Each menstrual cycle, the endometrium prepares to nourish a fetus. In the absence of fertilization, the body sheds the endometrium every month. This cycle can be irregular, indicating any of the following menstrual disorders:
Types of Menstrual Disorders
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Amenorrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Menorrhagia
Premenstrual Syndrome(PMS)
PMS is an unpleasant or inconvenient symptom that occurs during your cycle. Symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, and the severity varies between individuals.
PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects between 3% and 8% of women of reproductive age. PMDD requires medical attention. During their reproductive years, nearly 85% of women experience at least one PMS symptom, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Approximately 5% have severe symptoms that render them disabled.
PMS Symptoms
PMS symptoms can include any of the following, depending on the individual:
- Mood swings (depression, anxiety, irritability)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating)
- Hydration (swelling of fingers, ankles, and feet)
- Skin problems (acne)
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Fainting
- Muscle spasms
- Heart palpitations
- Allergies
- Infections
- Vision problems
- Eye infections
- Decreased coordination
- Diminished libido (sex drive)
- Changes in appetite
- Hot flashes
Simple lifestyle changes can help eliminate or reduce symptoms like:
- 3–5 times per week exercise
- Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, and fruit while limiting salt, sugar, and alcohol intake
- A good night’s sleep
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a three-month menstrual period. There are two types:
Types of Amenorrhea
- Primary amenorrhea: Menstruation precedes puberty.
- Secondary amenorrhea: Minor periods that are irregular or nonexistent. This could be physical.
Amenorrhea can be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. Medication or a medical condition like:
- Ovulation abnormality
- Medical disease, anatomical anomaly, or birth flaw
- Eating disorder
- Obesity
- Excessive or strenuous exercise
- Thyroid disorder
See a doctor if you miss three consecutive periods or have never had a period and are 16 or older. Any condition requires early diagnosis and treatment.
Dysmenorrhea
Menstrual cramps and pain are defined as dysmenorrhea. Primary or secondary dysmenorrhea has different causes. A chemical imbalance causes abnormal uterine contractions in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by endometriosis.
Dysmenorrhea Symptoms
The most common symptoms may include:
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- uterine fibroids
- abnormal pregnancy (i.e., miscarriage, ectopic)
- infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity
Women with the following conditions are more prone to dysmenorrhea:
- Smokers
- Those who drink too much during their period
- Overweight women
- Menstruating women under the age of 11
The most common symptoms may include:
- Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
- Back and leg pain radiating into the butt and the lower legs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Headaches
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, severe bleeding disrupts daily activities.
Other types of dysfunctional uterine bleeding include:
- Polymenorrhea: Menstruation too frequently.
- Oligomenorrhea: Irregular or light cycles
- Metrorrhagia: Any irregular, non-menstrual bleeding such as bleeding between periods
- Postmenopausal bleeding: Any bleeding occurs more than a year after the last menstrual period.
Menorrhagia Causes
Menorrhagia can be caused by:
- Hormonal discord
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Uterine fibroids
- Abnormal pregnancy; i.e., miscarriage, ectopic (tubal pregnancy)
- Any kind of pelvic cavity tumours, growths, or infections
- Intrauterine devices, among other forms of birth control (IUDs)
- Bleeding or platelet disorders
- Prostaglandins abound (chemical substances used to control muscle contractions of the uterus)
- Endothelin levels high (chemical substances used to dilate blood vessels)
- Hepatitis, kidney, thyroid
Menorrhagia Symptoms
Menorrhagia Symptoms include soaking through sanitary napkins or tampons every hour and/or a menstrual period lasting longer than 7 days. Other symptoms include spotting or bleeding between periods or during pregnancy.
A diagnosis is only confirmed when other menstrual disorders, medical conditions, or medications are ruled out as causes or aggravating factors.
Other diagnostic procedures may include:
- Blood tests
- Pap test
- Ultrasound: A method of imaging the pelvic organs using high-frequency sound waves.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It uses large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to create detailed images of the reproductive organs.
- Laparoscopy: A laparoscope is inserted into an abdominal wall incision. The laparoscope frequently detects abnormal growths in the pelvis and abdomen.
- Hysteroscopy: Examination of the cervix canal and the uterine interior.
- Biopsy (endometrial): It is performed to check for cancer or other abnormal cells in endometrium tissue samples taken with a needle or surgically removed.
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): Enlarging the cervical canal and scraping the uterine cavity with a curette, a spoon-shaped surgical tool, is called dissection.
To rule out other conditions, your doctor may suggest a psychiatric evaluation or ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms.
Your doctor will devise a treatment plan based on factors such as:
- Age, health, and medical history
- The extent of the problem
- Causes of the condition
- Current Symptoms
- Your Medication, procedure, or therapy tolerance
Treatments for menstrual disorders
Discussing your symptoms with your doctor can help determine the best treatments for you, including:
- Diuretics
- Anti-prostaglandins
- Hormone boosters
- Oral conceiving
- Tranquilizers
- Dietary supplements
- Dietary changes
- Antidepressants
- Regular exercise
- Surgery
schedule an appointment for a pelvic exam or Pap test to learn more about menstrual disorders.