Modern menstruation: Is it abnormal and unhealthy?
| Title: | Modern menstruation: Is it abnormal and unhealthy? |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Goldstuck ND; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Francie van Zyl Dr, Tygerberg Hospital, Bellville, Cape Town 7505, South Africa. Electronic address: nahumzh@gmail.com. |
| Source: | Medical hypotheses [Med Hypotheses] 2020 Nov; Vol. 144, pp. 109955. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jun 06. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Eden Press Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7505668 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1532-2777 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03069877 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Med Hypotheses Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: New York : Elsevier, 2002- : Eden Press; Original Publication: Penrith, Eng., Eden Press. |
| MeSH Terms: | Menstruation* ; Progestins*; Adolescent ; Endometrium ; Female ; Humans ; Menstrual Cycle ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone |
| Abstract: | The menstrual cycle appears to have evolved in humans and some other species to improve reproductive efficiency by enabling progesterone production without the presence of the fetus. This phenomenon is termed spontaneous decidualization. Repeated menstruation is produced in modern women because of better general health and having fewer pregnancies later in life and limiting breast feeding. The repeated breakdown of a progesterone primed endometrium releases an inflammatory cascade which appears to have short and long term adverse consequences. Repetitive modern menstruation is no longer a sign of good general and reproductive health but a harbinger of possible future health problems. Cyclical menstruation has no intrinsic biological value or necessity in modern life. Spontaneous decidualization can be prevented by using estrogen-progestin combinations or progestins on their own. Newer and safer hormonal products are now available and should become even safer in the future. Hormonal suppression of spontaneous decidualization should be encouraged in adolescent and young women as a health promotional option.; (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) |
| Substance Nomenclature: | 0 (Progestins); 4G7DS2Q64Y (Progesterone) |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20200612 Date Completed: 20210514 Latest Revision: 20210514 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109955 |
| PMID: | 32526510 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article