A Comprehensive Guide to Menstrual Disorder

Complications of menstruation can have many causes, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the female reproductive system, certain medications, and medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Some common types of menstrual diseases include:

• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods disorder),
• Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding),
• Amenorrhea (absence of period diseases),
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS or Pre Menstrual Disorder)

which can cause physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms before the menstrual period.

The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in women of reproductive age, typically between the ages of 11-50 years. It is a series of physiological changes in the female reproductive system in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, produced by the ovaries. The cycle is divided into three phases:

• Follicular Phase: This phase begins on the very first day of menstruation when the uterus sheds its lining and lasts approximately 14 days. During this time, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the development of an egg in one of the ovaries.
• Ovulatory Phase: Around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, the egg is released from the ovary in a process called ovulation. This is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), also produced by the pituitary gland.
• Luteal Phase: After ovulation, the empty follicle in the ovary develops into a gland called the corpus luteum. It produces progesterone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the lining. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum shrinks, progesterone levels drop, and the menstrual cycle begins again.

The menstrual cycle typically lasts 28 days but can vary between 21-35 days. It can also be influenced by stress, illness, and hormonal imbalances. Keeping track of the menstrual cycle can help women identify irregularities and seek appropriate medical care.

Typical Menstrual Cycle

A typical menstrual cycle is a series of physiological changes that occur in the female reproductive system over the course of a month. The menstrual cycle prepares the body for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy does not happen, the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in menstruation.

A typical menstrual cycle is usually 28 days long, but it can range from 21 to 35 days. It is divided into three phases, that are: the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase, which are defined in the previous section.

Various factors, such as stress, illness, and hormonal imbalances, can influence the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle. Keeping track of the menstrual cycle can help women identify irregularities and seek appropriate medical care.

• Menarche: Menarche refers to a woman’s first menstrual period, typically between 11-14. Various factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and body weight, influence the onset of menarche.
• Monthly cycle length: The menstrual cycle length varies from woman to woman, but it is typically 28 days long. However, it can range from 21-35 days. The menstrual cycle length is determined by the time between the first day of a period and to the first day of the next period.
• Period duration: Menstrual bleeding is usually 3-7 days but can range from 2-8 days. The amount of blood lost during menstruation also varies from woman to woman but is typically between 20-60 milliliters per cycle.
• Normal absence of menstruation: The lack of menstruation can occur for various reasons, such as pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal imbalances. However, in some cases, the absence of menstruation can signify a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. Suppose a woman misses three or more periods in a row. In that case, she should consult a healthcare provider to rule out any of the underlying medical conditions.

There are several causes of menstrual disorders, which can affect the frequency, duration, and amount of menstrual bleeding. Some of the common causes of menstrual disorders include:

• Hormonal imbalances: These can occur for various reasons, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. These imbalances can cause irregular menstrual cycles and heavy bleeding.
• Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the female reproductive system, such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis, can cause heavy bleeding, cramping, and pain.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners or hormonal contraceptives, can cause changes in menstrual bleeding.
• Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as stress, excessive exercise, and rapid weight loss or gain, can also affect menstrual bleeding.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as anemia, bleeding disorders, or liver or kidney disease, can cause an abnormal menstrual cycle.
• Cancer: In rare cases, cancer of the uterus or cervix can cause abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Women need to consult a healthcare provider if they experience changes in their menstrual bleeding, as it could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.

Menstrual disorders can cause a range of signs and symptoms, which can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Some of the prime signs and symptoms of menstruation disorders include:

• Abnormal bleeding: This includes heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, or bleeding between periods.
• Painful menstruation: Menstrual disorders can cause pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or abdomen. This can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some women may experience nausea and vomiting during their periods, particularly if they have heavy bleeding or severe cramping.
• Fatigue: Heavy bleeding and pain can cause fatigue and exhaustion.
• Headaches: Some women may experience headaches during their periods.
• Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or menstrual depression disorder.
• Changes in bowel habits: Menstrual disorders, such as diarrhea or constipation, can cause changes in bowel habits.
• Difficulty getting pregnant: Women with menstrual disorders may have trouble getting pregnant, as irregular periods can make it harder to predict ovulation.

