Reproductive Health Of Tribal Women

                     Menstrual Cramps Problems of Sikkim Women

Prevalence and Impact:

Hih Incidence Among Young Women: A study focusing on Bhutia women in Gangtok, Sikkim, found that 79% of 18-year-old girls experienced menstrual pain, with 21% reporting that the pain was severe enough to cause them to stay home from school or work. 

Commonality Across Populations: Globally, menstrual pain affects a significant portion of women. For instance, a study reported that 84.1% of women experience menstrual pain, with 43.1% reporting that pain occurs during every period. 

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: The Bhutia women in Gangtok exhibited highly variable menstrual cycles, with many experiencing more than one short or long menstrual cycle. This irregularity can contribute to increased menstrual discomfort. 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A study on Nepali adolescent girls in Sikkim found that 85.8% experienced PMS symptoms such as breast soreness, leg cramps, mood swings, and back pain, which can exacerbate menstrual discomfort. 

Initiatives and Support:

Menstrual Leave Policies: The Sikkim High Court has introduced a menstrual leave policy, allowing female employees to avail 2-3 days of leave each month. This progressive step acknowledges the impact of menstrual health on women's productivity and well-being. 

Menstrual Hygiene Facilities: To promote menstrual hygiene, period-friendly toilet facilities have been inaugurated in schools, such as the PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School in Dikling. This initiative aims to provide a comfortable environment for menstruating students.

Traditional Remedies and Home Practices:

Herbal Remedies:

Many women in Sikkim use herbal remedies that are believed to alleviate menstrual cramps. Common herbs include:

Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is often used in teas or consumed raw to relieve pain and reduce menstrual discomfort.

Turmeric: Turmeric is traditionally used to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, helping to ease cramps.

Fennel Seeds: Fennel is used as a remedy to reduce bloating and cramps during menstruation, and it is commonly consumed in the form of tea.

Cinnamon: A warm drink made with cinnamon is believed to relieve cramps by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Warm Compresses and Heating Pads:

A common practice among Sikkim women involves using hot water bottles, heating pads, or cloths soaked in warm water to apply to the lower abdomen. Heat helps relax the muscles in the pelvic area and eases cramping.

In some rural areas, women may use heated stones wrapped in cloth or traditional methods like heating mustard seeds or salt and applying them to the abdomen for relief.

Massage and Abdominal Pressure:

Gentle massage of the abdomen with warm oil, such as sesame oil, is used to alleviate pain. This method is believed to stimulate circulation and reduce muscle tension.

Some women use acupressure or pressure on specific points of the body, such as the lower abdomen or wrist, to relieve cramps.

Dietary Modifications and Supplements:

Nutritional Support:

Women in Sikkim are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, as nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate menstrual cramps. Key nutrients include:

Calcium: Helps reduce muscle contractions and alleviate pain. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are excellent sources.

Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and reduces cramping. Magnesium-rich foods include nuts, seeds, legumes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin D: Plays a role in reducing pain perception. Exposure to sunlight and foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk help increase vitamin D intake.

Iron and Folic Acid Supplements:

Given the prevalence of anemia among women, iron and folic acid supplementation is common. These supplements help combat fatigue and weakness during menstruation, which can worsen the experience of menstrual pain.

Herbal Teas:

Herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint are consumed to soothe the body and alleviate menstrual cramps. These herbs are known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Access to Sanitary Products:

Sikkim has made efforts to ensure that menstrual hygiene products, like sanitary napkins, are available at affordable prices. This is particularly important for women in rural areas who may have limited access to such products. Local NGOs and the government have initiated programs to distribute sanitary products and educate women on their proper use.

Conclusion:

The management of menstrual cramps in Sikkim is shaped by a combination of traditional knowledge, modern medical treatments, and community-based support. Women in Sikkim utilize a range of remedies, from herbal teas and home practices to over-the-counter medications and hormonal treatments, to address the physical discomfort of menstrual cramps. Community initiatives and government policies that promote awareness, provide menstrual leave, and improve access to healthcare are essential in improving women's menstrual health. By integrating traditional and modern approaches, Sikkim is fostering a more comprehensive approach to managing menstrual health and supporting women's well-being.