If you suffer from heavy periods with no known clinical reason, then a new book might be able to help you. It is based on a true account, experienced by the author, of everyday foods that cause Menostaxis (the medical term for heavy periods). It details the various foods that can trigger Menostaxis, when to avoid them and a method that is simple to follow called the '28 - 14 Diet'. Kaz La Mac is the author of Foods That Cause Menostaxis: My Experience, Paperback RRP. £6.99, published by Brown Dog Books.
Here she shares 10 little known facts about Menostaxis.
What is Menostaxis?
Menostaxis is the term used for prolonged periods, which last more than 7 days. I have found that certain foods can cause this condition when eaten before and during menstruation.
How many women suffer from Menostaxis?
In England and Wales 1 and a half million women suffer with heavy periods. The first line of treatment is usually oral tablets or a form of contraceptive.
Signs of Menostaxis
For a normal period, from start to finish, you should only lose 30 - 60ml of blood. Any more than this (80ml or more) then this is symptomatic of Menostaxis. If you pass large clots, this also can be classed as a problem. If you have to change your sanitary protection frequently (within 2 hours) then this is a sign of having a heavy period.
Causes of Menostaxis
Menopause, fibroids, endometriosis, cancer, tumours, cysts, polycystic ovaries, pelvic inflammation or diet can all be reasons for suffering from heavy periods.
Listen to your body
If you experience heavy periods frequently then your body is trying to tell you something. There is always a reason behind regular episodes of Menostaxis. Your body is telling you that there is something wrong which needs to be corrected. Always check it out with your doctor first, whether or not you think it is related to your diet.
Treatment of Menostaxis
My book shows how diet can help reduce the onset of heavy periods. Some women prefer to take medicines, including non-steroid anti- inflammatory drugs. Contraception - oral, injected or releasing intrauterine system - has been shown to relieve symptoms. Endometrial Ablation is a surgical treatment where most of your uterus lining is destroyed. Some women opt for a Hysterectomy which is surgery to remove all of the uterus.
Foods can cause Menostaxis
If you have a non-clinical condition, then food may be the cause of your heavy periods. These are foods that I have discovered and I have named them the ' 28 - 14 Foods', since they are foods to be avoided before and during menstruation. They include pasta, couscous, beetroot and oats. These foods can still be enjoyed at other times of the months and my diet shows you how.
Cheating with the 28- 14 Foods
Eating the '28 -14 foods' - even just a little taste a few days before any sign of a period - can also cause Menostaxis, so it is best to withdraw from these foods for a good 7 days before menstruation and during the period itself.
Untreated Menostaxis
The longer Menostaxis is left untreated, the more difficult it gets to reverse the process and more complications can arise. So the quicker it is resolved the better.
Environmental impact
Regular episodes of Menostaxis affect the environment due to the amount of sanitary products used and waste produced. An average of one pack per day of sanitary product is required, totalling to at least 2 to 4 packs a month used. Creating a full bin bag of waste in just 6 months.
Kax La Mac