Menstruation:
The Last Taboo or The 5th Vital Sign?
Ever felt puzzled by the ebbs and flows of the menstrual cycle? This course cracks the case wide open, bringing you face-to-face with the intricate mysteries of hormones, cycle phases, and the impacts they have on physical and emotional well-being. Dive into the biological whodunnit as we explore the science behind periods, debunk myths, and learn how to track cycles with Sherlock-Holmes-level precision. In this course, we provide the magnifying glass to examine everything from PMS to fertility, cramps to contraceptive choices
By the end of our sleuthing together, you'll not only master the clues to understand menstrual health, but also gain practical & evidence based strategies for managing and embracing your cycle. This insight is a game-changer for working with women in their reproductive years, offering benefits from managing dysmennorhea or endometriosis associated pain to enhancing the pelvic health of female athletes in their reproductive years. For women's health pro's who want to empower & support the young women in their lives, understanding the signs and signals of menstrual health is a vital skill that pays dividends in empathy and wellness. So, gear up for a transformational journey into decoding one of nature's most complex processes and emerge as a confident menstrual detective.
What you will learn
When first mapping out this learning experience, I made sure to zero in on the essentials that you'd need to demystify menstrual health. This isn't just any course; it's a thoughtfully structured journey into understanding one of the body's most natural processes. It's designed to empower you with knowledge that's been distilled into digestible chunks, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Rest assured, as you navigate through each module, you'll find the evidence based content not only enlightening but also practical. You'll gain invaluable insights and tools that you can readily apply to daily life, transforming the way you approach menstrual health. It's structured to progressively build your confidence, ensuring that by the end of the course, you'll be well-equipped to empower, educate & advocate for better menstrual healthcare
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, attendees will:
- have completed a comprehensive review of the functional anatomy & physiology of the menstrual cycle, adding to their pattern recognition of abnormal menstrual cycles
- recognise the signs & symptoms of multiple menstrual related dysfunctions, including dysmennorhoea, endometriosis, REDs, HMB & PCOS
- understand the role of a whole person approach, including multimodal pelvic rehab, through a biopsychosocial lens for optimising menstrual health
- recognise the specific needs of the young/nulliparous female athlete in her reproductive years, with a focus on pelvic health (bladder, bowel, pelvic pain & sexual health)
- be aware of the signs of prevalent issues such as REDs and iron deficiency anaemia
- develop an appropriate treatment toolbox of skills, including manual therapy, movement prescription, lifestyle strategies & adjuncts including tens, period product selection & nutrition
- understand the various options for contraception & their implication for pelvic/whole person health
Curriculum
Your instructor
Michelle Lyons brings a wealth of expertise & experience to "The Menstrual Detective" course, rooted in her extensive background in physiotherapy and holistic women's health education. With a physiotherapy journey commencing at University College Dublin and branching out into areas including Health Coaching, Nutrition, Yoga, Pilates & Mindfulness as well as Integrative Herbal Medicine, Michelle's passion for empowering individuals through knowledge shines through in her approach to teaching, and augment her therapeutic interventions, creating a multifaceted educational environment.
Her reputation as a preeminent educator is fortified by her contributions to numerous international conferences and associations, underpinning her commitment to advancing women's health globally. Michelle's role in shaping policies and providing health consultations to high-profile organisations, such as FIFA, Sport Ireland, Bayer Medical & the European School of Oncology, showcases her dedication to the field. Students of the course can expect to engage with a mentor who is not only deeply knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about unraveling the complexities of menstrual health to improve wellbeing and foster a more informed society.
Education
Understanding Menstrual Cycles, what can go wrong & what we can do from a whole woman BPS approach
Evidence Based
Pelvic Rehab, Pelvic Health - the roles of manual therapy, movement & lifestyle. Understanding contraceptive choices & sexual health promotion
Empowering
What are the pelvic health challenges facing the young/nulliparous female athlete? Filling your assessment & treatment toolbox