Nettle™ and long menstrual cycles
Understanding the nuances of menstrual cycles is important for every woman’s health, as they serve as indicators of reproductive and general well-being. Typically, menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days, with the average falling between 28 and 30 days. However, it's important to recognise that every individual is unique, and cycle lengths can vary throughout a woman's lifetime resulting in shorter (link to the previous article) as well as longer cycles.
Long or infrequent menstrual cycles, known as oligomenorrhea, typically extend beyond 35 days. While occasional variations outside the range of 21-35 days are common and often harmless, persistent long menstrual cycles call for a consult with your healthcare professional.
Various factors contribute to long menstrual cycles, including hormonal imbalances associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), marked by elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance, disrupting ovulation and menstrual patterns. Additionally, thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism are linked to menstrual irregularities. Evidence also associates excessive exercise and stress with menstrual deviations, impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, hormone production, and cycle regulation. Research suggests that intense physical activity and chronic stress can alter gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (by suppressing its release), affecting luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), influencing ovarian function and cycle regularity. Moreover, medications like hormonal contraceptives or mood-related drugs such as antidepressants may interact with reproductive hormones, affecting normal feedback mechanisms.
If experiencing long or irregular cycles, consulting a healthcare professional is essential to identify underlying causes needing medical attention and determine the best use of Nettle™ to manage your menstrual symptoms.
Ultimately, with Nettle™, you are in control. The decision of when and how to use Nettle™ rests with you. However, if you have very long cycle lengths, it's important to strike a balance and ensure that Nettle™ sessions are neither too frequent nor too infrequent. You can use CycleSync to give you some recommendations. You can also always consult with your healthcare professional, and you can tailor your Nettle™ therapy to suit your specific needs. This can help maximise its benefits for alleviating menstrual pain and mood symptoms, empowering you in your health and overall well-being.