1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Menstruation, is the periodical flow of blood from the uterus through the cervix and out through the vagina, and it is also called a “period”. Menstruation occurs during the years between puberty and menopause. Monthly menstrual periods are a normal part of a woman’s life. Menstruation is essential for the renewal of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. The process of degeneration of endometrial bed and removal of the same though vagina occurs at regular interval and is called the menstrual cycle (Betterhealth, 2021).
The menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep healthy. It also prepares body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of 1 period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teen. It is intended to discuss about this physiological process and associated complications in detail in the following sections including traditional ways to get relief from such discomforts highlighting the herbs and home remedies commonly used (Betterhealth, 2021).
The median age of menarche is 12.9 years. The length of the normal menstrual cycle is highly variable. Normal menstrual cycles are characterized by a cycle length of 28 days (+ 7 days), a duration of flow of 4 days (+ 2 days), and a blood loss of 40 mL (+ 20 mL).3 The mean volume of menstrual blood loss is 43 mL, with a normal range of 20-80 mL (Mayoclinic, 2021).
Abnormal/irregular menstrual patterns are common during the first 2 years after menarche and the variability in cycle length is greater during adolescence than adulthood; thus greater irregularity is acceptable if significant anemia or hemorrhage is not present. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Menstrual Cycle and its Disorder (Wikipedia, 2021).
1.2 Statement of Problems
Menstrual disorders are a common problem in adolescents. These disorders are often the source of anxiety for the patients and the families. The common menstrual disorders in adolescents are amenorrhea, abnormal/excessive uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome.
Cycles are abnormal if they are longer than 8 to 10 days in duration or if more than 80 mL of blood loss occurs, particularly after the first 2 years from the onset of menarche. It is very difficult to quantify the blood loss however; soaking more than 25 pads or 30 tampons during a menstrual period is usually abnormal.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The main objective of this study is to assess menstrual cycle and its disorders among women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to:
- Examine the causes of menstrual disorders
- Examine the types of menstrual disorders
- Examine the remedies to menstrual disorders.
1.4 Significance of Study
This study is carried out on menstrual cycle and its disorders. The study will be of benefit to the female gender. This study will help in detecting disorders in the menstrual cycle of a woman. These disorders can be easily detected by the reduction of blood flow or the increase in the duration of flow (number of days).
This study will also be of benefit to researchers and academics as it will be used as a material guide for those carrying out research related to the present study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the assessment of Menstrual Cycle and its Disorder among Women in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
