The menstrual cycle is a process that occurs in females approximately every 28 days. Each month, the uterus grows a lining in preparation for pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur, this lining is shed which causes bleeding and may bring on many...
A menstrual cycle is defined by the period marked by the first day of one menstrual bleed and the first day of the next menstrual bleed. The length of an average menstrual bleed is 28 days, however, normal variations among women allow for cycles...
Ortho Micronor is a prescription oral contraceptive that contains norethindrone, a type of hormone called progestin. This method of birth control works by changing the lining of a woman's uterus, increasing the thickness of cervical mucus and...
A number of hormones affect the reproductive tract. Getting pregnant requires that the delicate balance of hormones is intact; any disturbance in the hormone balance can result in menstrual difficulties that prevent pregnancy. The menstrual cycle...
Couples tend to assume, when they're ready, they'll be able to conceive without a problem. Unfortunately health issues, stress and lifestyle choices can prevent the dream from becoming a reality. The good news is there may be ways to improve...
Fibroids are hard muscle tissue masses that can develop in the uterus, lungs and other places. Although it's not clear as to why they occur, it is noted that elevated estrogen levels stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids. Genetics also play a...
Using ovulation as an indicator for family planning can help you accurately predict your most and least fertile times. This effective, inexpensive method requires organization and planning. If you are not diligent about tracking your fertility...
It is important to understand your menstrual cycle so that you can effectively communicate with your doctor and know when you are most likely to get pregnant. If your period causes you pain or discomfort, you also might want to know how long your...
Black cohosh is a plant that is found primarily in the central and eastern portions of the United Status. For years, Native Americans used the plant primarily to treat various conditions in women while the juice of the plant was used to heal snake...
An ovulation predictor kit is a test that can be taken at home that can help a women pinpoint the times she is ovulating to increase her chances of successfully conceiving a baby. The test works by detecting a surge in the lutenizing hormone,...
A menstrual period normally lasts anywhere from three to seven days. However, certain medical conditions can cause the bleeding to go well beyond this time period. Many of these conditions cause the hormones that are responsible for...
The sciatic nerve is located in the lower region of the spine. Inflammation or damage of this nerve can result in debilitating back pain that radiates into the buttocks and upper legs, a condition called sciatica. Patients who have sciatica may...
At some point in their lives, three out of four women will have uterine fibroid tumors, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce your risk of fibroid tumors by eating foods such as whole grains and vegetables, according...
According to the American Fertility Association (AFA), chances of getting pregnant significantly decline after the age of 40. Though the ideal age for conceiving is in a woman's 20s, the AFA says that 20 percent of woman in America are having...
Few women experience their periods at exactly the same time each month. Although menstrual cycles normally range between 28 and 32 days, according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), stress, change in routine and illness can affect cycle...
Vitex, also known as chaste tree, has been used to balance female hormones and regulate menstruation. It may be a useful treatment for amenorrhea, although more research is necessary to confirm this. Always speak to your doctor before taking this...
Within the United States, over 40,000 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2010, according to health experts at the National Cancer Institute. This form of cancer, which is also referred to as endometrial cancer, develops when cancerous...
About 17 percent of women and 5.5 percent of men suffer from recurring migraine headaches. In some people, migraines can cause stress, anxiety and may lead to debilitation and a decreased quality of life. Magnesium plays an important role in the...
Peri-menopause is the time period before menopause when hormonal fluctuations are common. Peri-menopause can last as long as 10 years; during this time, menstrual cycles may change in length, frequency, duration and intensity. During...
Women are most fertile during the several days that precede ovulation, as well as on the day of ovulation itself. According to several research studies, most women become pregnant when the sperm fertilizes the egg within 5 days of ovulation, says...
Uterine cancer, which is more commonly referred to as endometrial cancer, is a form of cancer that develops within the uterus, a reproductive organ in females. Postmenopausal women over the age of 50 are at the highest risk of developing uterine...
Missing your period can be cause for alarm, but it's not likely to be caused by consuming curcumin -- the active ingredient in turmeric. This spice is commonly used in making curries, biryanis and other Indian dishes. Given that billions of people...
Knowing the length of your menstrual cycle is helpful information to have when you are pregnant, so you can more accurately calculate your baby's due date. To calculate the length of a menstrual cycle you need nothing more than a calendar and a...
Many women believe they are having pregnancy symptoms that go away with the arrival of their menstrual cycle or a negative pregnancy test. In 1 to 6 of every 22,000 pregnancies, the person continues to believe she is pregnant without any evidence...
Supplements made from melatonin, a natural hormone which controls the human sleep cycle, may help to insomnia and a variety of related symptoms. According to the National Institutes of Health, melatonin supplements can treat jet lag, delayed sleep...
Derived from the root of a plant bearing the same name, dong quai is an herbal supplement used most often in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of minor health ailments. As the University of Maryland Medical Center states, dong quai...
Excessive facial hair growth occurs when the body produces too much male hormone. Causes of increased male hormone production include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, adrenal hyperplasia and ovarian tumors. While waxing and...
Your menstrual cycle is fueled by your hormones. Your pituitary gland tells your body to release hormones so your body will prepare your womb for possible acceptance of an egg. When the egg is released and not fertilized, the womb sheds its...
The Harvard School of Public Health's Healthy Eating Pyramid indicates that consuming a plant-based diet is your healthiest option. Raw food diets take this approach a step further, emphasizing fresh produce as well as other uncooked, unheated...