The diagnosis of pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to find the list of menstrual problems. Here are some common ways to diagnose menstrual disorders:

• Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask about the woman’s menstrual cycle, including the length and regularity of period problems, changes in bleeding patterns, and any other present symptoms.
• Physical examination: The healthcare provider will carry out a physical analysis, including a pelvic exam, to check for any abnormalities or signs of infection.
• Blood tests: can help diagnose hormonal imbalances, anemia, or other underlying medical conditions.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can help identify structural abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis.
• Biopsy: It involves taking a small tissue sample from the uterus lining to check for abnormal cells or signs of cancer.
• Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may be used to identify structural abnormalities in the female parts of the reproductive system.

Treatment options for menstrual disorders depend on the underlying cause and can include medications, hormonal therapies, and surgical procedures.

The treatment for menstrual disorders depends on the underlying cause, the severity of the symptoms, and the woman’s preferences and goals for treatment. Here are some common treatment options for menstrual disorders:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): They can help relieve much of the pain and also reduce heavy bleeding.
• Hormonal therapies: Examples such as birth control pills, hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), or hormone replacement therapy can help in regulating the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
• Progestin therapy: Progestin is a hormone that can help reduce heavy bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications can help stop menstrual bleeding temporarily and can be useful for treating conditions such as endometriosis.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to treat menstrual disorders. Techniques such as endometrial ablation, myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids), or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise can help improve menstrual regularity and reduce symptoms.

Women need to consult a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and to develop a treatment plan that meets their individual needs and preferences. Treatment can also help improve the quality of life and prevent complications associated with menstrual disorders.

While self-treatment is not a substitute for medical care, there are several things women with menstrual disorders can do to take care of themselves and manage their symptoms. Here are some self-care strategies that may be helpful:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications, which include ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve menstrual cramps and other types of pain.
• Heat therapy: Applying heat, such as a heating pad or hot water bottle, to the abdomen or lower back can help reduce pain and discomfort.
• Relaxation techniques: Practicing multiple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, followed by meditation, or yoga, can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce menstrual symptoms and improve mood. Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, may be particularly helpful.
• Healthy diet: Eating a rather healthy, balanced diet can help reduce inflammation, improve hormonal balance, and relieve symptoms of menstrual disorders. This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Tracking the menstrual cycle: Keeping track of the menstrual cycle, including the length and severity of bleeding, can help women identify patterns and anticipate when symptoms may occur.

Women with menstrual disorders need to consult a healthcare provider about developing a treatment plan that meets their needs and preferences. However, self-care strategies can be used with medical treatment to help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being.

Ongo Care is an online health service provider that offers various healthcare services to individuals. If you are experiencing menstrual disorders and need medical help, here are some ways Ongo Care may be able to assist you:

• Virtual consultation: Ongo Care provides virtual consultations with healthcare providers, allowing you to receive medical advice and treatment recommendations from your home.
• Medical testing: Ongo Care offers at-home medical testing kits to help diagnose underlying conditions contributing to menstrual disorders, such as hormonal imbalances or infections.
• Prescription delivery: Ongo Care can deliver prescription medications directly to your door, allowing you to receive treatment quickly and conveniently.
• Referral to specialists: If necessary, Ongo Care can refer you to specialists, such as gynecologists, who can provide additional medical care and treatment.
• Support and resources: Ongo Care provides support and resources for individuals experiencing menstrual disorders, including information on self-care strategies, lifestyle modifications, and coping techniques.

It is very important to consult a healthcare provider if you are experiencing menstrual disorders. Ongo Care may be able to assist you in receiving the medical care and support you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions