Menstruation occurs when a woman's body sheds the uterine lining. Each menstrual cycle, the body prepares for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. When pregnancy doesn’t happen, the uterus sheds its lining, causing what we know as monthly periods.
It is important to understand that hormonal fluctuations of oestrogen and progesterone are what regulate the menstrual cycle and its various stages. But simultaneously, researchers note that these hormones also play a role in regulating the immune system, which got us thinking if oestrogen and progesterone can also affect how well the immune system functions.
Also Read: What Happens When the Immune System Invades Your Own Tissue ? Know About Lupus
Can Menstruation Weaken Your Immunity?
According to Dr Geetu Gaba, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, the menstrual cycle does sometimes cause fluctuations in the immune system due to the varying levels of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.
Throughout the month, while oestrogen enhances immune function, boosting the body's ability to keep infections at bay, during the luteal phase, which is the period after ovulation to when menstruation begins, progesterone levels rise, leading to weakened immunity.
This suggests that menstruation does not weaken the whole cycle, but yes, it can modulate according to the patients, Dr Gaba tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
One of the common consequences of the hormonal changes during menstruation is susceptibility to infection—not because of menstruation but due to poor menstrual hygiene. The key is to maintain proper menstrual hygiene and nutrition through a balanced diet.
Signs Of Weakened Immune System
Signs of a weakened immune system during menstruation include:
- Frequent infections, such as vaginitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), or urinary tract infections
- Prolonged fatigue
- Increase in menstrual symptoms, such as more intense cramps, heightened Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), mood swings, and feeling low
How Menstruating Women Can Strengthen Their Immunity
To strengthen and boost the immune system throughout the menstrual cycle, it is crucial to follow a nutritious diet and ensure normal haemoglobin levels, says Dr Gaba.
According to her, many women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding may suffer from low haemoglobin, leading to a weakened immune system. A diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, dry fruits like almonds, and other nutrient-dense foods can help boost immune function.
She adds that women should focus on iron-rich foods, as heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Iron can be obtained from sources like lean meats, spinach, bananas, and black chana.
Other important components are omega-3 fatty acids that can be obtained from chia seeds, magnesium from beans and coconut water, and potassium and zinc. You should also include vitamin C, as it can help with iron absorption, and vitamins D and B6, present in foods like bananas and legumes.
By incorporating these nutrients into their daily diet, women can strengthen their immune system and better manage the changes that occur throughout their menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
In addition to common menstrual symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood changes, menstrual can also weaken your immune system's health. To tackle the situation and avoid unnecessary illnesses during this time, it is crucial to eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water. Maintaining your iron levels in inadequate amounts can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, a common condition in menstruating women.