How a woman feels during her period differs a lot from person to person. Many women have no complaints at all, others have considerable problems.

The most common menstrual problems are the premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea, period pains).

In many cases taking the pill can have a positive effect as it stabilizes the hormone levels.

There are also some things you can do yourself to enhance your well-being:

	During your period you should avoid beverages containing caffeine such as: coffee, tea, cola and cocoa.
	Eat a healthy diet. There have been reports that foods with a high magnesium and vitamin E content have a positive effect on menstrual wellbeing.
	Avoid stress. Relax.
	Sport is good but make sure you do not overexert yourself.
	Many women find warmth pleasant. Try using a heat pad or hot water bottle.

Abnormal menstrual bleeding

The term abnormal menstrual or abnormal uterine bleeding describes abnormalities of frequency (periods too frequent or infrequent) or of the amount or duration of flow (periods too light or too heavy, too short or too long). Keeping a menstrual diary allows the detection of such abnormalities.

Abnormal menstrual bleeding can have various causes which must always be established by the doctor in each individual case.
If organic causes such as polyps or tumors have been ruled out the term dysfunctional bleeding is used. This is thought to be caused by a functional disturbance in the regulatory system of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries. Dysfunctional bleeding occurs particularly at the beginning and the end of sexual maturity when the control system is not yet or no longer functioning reliably.

An unhealthy lifestyle can also lead to bleeding abnormalities.
Being underweight (e.g. as a result of excessive dieting) or excessive physical exertion (e.g. competitive sports) can cause periods to stop altogether. Stress often leads to irregular periods.

If the bleeding abnormalities occur repeatedly they can have serious consequences and even lead to infertility. It may be necessary to scrape out the lining of the uterus (D&C).

The intrauterine system (IUS), an innovative and effective method of contraception, is also suitable for treating abnormal uterine bleeding. The IUS is a T-shaped plastic structure which contains a hormone reservoir. The device is placed in the uterine cavity where it releases small amounts of a progestin continuously for up to 5 years.

The particular advantage of the IUS is that the build-up of the uterine lining decreases steadily in the course of its use. The longer the intrauterine system is in place the lighter, shorter and less painful the monthly periods become. Periods often stop completely.

Dysfunctional bleeding can also be treated with the pill (combined oral contraceptive, COC). The regular hormone administration stabilizes the body's hormone balance.

Both the IUS and the COC decrease the amount and duration of menstrual flow. They therefore also help prevent iron deficiency.

The Menstrual Diary

• Filofax® Pocket-Format





Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding





The Intrauterine System