Modern menstruation: Is it abnormal and unhealthy?
1Department 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.
Medical Hypotheses
|June 12, 2020
Summary
Modern women experience repeated menstruation due to lifestyle changes, leading to adverse health effects. Suppressing spontaneous decidualization with hormonal treatments offers a health promotional option for women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and endocrinology
- Women's health and gynecology
Background:
- The menstrual cycle, characterized by spontaneous decidualization, evolved to enhance reproductive efficiency.
- Modern lifestyles (improved health, fewer pregnancies, limited breastfeeding) lead to more frequent menstruation.
- Repeated endometrial breakdown triggers inflammatory cascades with potential adverse health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the health implications of repetitive modern menstruation.
- To explore the potential of hormonal suppression of spontaneous decidualization as a health strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of evolutionary biology and reproductive physiology.
- Analysis of the consequences of repeated endometrial breakdown and inflammatory processes.
- Evaluation of hormonal interventions for preventing spontaneous decidualization.
Main Results:
- Repetitive menstruation in modern women is linked to adverse short- and long-term health outcomes.
- Cyclical menstruation lacks intrinsic biological necessity in contemporary life.
- Hormonal therapies (estrogen-progestin or progestin alone) can prevent spontaneous decidualization.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive menstruation is a health concern, not a sign of reproductive fitness.
- Hormonal suppression of spontaneous decidualization is a viable health promotional option.
- Encouraging hormonal suppression in adolescent and young women can mitigate risks associated with menstruation.
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