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Read MoreMenstrual irregularities affect an estimated 14 to 25 percent of women and those assigned female at birth of childbearing age. Understanding symptoms, causes and treatment options is essential for managing your menstrual health and overall well-being.
What are Menstrual Disorders?
Menstrual disorders disrupt the normal cycle, affecting the frequency, duration, or intensity of periods and significantly impacting daily life. The cycle is regulated by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which control the growth and shedding of the uterine lining. Disorders can arise from hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in reproductive organs, or underlying medical conditions, leading to irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, or missed periods. Understanding these causes helps in recognizing and managing menstrual disorders.
There are several types of menstrual disorders, each with unique characteristics:
Amenorrhea:
This is the absence of menstruation. Primary amenorrhea refers to when a person has not started menstruating by age 16, and secondary amenorrhea refers to when someone who has had regular periods stops menstruating for three months or more.
Dysmenorrhea:
This condition involves painful periods, often characterized by severe cramps. Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain without an underlying health issue and secondary dysmenorrhea results from a medical condition such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Menorrhagia:
This condition involves excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. People with menorrhagia may bleed for more than seven days or lose more blood than is typical during their menstrual cycle.
Oligomenorrhea:
This condition refers to infrequent menstrual periods—fewer than six to eight in a year.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS):
PMS includes a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression that occur in the one to two weeks before menstruation.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD):
PMDD is a severe form of PMS, causing significant mood disturbances and physical symptoms that can interfere with daily activities and relationships.
What are the Symptoms of Menstrual Disorders?
Menstrual disorders can present a range of symptoms that affect the regularity, duration and intensity of your menstrual cycle. Common symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Pelvic pain
- Headaches
- Painful periods
- Irregular periods
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Acne or skin problems
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in appetite
- Uterine cramping
- Weight changes
- Light or infrequent periods
- Severe menstrual pain
- Sudden changes in menstrual flow
- Depression or mood swings
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
How are Menstrual Disorders Diagnosed?
Diagnosing menstrual disorders involves reviewing your medical history, a physical exam, and various tests. Your doctor will ask about your cycle and symptoms like pain or irregular bleeding and may perform a pelvic exam. Blood tests can assess hormone levels, while imaging, such as ultrasounds, examines the uterus and ovaries. Over-the-counter treatments may help conditions like PMS, but more complex disorders, like amenorrhea, might need advanced procedures, such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, for diagnosis and treatment.
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Menstrual Disorder Treatment Options
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce menstrual pain and inflammation and alleviate cramps.
Hormonal Therapy
Medications such as birth control pills, patches or intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms. Hormonal therapy can help manage heavy bleeding, painful periods and hormonal imbalances.
Surgical Intervention
Surgical options, like endometrial ablation, myomectomy or hysterectomy, may be considered for more severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective. These procedures remove or reduce problematic uterine tissue, fibroids or other abnormalities causing menstrual disorders.
Our Approach to Menstrual Disorder Treatment
At Inspira, we understand how menstrual disorders can affect your daily life. Our OB/GYNs take a personalized approach, ensuring each treatment plan targets your specific symptoms and needs. By combining advanced medical treatments with compassionate care, we strive to help you regain control over your menstrual health. Whether you're dealing with irregular periods, severe cramps or heavy bleeding, we’re at your side every step of the way with a treatment plan designed just for you.
