"Every time before my period, I feel like a different person. "Aunt Li, a 54-year-old retired teacher, sat in the consultation room and said helplessly. Her troubles are common to many middle-aged and elderly women: breast tenderness before menstruation and acne on the face. These seemingly ordinary physiological phenomena actually hide complex physiological mechanisms behind them.
Aunt Li's case is not unique. In fact, according to the latest medical research, more than half of women experience similar problems at some point in their menstrual cycle. But surprisingly, despite how common these symptoms are, many people have little understanding of their causes and solutions. What causes breast tenderness before menstruation? Why do I get pimples on my face? More importantly, what can we do to alleviate these discomforts?
Demystifying premenstrual breast tenderness: not just discomfort, but a sign from your body.
Breast tenderness, which is common in many women's menstrual cycles, especially in the week leading up to menstruation. This symptom is not simply a physical discomfort, but a direct reflection of a complex physiological mechanism.
During the menstrual cycle, there are two main hormones involved: estrogen and progesterone. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise, promoting the growth of the milk ducts. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise, affecting the development of the lobules. These hormonal changes cause the breast tissue to swell slightly, triggering a painful sensation of bloating.
Breast tissue is very sensitive to hormones. During the menstrual cycle, the breast glands and ducts change under the influence of hormones, sometimes causing mild swelling of the tissues, which can cause pain. In addition, the accumulation of fluid in the breast can also lead to increased pressure, further exacerbating the pain.
Every woman is more sensitive to hormonal changes and therefore has a different degree of breast tenderness. Some women may experience only mild discomfort, while others may experience significant pain. In addition, lifestyle, nutritional status, and psychological state may also influence the severity of symptoms.
In addition to hormonal changes, there are other factors that may worsen breast tenderness before menstruation. For example, a high-salt diet may lead to water retention in the body, which can worsen the swelling and pain of breast tissue. Stress and poor sleep quality can also affect hormone levels, further exacerbating symptoms.
Premenstrual acne: not just a problem of puberty!
Premenstrual acne (commonly known as "breakouts") is often misunderstood as exclusive to puberty, but in reality, many middle-aged and older women also suffer from this problem before menstruation. It's not just about aesthetics, it's a direct reflection of hormonal changes in the body.
The menstrual cycle has a profound impact on a woman's body. Before menstruation, there are significant changes in hormone levels in the body, especially estrogen and progesterone. Fluctuations in these hormones directly affect the activity of the sebaceous glands, resulting in an increase in sebum secretion. When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, the hair follicles tend to become clogged and acne can form.
Another key factor is the bacteria on the **. Certain bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes, are naturally present on the surface. Under normal circumstances, these bacteria live in symbiosis with **, but when sebum production increases, these bacteria can overmultiply, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to the development of acne.
Stress in life is also one of the influencing factors. Psychological stress can indirectly promote sebum secretion and aggravate acne symptoms by stimulating the secretion of adrenal corticotropic hormones. So, premenstrual acne is not just a problem, it reflects complex physiological changes within the body.
Fighting acne routine: from lifestyle habits to dietary adjustments.
Knowing the causes of premenstrual acne can start with our daily lives and take steps to alleviate or prevent it.
Using a gentle cleanser is key. Choose a cleanser with a pH close to your natural pH to effectively remove excess oil without irritation. Avoid skincare products that contain alcohol or are harsh, as these products may exacerbate** inflammation.
Studies have shown that foods high in sugar may exacerbate acne problems. A low-sugar, high-fiber diet is recommended. Eating more vegetables, whole grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, can help regulate hormone levels and reduce acne.
Moderate physical activity can help reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote good health. When exercising, remember to keep **clean** and take a shower in time after exercising to reduce the irritation of sweat and sebum.
Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep not only affects hormone balance, but also exacerbates the problem.
While tempting, squeezing pimples by hand can worsen the situation. This behavior can lead to the spread of bacteria, increase the risk of inflammation and infection, and even lead to permanent scarring. If the acne is very troublesome, it is recommended to consult a **doctor and seek a professional **method**.
If you're used to makeup, it's important to choose makeup that isn't oily and non-comedogenic. These products do not clog pores and reduce the likelihood of acne occurring. At the same time, make sure to remove makeup thoroughly every day to avoid the burden of makeup residues.
Adequate hydration is very important for good health. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day can help flush out toxins from the body and keep you clean and healthy. Certain trace elements and vitamins, such as zinc, vitamins A, E and C, are particularly important for health. They can be ingested through diet or supplemented in moderation under the guidance of a doctor.