Menstrual disorders
Menstrual disorders refer to any abnormal or irregular changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles typically occur every 21 to 35 days and last for 2 to 7 days, but variations can be considered normal. However, when there are significant deviations from the regular pattern, it may indicate a menstrual disorder. Here are some common menstrual disorders:
Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age. It can be primary (when a girl hasn’t started her periods by the age of 16) or secondary (when a woman who previously had regular periods stops menstruating for more than three months). Causes may include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, excessive exercise, or certain medications.
Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods. Primary dysmenorrhea is common and usually starts during adolescence, while secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Symptoms include cramping pain in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.
Menorrhagia: Menorrhagia is characterized by abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, or bleeding disorders. Women with menorrhagia often experience excessive bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons quickly, may need to change protection frequently, and may have blood clots.
Oligomenorrhea: Oligomenorrhea is a condition in which the menstrual cycle is consistently longer than 35 days, or periods occur infrequently. It can be due to hormonal imbalances, PCOS, thyroid disorders, excessive exercise, or stress.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): PMS refers to a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation. Common symptoms include mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and food cravings. While mild PMS is common, severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life may indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): POI occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. It can result in irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and infertility. Causes may include autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, or certain medical treatments.