Blog – Kosmotive

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

Whether you’re just starting or just curious to learn more, understanding the four phases of your menstrual cycle can help you distinguish and navigate the ups and downs of your menstrual cycle with confidence and ease. So, let’s dive in and explore what happens during each phase of your menstrual cycle, and discover some tips on how to take care of yourself along the way. Trust us, your body is doing some incredible stuff!

ClevelandClinic.org

1. Menstrual Phase:

Duration: 3-7 days

What Happens:

This is your period. During this time, your uterine lining (endometrium) sheds and leaves the body through the vagina as menstrual blood.

Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Cramps, lower back pain, bloating, are very common at this stage, you may also feel – or have felt breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches in the build up to this phase.

Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, sadness, or feeling low/depressed.

What Can You Do?

Make sure to take plenty of rest and self-care during this phase to feel better. This may involve taking more naps/longer nights sleep or reading and watching your favourite books and tv shows. Heat therapy is commonly advised to help with cramps and pain – make yourself a hot drink or fill up a hot water bottle to sooth that pain! Some gentle stretches and exercises may help to relieve those painful cramps.

You may also want to take this time to hydrate and nourish your body to relieve the stress on your body during future phases. Drink plenty of water and eat iron-rich foods like beans and meat to replenish the iron and water you are losing in you’re period blood.

LloydsPharmacy

2. Follicular Phase:

Duration: About 10-14 days (starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation).

What Happens:

Following your period, your body prepares for ovulation. During this time, hormones like estrogen rise, prompting the uterine lining to thicken again. The pituitary gland in your brain will also release the Follicle Stimulating hormone ‘FSH’ to stimulate your ovaries to release an egg, which will begin to mature.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Expect a gradual increase in energy and improved well-being, depending on how well you rested and cared for your body during your period, you make see different rates of recovery in this period. You will also notice a more symmetrical face and clearer skin – get yourself back into the swing of things, pretty woman!

Emotional: Improved mood, increased motivation, and higher levels of optimism are expected with higher levels of Estrogen.

What Can You Do?

Take advantage of your energy boost with regular workouts—try cardio, strength training, or your favourite sport. You can also use this opportunity to engage in social activities and hobbies that make you feel good. If you are working or studying, this increase in energy will make you smarter, more focused and confident – so take part in those class discussions or projects!

3.Ovulation phase:

Duration: 1-2 days (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle)

What Happens:

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube. Around the middle of the cycle, usually between days 12-16, an egg is released from the ovary and will begin making its way through the fallopian tube into the uterus. This is the most fertile time in the cycle, where you are most likely to get pregnant.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Mild twinges or cramping on one side of the pelvis (mittelschmerz) can happen when releasing and egg. You may also see more discharge in your underwear that looks clear and stretchy. With your body at its most fertile, don’t be ashamed to experience a heightened libido!

Emotional: Estrogen levels will peak just before this time, so you can expect to feel your most social, confident, and attractive!

What Can You Do?

Embrace high-energy workouts like running, or dancing and spend lots of time with your friends or trying new activities. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and nourished to support your peak energy!

HelloClue.com

4. Luteal Phase:

Duration: About 14 days (from ovulation to the start of the next period)

What Happens:

After ovulation, your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Progesterone levels will increase to support the egg’s growth, however, If the egg isn’t fertilized, these hormone levels will drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of menstruation.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue are very common. Changes in appetite, and sometimes constipation or diarrhea may also be experienced, along with the feeling of weight and body shape changes.

Emotional: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression can occur. It’s time to start resting again in anticipation of your period!

What Can You Do?

Treat yourself with warm baths, massages, or your favorite relaxing activities to care for your body. Try stress-managing techniques like meditation and deep breathing to manage your changing emotions and keep up the healthy eating and prioritized sleep.

It’s important to note that menstrual cycles can vary in length and regularity. Factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions can influence the cycle. Tracking your menstrual cycle by using a calendar or a mobile app can help you anticipate your body’s changes. Reach out to Kosmotive’s helpline service and online health advice by visiting the KosmoHealth section!

Healthline.com

Understanding the menstrual cycle helps you stay in tune with, and regulate, your body. By familiarizing yourself with its phases, hormones, and variations, you can better manage your reproductive health and know what to expect each month.

Sources:

Variability in the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle

Physiology, Menstrual Cycle

What is the ‘fourth tri-mester’?

What is the ‘fourth tri-mester’?

The ‘fourth trimester’ is an emerging term given to the 12 weeks following childbirth. During this time, mothers and their babies undergo significant physical and emotional changes. For the baby, this period involves adjusting to life outside the womb. For the mother, it involves recovering from childbirth and adapting to the new responsibilities of caring for a newborn.

