Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycles for adolescents vary significantly, including the age at which the first period begins. Frequency, length of period, and amount of bleeding also ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My daughter had her first period at 15. That was six months ago, and she hasn’t had a period since. Should I ...

Menstruation and asthma flare-ups — How your monthly cycle can worsen your asthma. The information below is written by Dr. James Li and provided on mayoclinic.com. ...

Does a woman’s menstrual cycle affect her performance as an athlete? It's not always talked about publicly, but it's certainly discussed privately among female ...

Author: Stephanie Faubion M.D., Director, Mayo Clinic Women's Health Clinic and Office of Women's Health Perimenopause is the time leading up to your final menstrual period and can last up to several years.  During this time, menstrual cycles may be heavier or lighter than usual, and may come at shorter or longer intervals. Behind the scenes, your hormone levels are all over the place.  They can swing dramatically and shoot higher (and dip lower) than they did during your reproductive years.  These swings can explain some of the bothersome symptoms that women experience, including mood swings, heightened anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, “brain fog” and difficulty sleeping, as well as the more familiar symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. If you’ve noticed changes in your waistline, you’re not alone.  Weight gain and weight redistribution- especially around the middle- can also be problematic and is influenced by several factors including aging, changes in hormones, activity level, and diet.  Vaginal dryness can start even before menopause and can lead to discomfort with sexual activity. Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Faubion are available in the downloads. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj23Y3fQv3Q

  THIS WEEK'S TOP STORY Stress assessment: Rate your stress — Don't wait until stress has a negative impact on your health, relationships or quality of life. Start practicing a range of stress management techniques today. Expert Answers Hygiene hypothesis: Early germ exposure prevents asthma? Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not Health savings accounts: Is an HSA right for you? Slide show: Healthy meals start with planning Dementia HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK  Laugh more, stress less Humor can help reduce stress by providing a positive way of looking at problems. Humor can also help you perceive what's ridiculous or absurd in a situation. To promote humor in your life, follow these steps: 1. Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to laugh, even during tough times. 2. Surround yourself with humor. Try hanging cartoons in your workstation. 3. Seek out humor. Look for humor in everyday situations. Or watch a favorite comedy DVD. 4. Share your humor. Tell a funny true story to a coworker or friend.