Menstrual Disorders

There are a number of different menstrual disorders, from the short minor menstrual problem to the more prolonged menstruation problems to serious illnesses. This list of menstrual disorders will help you identify different menstrual cycle disorders of varying degrees.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the name for painful menstrual cramps. There are two types of dysmenorrheal, primary dysmenorrheal and secondary dysmenorrheal. Primary dysmenorrheal is period pain

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic problem in menstruating women. It is defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring at the onset of menstruation in the absence of identifiable pelvic disease. It must be distinguished from secondary dysmenorrhea, which refers to painful menses resulting from pelvic pathology such as endometriosis.

Prevalence rates are up to 90%. Several risk factors are associated with more severe episodes of dysmenorrhea: earlier age at menarche, long menstrual periods, smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption. Attempting to lose weight is also associated with increased menstrual pain. Physical activity is not associated with pain characteristics. The widely held view that menstrual pain diminishes after childbearing are inconsistent is not supported by studies.

Secondary dysmenorrheal is pain that occurs as a result of excess prostaglandins, excessive uterine contractions or any other disease.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea, primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the condition where a woman has never had a period. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods for at least six months. Secondary amenorrhea is often due to pregnancy.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia is also known as hyper menorrhea. Menorrhagia does not refer to normal heavy menstrual bleeding. It only refers to very heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than seven days. Menorrhagia can also be accompanied by menstrual bleeding that includes large blood clots. It is most frequently caused by a hormonal imbalance or uterine fibroids.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus. Usually, endometrial cancer is accompanied by unusual bleeding from the vagina. It is a serious illness, but can usually be treated successfully if it is caught early enough. It is most common is women over 50 years old or in women who have had high levels of estrogen.

Fibroids

Fibroids are growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. They come in varying sizes and can be tiny or large. Some women do not have any symptoms with fibroids. Other women can experience heavy bleeding and longer periods than usual. Fibroids can also cause pain in the lower pelvic area, pain during sexual intercourse, a constant need to urinate, pressure in the bowel and constipation. Women who are aged over 35 or who have had multiple pregnancies are at a greater risk of fibroids.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) is an infection that occurs in some part of the female reproductive organs. One of the symptoms of PID is a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. It may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual periods or pain during sex. The most common cause for PID is by coming into contact with a sexually transmitted disease. PID is a serious illness that may damage the fallopian tubes and prevent future pregnancies.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is the name of the symptoms that may occur from seven to fourteen days before the period, sometimes continuing for some time after the period begins. Many women feel like degree of premenstrual syndrome. However, some women can have very severe pain or emotional problems during this stage of the menstruation cycle.

Diagnosis on Early Menstruation Problems

In order to diagnose menstrual problems doctors may need to conduct a series of examinations. These examinations may include a pelvic exam, a blood test and an ultrasound. Menstrual problems that have only occurred the one time or have not occurred for a long period of time may go undiagnosed until a later stage or until they become prolonged menstruation problems.

How to treat menstrual problems

The type of treatment recommended for menstrual problems will depend on the type of problems and the length of time that it has been a problem. For minor problems or problems that been experienced for less than six months, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and other self-help remedies. These remedies may include:

• Regular exercise;
• Eating a well-balanced diet;
• Including more iron, calcium and vitamin B in the diet (or taking supplements);
• Taking appropriate medication for pain relief;
• Using hot water bottles.

You can also try alternative treatments for menstrual problems. These alternative treatments may include:

• Taking a herbal supplement designed specifically for period problems;
• Taking chamomile or ginger tea for period pain;
• Taking antispasmodics like wild yam or motherwort;
• Rubbing lavender oil on the abdomen;
• Taking raspberry leaf tea;
• Taking a ginkgo supplement;
• Taking bach flower remedies that are designed for period problems;
• Having a massage;
• Taking acupuncture for menstrual disorders

• Anti-inflammatory medication to treat period pain;
• Hormone replacement therapy;
• Oral contraception to regulate periods.

If a serious illness is diagnosed, like fibroids or cancer, then surgery may need to be undertaken. Many menstrual problems are quite normal and nothing to be concerned about. Many factors can disturb or affect the menstruation cycle and early menstruation problems often occur as a result of the body getting used to menstruation. However, you should consult the doctor if you are concerned in any way, particularly if you experience lengthy periods, severe bleeding, blood clots or prolonged menstruation problems.

Source: Portal Content Team