Not everyone will have heard of it – but every parent and newborn will have experienced it!

Why is it Important?

Baby’s Development:

Newborns are still very much in a state of development during the fourth trimester. Many believe this is because the size of the birth canal limits how large a baby can grow before birth, therefore, babies must continue development outside the womb. Newborns are learning to regulate their body temperature, developing their feeding patterns, and beginning to adjust their sleep cycles during this time.

To help the newborn adapt, research suggests that you should try to recreate the environment the baby had in the uterus for 3 months after birth. Here are some ways in which you can do this:

Swaddling: Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can mimic the cozy embrace of the womb, helping them feel secure and comfortable. Why not check out some of the cloths available on Kosmotive’s online shop!

naturebaby.co.nz

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby close with skin-to-skin contact helps regulate their body temperature and heart rate, providing comfort and promoting bonding.

Gentle Rocking: Mimic the gentle movements your baby felt while you were moving around during pregnancy. Rocking chairs, baby swings, or simply holding and swaying your baby can be very soothing.

White Noise: The sounds your baby heard in the womb were constant and soothing. Use a white noise machine or play one of many videos available on YouTube to replicate these sounds and help your baby sleep better.

Dim Lighting: The womb was dark, so keeping the lights dim can help your baby feel more at ease and make it easier for them to adjust their sleep cycles.

Frequent Feeding: Newborns have small stomachs and need to eat often. Feeding on the baby’s demand can help establish feeding patterns and ensure your baby is getting steady nourishment.

Bonding and Breastfeeding: The fourth trimester is an essential period for breastfeeding. Newborns have a weak immune system and need breastmilk to provide all the necessary antibodies and probiotics to regulate their immune responses. This also provides skin-to-skin contact.

Mother’s Recovery:

julieturnermovement.com

Postpartum recovery is a major aspect of the fourth trimester. This includes physical healing from the birth, hormonal adjustments, and dealing with the emotional shifts that often accompany the arrival of a new baby. Mothers need ample support during this period to ensure a healthy recovery. Here are some tips to help you recover:

Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or professionals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed – it takes a village!

Rest and Nutrition: Ensure you get plenty of rest and maintain a nutritious diet to support recovery and breastfeeding. Information about nutrition during and after pregnancy can be found on KosmoMag!

Baby’s Comfort: Keep your baby close with skin-to-skin contact and respond to their needs promptly to foster a sense of security, and limit discomfort.

Self-Care: Take time for yourself, even a few minutes a day helps. Mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. So, dress yourself up, try some gentle stretches and eat your favorite foods – you’re doing a great job, mama!

The fourth trimester is a unique and crucial time for both mothers and their babies. Understanding its importance can help new parents prepare better and seek the necessary support to make this transition smoother and more enjoyable. By giving attention to the needs of both mother and baby, families can lay a strong foundation for healthy development and well-being!

Sources:

Postpartum Care: An Approach to the Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester: a critical transition period with unmet maternal health needs

What is the fourth trimester?

The Evolution of Menstrual Pads

As we observe Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness throughout February, it is crucial to shine a light on menstrual hygiene, an integral aspect of women’s health.

The evolution of menstrual pads over the years has been a fascinating journey filled with challenges vis-à-vis stigma and stereotypes surrounding the topic, and a push for innovation and sustainability.

This article looks at some intriguing facts surrounding the history and advancements in menstrual pad technology.

Before the advent of disposable pads, women resorted to using an array of materials like rags, cotton, sheep’s wool, and even grass to manage menstrual flow.

The first sanitary pad, Lister’s Towels, was introduced in 1896. However, societal taboos surrounding menstruation hindered its success, as many women felt embarrassed to openly seek and use the products.

During World War 1, French nurses ingeniously utilized wood pulp bandages as makeshift sanitary pads. This marked a pivotal moment, laying the foundation for modern disposable pads widely used today.

Ever since the evolution of pad design from belted napkins to adhesive strips and ‘wings’ has revolutionized comfort and convenience for women worldwide.

Despite the convenience brought by disposable pads, their environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Traditional pads contribute to non-biodegradable waste. In response to this concern, reusable cloth pads are a better alternative, which has gained traction for their eco-friendliness and long-term cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, access to menstrual hygiene products remains a pressing issue globally, particularly in developing nations. Factors such as lack of awareness, affordability, and inadequate sanitation facilities pose challenges for women and girls.

