The Importance of Recognizing the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign

When we think of vital signs, we usually think of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. However, there is a fifth vital sign that is often overlooked: the menstrual cycle. Menstruation is more than a monthly event. It can be, and is, a crucial indicator of overall health.

Before diving into the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, let's first understand why vital signs are so important. Vital signs are measurements of basic physiological functions that indicate an individual's health status. These measurements help healthcare providers assess and monitor a patient's health and provide important information about their condition.

For example, if a patient has a high heart rate, it could be an indication of an underlying condition such as an infection, dehydration, or anxiety. Similarly, a low respiratory rate could be a sign of respiratory depression or hypoxia. By monitoring vital signs, healthcare providers can identify potential health issues and intervene before they become severe.

Unfortunately, people usually don't properly monitor their vital signs. They often fail to notice any alterations because their busy daily lives and multiple responsibilities prevent them from "feeling" their vital signs. They only "feel" that something is off when the problem has already become significant.

Unlike traditional vital signs, the fifth vital sign aka the menstrual cycle can be compelling not only because of bodily responses like bleeding but also due to other specific and ongoing 'symptoms'.

Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign

Now, let's talk about the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process involving the reproductive, endocrine, and nervous systems. In addition to providing information about reproductive health, the menstrual cycle can also be an indicator of overall health.

It is a sign of reproductive and general health, and abnormalities in the menstrual cycle can provide valuable information about a person's overall health and lifestyle.

Here are some indicators of menstruation regarding reproductive health, overall health, and lifestyle:

Irregular periods: Irregular periods can be associated with lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep, and changes in weight or exercise habits. However, irregular periods can also indicate underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, or certain medications. Addressing these underlying issues can help improve overall health and promote more regular menstrual cycles.

Heavy periods: Heavy menstrual bleeding can be associated with lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition and lack of exercise. However, heavy periods can also indicate underlying health conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis. Treating these underlying issues can improve overall health and prevent anemia and other complications associated with heavy periods.

Menstrual pain: Pain during periods can be associated with lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and ineffective stress management. However, menstrual pain can also indicate underlying health conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Absent periods: The absence of periods can be associated with lifestyle factors such as extreme weight loss or gain, stress, and excessive exercise. However, absent periods can also indicate underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Short or long menstrual cycles: Short or long menstrual cycles can be associated with lifestyle factors such as extreme weight changes and stress. However, they can also indicate underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, or an eating disorder.

Menstruation is More Than a Monthly Event

Menstruation is often seen as an inconvenience, but, as we have seen, it is much more than that. Menstruation is a natural and necessary process that is essential for reproductive and overall health. When the menstrual cycle is disrupted, it can have a significant impact on a person's health and quality of life.

In addition to the health problems mentioned above, disruptions in the menstrual cycle can also affect a person's mental health. Individuals with irregular or absent periods may experience anxiety or depression. Menstrual disorders can also have social and economic consequences, such as absences from school or work and higher healthcare costs.

Feel Your Vital Signs

Recognizing the menstrual cycle as a vital sign is an important step toward promoting menstrual health and overall well-being. By monitoring and tracking menstrual cycles, potential health issues can be identified and addressed early on.

However, many of the current health problems in the world arise from our lack of sensitivity toward our bodies. By sensitivity, we mean being attuned to our bodies, feeling all the signals that can impact balance in every possible way: cellular, energetic, and mental.

In conclusion, feeling your vital signs and enhancing the mind-body connection can greatly contribute to your overall well-being. By being aware of and regularly tracking your vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, you gain valuable insights into your health status. This self-awareness allows for early detection of any potential issues and empowers you to take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal health.

Additionally, cultivating a strong mind-body connection is essential for holistic well-being. This connection involves being attuned to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help deepen this connection and promote a sense of balance and harmony within yourself. By nurturing your mind-body connection, you become more aware of how your thoughts and emotions impact your physical well-being, allowing you to make conscious choices that support your overall health.

Furthermore, integrating mind-body techniques into your daily routine can help manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance mental clarity. These practices encourage relaxation, improve sleep quality, and support emotional well-being. By taking time to connect with your body, listen to its signals, and honor its needs, you foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself as a whole.

Paying attention to your vital signs and nurturing the mind-body connection is integral to achieving and maintaining optimal health. By practicing self-awareness, incorporating mind-body techniques, and making conscious lifestyle choices, you can enhance your overall well-being, promote balance, and cultivate a deeper sense of harmony between your mind and body.

Sources

Ghorbani-Dehbalaei, M., Loripoor, M. & Nasirzadeh, M. The role of health beliefs and health literacy in women's health promoting behaviours based on the health belief model: a descriptive study. BMC Women's Health 21, 421 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01564-2
Vashisht A, Pathak R, Agarwalla R, Patavegar BN, Panda M. School absenteeism during menstruation amongst adolescent girls in Delhi, India. J Family Community Med. 2018 Sep-Dec;25(3):163-168. doi: 10.4103/jfcm.JFCM_161_17. PMID: 30220845; PMCID: PMC6130156.
American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescence; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Adolescent Health Care; Diaz A, Laufer MR, Breech LL. Menstruation in girls and adolescents: using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. Pediatrics. 2006 Nov;118(5):2245-50. doi 10.1542/peds.2006-2481. PMID: 17079600.