What are Menstrual Disorders?

Types of Menstrual Disorders

There are several types of menstrual disorders that women may experience. Each type presents unique symptoms and requires specific management strategies. Key menstrual disorders list includes:

• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstrual cramps.
• Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual periods.
• Polymenorrhea: Frequent menstrual periods.

Symptoms of Menstrual Disorders

Identifying menstrual disorders early can help manage symptoms effectively. Common menstrual disorders symptoms include:

• Irregular Periods: Periods that are inconsistent in length or timing.
• Heavy Bleeding: Excessive bleeding that can lead to anemia.
• Painful Periods: Severe cramping or pelvic pain.
• Absent Periods: Missed periods for several cycles.
• Spotting: Light bleeding or spotting between periods.

What are the Causes of Menstrual Disorders?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Symptoms include irritability, fatigue, cramps, chest pain, headache, back pain, acne, diarrhea, bloating, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, food cravings, and emotional mood swings. The symptoms of PMS can be different each month and different for each woman. Although PMS is uncomfortable, it is not a cause for concern. Symptoms usually disappear as soon as you menstruate.

Severe Periods:

In this condition, the bleeding is heavier than usual. You may also experience longer than average periods of 5-7 days. Heavy cycles are triggered mainly by hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen and progesterone. Changes in food or exercise, menstrual infections, hypothyroidism, fibroids, puberty, and cervix inflammation are among the other triggers.

Painful Periods:

Some physical aches and cramps occur frequently during the onset of your period. However, some women experience severe pain during their period. Pain during this time is typically the consequence of an underlying medical issue, such as pelvic inflammatory disorders, fibroids, or endometriosis.

Lack of Menstruation:

Sometimes, women do not menstruate. Amenorrhea is the term for this condition. There are primary and secondary forms of amenorrhea.

• Primary Amenorrhea: In cases where a 16-year-old girl does not get her first period, it is known as primary amenorrhea. This may be due to a problem with the pituitary gland, a congenital disability(Birth Defect) in the reproductive system, or postponement of puberty.
• Secondary Amenorrhea: If you miss your regular periods for six months or longer, this is known as secondary amenorrhea. The causes of secondary amenorrhea vary in adults and adolescents. In adolescent girls, it can be caused by sudden weight gain or loss, anorexia, suspension of birth control, ovarian cysts, pregnancy, or an overactive thyroid gland. In adults, it can be caused by pregnancy, premature ovarian failure, pelvic inflammatory disease, menopause, or interruption of birth control.

What is the Diagnosis of Menstrual Disorders?

A diagnosis can only be specific if the doctor has ruled out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, or medications that may cause or aggravate the condition. Other diagnostic procedures may include:

• Blood test
• PAP test

Ultrasound

An imaging technique that creates an image of the pelvic organs using high-frequency sound waves.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of the reproductive organs.

Laparoscopy

A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is placed in an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to view the pelvic and abdominal area, the doctor can detect abnormal growths.

Hysteroscopy

Visual examination of the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus using a hysteroscope inserted through the vagina.

Biopsy (endometrium)

Tissue samples are removed from the lining of the uterus with a needle or during surgery to look for cancer or other abnormal cells.

Dilution and Horting (D&C)

A typical gynecological operation involves widening the cervical canal with a dilator and scraping the uterine cavity with a curette, a spoon-shaped surgical instrument used to remove tissue.

Delayed Menstruation is Harmful?

Delayed menstruation, or late periods, can be caused by various factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, or underlying medical conditions.

While occasional irregularities in the menstrual cycle are common and often not harmful, persistent or significant delays may warrant medical attention to rule out any underlying issues. If you're experiencing prolonged delays in menstruation or have concerns about your menstrual health, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Treatment for Menstrual Disorders

Treatment depends on the cause of your irregular periods and may require treatment for an underlying medical condition. One or more of the following treatments may be suggested by your doctor:

• Oral contraceptives
• Hormonal spirals
• Thyroid medication
• Metformin
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Exercise
• Vitamin D supplements

Stress reduction techniques can also help, including:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Job cuts and other lawsuits

Menstrual cycles often cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that lead to menstruation. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) contains the most common problems, such as mild cramps and fatigue, but the symptoms usually disappear when you menstruate.

Prevention of Menstrual Disorders

• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising moderately and eating nutritious food. If you need to lose weight, do so gradually rather than using diets that drastically limit your calorie and food intake.
• Make sure you get enough rest.
• Practice relaxation and stress reduction techniques.
• If you are an athlete, you need to cut back on long or strenuous exercise routines. Excessive physical activity can result in irregular periods.
• Use birth control pills or other contraceptives as directed.
• Change your tampons or sanitary napkins approximately every four to six hours to prevent.
• Toxic shock syndrome and infections.
• See a doctor for regular checkups.