For instance; in Rwanda, over 18% of women and girls still struggle to afford menstrual pads, while 15% of girls attribute missing school to their period, and 23% of women and girls report missing participation in economic activities, (WEEAT and WaterAid, 2022), resulting in a potential loss of $215 per woman annually.

Initiatives, such as Kosmotive promoting menstrual health education and improving access to sanitary products, must reinforce efforts to bridge these gaps and ensure menstrual hygiene for all.

Proper hygienic product use

Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Uwineza, an obstetric gynecologist, emphasized the potential risks associated with prolonged pad usage.

“Skin reactions, pad rashes, and vulva irritation can result from friction, excessive moisture, or underlying infections,” she said, advising that to mitigate these issues, one should opte for alternative sanitary products like reusable pads such as Kosmopads may be beneficial.

Kosmopads are reusable cloth pads tailored for menstrual hygiene management. They are composed of three layers, including fleece, zorb fabric/microfiber for absorption, and polyurethane laminate.

Kosmopads offer a breathable, non-toxic, and cost-effective solution. With proper care and maintenance – washing with mild soap, air-drying, and ensuring complete dryness before reuse.

Kosmopads can last up to two years, offering superior absorbency and economic value.

Indwara ya Myoma

Indwara ya myoma cyangwa uterine fibroids ni ibibyimba bitari kanseri bifata nyababyeyi, bikura mu turemangingo dukoze inyama za nyababyeyi. Ibi bibyimba bikunze kuboneka mu bakobwa n’abagore bari mu myaka yo kubyara, ni ukuvuga hagati y’imyaka 12 na 50. Ibi bibyimba si kanseri kandi nta nubwo bitera kanseri ya nyababyeyi.

Impamvu ya nyayo itera ibi bibyimba ntabwo izwi, gusa ubushakashatsi bwagaragaje ko imisemburo ya estrogen na progesterone ikorwa mu mubiri w’umugore ari yo ibigiramo uruhare cyane; ni na yo mpamvu iyo umugore yamaze gucura cyangwa yageze muri menopoze ibi bibyimba biyenga kuko ya misemburo ntabwo iba igikorwa ari myinshi nk’iy’umuntu uri mu kigero cyo kubyara. Nubwo impamvu ibitera itazwi, hari ibintu byongera ibyago byo kurwara ibi bibyimba; harimo: kujya mu mihango uri muto cyane – ni ukuvuga mbere y’imyaka 12, kunywa inzoga nyinshi, umubyibuho ukabije, kuba ufite umuvuduko w’amaraso uri hejuru cyane, no kuba mu muryango wawe hari umuntu wigeze kubirwara.

Ibimenyetso byerekana iyi ndwara:

Inshuro nyinshi umugore ufite ibi bibyimba ntabwo aba abizi kuko nta bimenyetso aba afite, akenshi amenya ko abirwaye yagiye kwa muganga nko kwivuza izindi ndwara zo mu myanya myibarukiro na byo bakaba babibona; gusa iyo afite ibimenyetso, ibikunze kuboneka ni: kuva bidasanzwe hagati mu kwezi kw’imihango ariko akava atari igihe cye cyo kujya mu mihango, ubugumba, kuvanamo inda kenshi, kuvira ku nda, kumva aremerewe mu myanya myibarukiro no kuribwa bidasanzwe mu kiziba cy’inda – ibi bikunze kubaho iyo ibibyimba byabaye binini cyane, ndetse no kuribwa cyane mu gihe cy’imihango.

Ibi bibyimba biravurwa kandi bigakira, muganga ashobora kuguha imiti cyangwa bikaba ngombwa ko umugore ubifite abagwa. Ni ngombwa cyane ko buri mukobwa cyangwa umugore uri mu myaka yo kubyara yisuzumisha imyanya myibarukiro kugirango amenye uko ubuzima bwe buhagaze kuko nkuko twabivuze haruguru iyi ndwara inshuro nyinshi umuntu uyirwaye nta bimenyetso agaragaza. Ikindi kandi iyo bibonetse kare birinda ubifite kuba yagira izindi ngaruka bitera nko kubura urubyaro no kubagwa inshuro nyinshi – na byo byongera ibyago byo kuba wabura urubyaro.

Sources: 1. Callahan & Caughey Blueprints: Obstetrics &Gynecology; 2.ACOG Practice Bulletin 96: Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas (April 2008); 3.SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline 318: The Management of Uterine Leiomyomas (February 2015); 4. Mayoclinic.org

Ikoranabuhanga riri mu byafashije u Rwanda guhangana n’icyorezo cya Covid-19

Mu Rwanda hateraniye inama Nyafurika ibaye ku nshuro ya 10 ihuriwemo n’ibihugu 32 n’abayobozi ndetse n’abafatanyabikorwa mu nzego z’ubuzima mu bihugu byabo bari mu miryango itandukanye ishamikiye ku madini ya gikirisitu harimo n’abahagarariye u Rwanda.

