:

The material that makes the pad so paper THIN, is cellulose gel. YEap, it's not even cotton!!!!!!

DO NOT wear the same pad for more than 3 hours of a maximum!!! After this duration, the genital area is prone to bacterial action and may result in cervical cancer or other complications!!!!!!!!!!

REMEMBER! NEVER NEVER NEVER WEAR THE SAME PAD FOR MORE THAN 3 HOURS!!!!

SO yes, please pass on this message to as many women as possible and save lives!!!!!!!!!!

The Breast Cancer Site needs you

A favour to ask, it only takes a minute....

Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle).

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/