the first moon diary: take control of your first menstrual cycles

"Adolescence has always been a time of possible turmoil and uncertainty. But now, more than ever young people are bombarded with a plethora of sophisticated media images, ideas and influences from which they have to select their route forward to adulthood.

The first moon diary is an innovative idea that recognises the need for adolescent girls to start to take control of their lives. The first moon diary provides a practical and private means to enable girls to come to have much greater understanding of their changing bodies and positively manage their transition from child to young woman.

“Many people experience physical or emotional symptoms which produce discomfort and distress and may lead to consultation with their doctor. One of the main tasks of the doctor is to attempt to make sense of the symptoms, attempt to establish a diagnosis and provide advice about management.

But doctors are often limited in their ability to provide answers: one reason for this is that the causes of many disorders are diverse and multiple and are influenced by many factors such as diet, lifestyle, stress, occupational and interpersonal difficulties. Not all doctors are able to consider these when interviewing patients, and as a consequence may not be able to provide satisfactory explanations for the patient’s symptom experience.

Interactive symptom monitoring diaries allow the patient to explore the associations between their personal experience of physical symptoms and other factors in their life over a period of time. These diaries are well suited to investigating links between physical symptoms and a host of variables, including daily setbacks, symptom-related thoughts, the impact of physical exercise and low mood. Another major benefit is that they allow the patient to observe the impact of various treatment interventions and/or life events on the course and outcome of specific symptoms, and to identify trends that can be useful and lead to potential changes. They have the capacity to offer a unique insight into the processes of symptoms experience, and armed with this knowledge patients who use these self monitoring diaries should be able to develop a greater sense of mastery and control of not only their symptoms but also their lives.”

Hormone related health problems are the most common recurrent health issue for many women. Furthermore, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are conditions that can have a profound effect upon women's confidence and relationships and can disrupt their personal, social and professional lives.

There is no single test for these conditions and because the degree and type of symptomatology can vary significantly from woman to woman I have always advocated the use of a daily symptom diary for up to three months to help with the diagnosis. With any menstrual disorder the degree of symptom severity and variation is very difficult to recall accurately and a daily symptom diary can give a clear and accurate picture.

The blue moons diary enables women to better understand the relationship between their symptoms and various lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and stress. A journal section also allows the recording of thoughts and emotions - factors known to play a key role in affecting menstrual disorders.

The diary's symptom chart can be read by women, their doctor or nurse and it will make both diagnosis and ongoing management of their condition much easier.

Some women with premenstrual syndrome find that charting their symptoms allows them to regain control of their lives and occasionally, is sufficiently therapeutic to avoid the need for medical intervention.

Because of the complex nature of hormone related health issues I often delay treatment for up to three months and ask women to chart their symptoms. I would be delighted if every woman came to my clinic with one of these diaries.

the hot flush diary: take control of your menopause

“One way or another, menopause affects not only every woman the world over, but also her family. It is vital that women have access to accurate information and advice to support them, and their families, through the menopausal transition and beyond.

Although advice is frequently given on Hormone Replacement Therapy, Alternative therapies and non-hormonal prescribed options, what is frequently overlooked is the extremely important part played by diet and lifestyles and indeed, by changes that women can make themselves.

Since the hormone changes of the menopause and response to treatment affect every woman differently, women should be encouraged to take an active part in understanding how their body is changing, what they are affected by and how they can manage their menopause. This should start with a review of diet and lifestyle factors, gaining an understanding of the changes taking place and particularly learning about association between certain activities, food types and symptoms.

This book provides the tool that has been missing - the facility for women to journal their feelings and symptoms and to learn about their body and about what actions can be taken to help. Especially in the early menopausal phases, women are often asked to keep a diary of symptoms and period patterns but until now purpose designed diaries have been lacking. This easy to use book will undoubtedly help not only women, since writing down helps us to focus on the issues and facilitates understanding and action, but will also help doctors and nurses to advise further using the clear documentation that this provides.