Ni inama nyunguranabitekerezo ivuga ku cyorezo cya Covid-19 n’ingamba zagiye zifatwa mu rwego rwo kuyihashya, harimo nko gukoresha ikoranabuhanga mu guhangana n’icyi cyorezo; aho hashyirwagaho uburyo bwo gukurikirana abantu bakekwaho ubwandu, abo bahuye na bo, abo ubwandu bwagaragayeho, ndetse no kubasha gukurikirana abatwara amakamyo yambukiranya imipaka hakoreshejwe Jipiyesi kugirango abashoferi batajya aho bishakiye.

Boi Tut Mai Nguoth waturutse muri Sudani y’epfo avuga ko iyi ndwara yabanje kutumvikanwaho hagati y’abakirisitu n’abayobozi.

Yagize ati “Hari abavugaga ko Covid-19 atari ukuri, bamwe bavuga ko babeshya, kimwe n’uko bumvaga ko nta munyafurika wayandura cyangwa se yahitana, ariko byageze aho babona ko indwara yica kandi ihari, kubera ko abanyamadini n’amatorero ari abizerwa imbere y’abo bayobora, batangiye gutanga ubutumwa ko icyo cyorezo gihari ndetse ko bagomba kurwanya ibihuha bivugwa kuri icyo cyorezo”.

Peter Yebuah, umuyobozi wa ACHAP, avuga ko umusanzu wabo nk’abayobozi ari ugukomeza gukemura ibibazo bibangamiye urwego rw’ubuzima, kugirango barandure icyorezo cya Covid-19.

Yagize ati “Kwita ku buzima bw’abaturage ni cyo kizafasha kwesa imihigo y’iterambere rirambye, buri gihugu cyashyize umukono ku birebana n’izo ntego, gahunda za Leta zirebana n’ibyubuzima natwe tugomba gutanga umusanzu muri zo”.

Cardinale Antoine Kambanda, arikiyepisikopi wa Kigali, na we wari mu bitabiriye iyi nama yavuze ko iyo icyorezo cyugarije abantu bigira n’ingaruka kuri roho.

Yagize ati “Umuntu agizwe n’umubiri na roho kandi roho ikenera umubiri ufite ubuzima bumeze neza, bityo n’umubiri ugakenera roho nzima kuko umuntu ni umwe, ibi tukaba twarabibonye muri iki cyorezo bukaba ari uburwayi bubi butuma umuntu adashobora guhura n’abandi bashobora kumurwaza ndetse akitaba Imana nta muntu umuri hafi; ariko kandi iyo afashijwe ku mutima akaba azi ko ari kumwe n’Imana ko tumudabita kuko ari byo byagiye biba abantu bakirinda kwanduzanya, kandi urwo rukundo n’umutima ni byo bikomeza umurwayi agakira”.

Minisitiri w’Ubuzima Dr Ngamije Daniel yavuze ko gukoresha ikoranabuhanga biri mu byatumye icyorezo cya Covid-19 kidakwirakwizwa cyane.

Yagize ati “Twabahaye ingamba twagiye dukoresha harimo n’ikoranabuhanga mu guhangana n’iki cyorezo, twabahaye ingero uko twagiye dukurikirana abantu bafite ubwandu n’abo bahuye na bo, ndetse no kwirinda ko bava mu bihugu duturanye, uko twabakurikiranaga cyane cyane abatwaye ibikamyo twifashishije icyuma gikurikirana ikinyabiziga uko cyitwara mu muhanda, kuva cyinjiye mu gihugu kugera aho kigomba kugeza umuzigo wacyo, kandi umushoferi atagiye aho yishakiye, ndetse n’uko twakoresheje za drone kuko na zo zaradufashije cyane”.

Yashoje ashimira iyi miryango ishamikiye ku madini n’amatorero ku nkunga batanga yo gufasha inzego za Leta mu gutanga ubuvuzi, ariko anasaba kutirara kuko icyorezo kigihari, bigasaba gukorana n’abaturage ari bo bagenerwabikorwa, ariko anifuza ko bazaba abafatanyabikorwa kugirango bitabire gushyira mu bikorwa ingamba za guverinoma ari na cyo cyatumye hatabaho ikibazo cyabaye mu bindi bihugu cyo kwanga inking, anavuga ko mu mpera z’uyu mwaka 70% by’abaturage byibura bazaba baramaze gufata inkingo 2.

Login

Cookies Notice