MENSTRUATİON MANAGEMENT ACCORDİNG TO GENERATİONS

Research objective/rational: The menstrual cycle (MCC) is a physiological process lasting 23-35 days, consisting of two main phases: follicular (from menstruation to ovulation) and luteal (from ovulation to menstruation), characterized by regular fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone hormones. During the menstrual period, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, while in the follicular phase, estrogen increases and peaks at ovulation; at this time, the increase in FSH and LH triggers ovulation. In the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise and peak in the mid-luteal phase, while a second increase in estrogen levels is observed. When fertilization does not occur, both hormones rapidly decrease in the premenstrual period. Mood changes along with these hormonal fluctuations; negative mood increases during the premenstrual and menstrual periods, while positive mood increases during the ovulation period. These changes can negatively affect women's physical activities, work performance, social relationships, and quality of life. The literature reports that women lose more workdays due to health reasons compared to men, and one of the important reasons for this is symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.