Do you ever wonder to yourself during those days of the month, "Is this normal?"

As winter approaches, your hands and feet feel like "ice sticks," and menstrual cramps become even worse. But why is that?

It's said that ovarian premature aging is becoming increasingly common in younger women. How can we protect it well?

Don't worry, we have specially invited Tang Ling, a chief physician of gynecology at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a member of the National Health Science Communication Expert Database, to clarify these core issues that trouble many women at once; at the same time, we have compiled key points and practical tips to guide you in understanding the signals your body sends and learning to scientifically take care of yourself.

Watch the video at the end of the article to get more women's health knowledge~

01 Understand "the big Auntie"

——Is your menstruation normal?

Menarche time:

Generally occurs between the ages of 13 and 14, and it is normal for it to occur between the ages of 11 and 15.

Cycle regularity:

Every 21 to 35 days (average 28 days), as long as the cycle is stable.

Length of menstruation:

Generally lasts 2 to 8 days, averaging 4 to 6 days.

Characteristics of menstrual flow:

Dark red and bright red are normal, with a consistency that is neither too thin nor too thick, containing a small amount of endometrial fragments (small blood clots).

Amount of flow:

Total volume during the entire period is 20 to 60 milliliters (the amount that can completely soak through 3 to 5 daily use sanitary pads).

Remember these 5 indicators to initially assess the health status of your period. If it deviates from the normal range for a long time, it is recommended to seek professional medical help promptly.

02 Breaking the Winter Curse

— Why Do Hands and Feet Get Cold & Menstrual Pain Intensify

Cause Analysis

Invasion of Cold Pathogen:

Winter temperatures are low, and if dressed thinly, cold pathogens can easily invade through the abdomen and feet, leading to blood vessel constriction and poor blood and qi circulation, causing the "no flow, no pain" phenomenon.

Lack of Yang Qi:

If there is insufficient Yang Qi in the body, it cannot sufficiently warm the limbs, resulting in cold hands and feet.

Action Guide

External warmth:

Focus on protecting the waist and abdomen, ankles; soak feet in hot water (around 40℃) for about 20 minutes before bed.

Dietary Care:

√ Recommended: ginger and brown sugar tea, Angelica sinensis ginger lamb soup, longan red date tea.

× To Avoid: Avoid cold and refrigerated foods before and during menstruation.

Acupressure massage:

You can use moxibustion or massage acupoints such as Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao, Zusanli, and Yongquan.

Don't be a "frosty beauty," start by warming yourself up. This winter, try these methods to warm your body from the inside out!

03 Guarding the Source of Life

——Signs of Premature Ovarian Failure and Care

The "culprit" of premature ovarian failure:

Poor lifestyle habits such as long-term staying up late, excessive stress, and extreme dieting.

Complete guide to ovarian care:

Nutrient supplementation: Eat more foods like black sesame and black beans to nourish the endocrine system.

Emotional management: Maintain a cheerful mood, and you can drink flower teas like rose tea, chrysanthemum tea, etc., to regulate emotions.

Regular routine: Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late.

Moderate exercise: It is recommended to practice gentle exercises like Baduanjin Qigong and Tai Chi.

Ovarian health is related to a woman's youth and vitality. Starting now, take good care of it with scientific methods.