I AM WOMAN series! Taking a look at the nutritional differences through the stages, and ages of womanhood. Women typically need additional support when it comes to our developing bodies and reproductive processes.

If you missed Part 1  – head back to our previous Blog Posts and READ MORE.

Menarche Anarchy

#IRON # ZINC #CALCIUM #MAGNESIUM

Menarche, the first menstrual bleed, marks the biological transition from childhood into womanhood, known as sexual maturity. Celebrated in many cultures as a right of passage for our young girls, crossing the juvenile threshold and discovering what it means to be recognised as a young woman. Young bodies that are growing and bursting through transitional phases, require additional support and nutritional requirements. Ensuring nutritional requirements are met prior to the onset of menarche to gently assist with reducing intense emotional and hormonal responses that are often experienced during this time.

– Calcium & Magnesium Play a very important role in ensuring healthy bone density, preventing and relieving muscular aches and pains i.e cramping etc, and also to assist with mood regulation. Vitamin D is often needed to enhance the absorption of Calcium from the diet. Magnesium levels will often drop after experiencing extreme incidences of stress and/or caffeine consumption.
– Iron and Zinc to help support the production of healthy blood cells and to compensate for what is lost during the menstrual cycle. Women need more iron than men to make up for the amount of iron they lose in their menstrual period. Around 1 mg of iron is lost for every day of bleeding. Zinc is needed to maintain the health of cells. Taking iron supplements may interfere with the absorption of zinc, so women taking iron supplements should continue to eat iron-rich foods as these are also a good source of zinc. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods can improve iron absorption.

So what is going on… down there?

The Menstrual Cycle from Menarche to Menopause, a major event of any woman’s life, is the biological catch/release process ensuring the continuation of the human race for generations to
come.
A 28-35 day cycle where the woman’s body takes direction from the Pituitary Gland with the systematic release of Oestrogen and Progesterone to stimulate the ovaries and endometrium. Let’s take a look at the break down ..

– The Pituitary Gland releases ‘FSH’ (follicle stimulating hormone) which tells the ovaries to produce Oestrogen to ripen the ova.
– The Ovaries then signal the Pituitary Gland to switch to LH (luteinising hormone) production which will release the ripened Ova into the fallopian tube. Aka – ‘Ovulation’
– The Ova travels through the Fallopian Tubes and into the Uterus, where the uterus wall lining has been slowly building, (hopefully awaiting the arrival of a fertilised egg for implant).
– While the Ova is making it’s way to the uterus, Progesterone produced by the remaining follicle, encourages the endometrium to grow and the cervix to produce mucous in preparation for ovulation and the arrival of sperm, and further more – ‘Conception’
– When fertilisation does not occur, the lining of the womb begins to breakdown and is shed through the cervix and out of the Vagina, signify the arrival of your Period.
– The body notices the low levels in Oestrogen at this time and signals the Pituitary Gland to
produce more, which in turn re-starts the cycle.

Stay Tuned for PART 3 of our I AM WOMAN Series where we will discuss PMS!

View our specialty Women’s Blends HERE!