Menstrual disorders are problems related to a women’s menstrual cycle. You may have a menstrual disorder if your periods come too frequently (fewer than 21 days apart), not often enough (more than 3 months apart), or last longer than 10 days, and have associated symptoms that disrupt your daily life or affect your ability to become pregnant.
The most common menstrual disorders are:
This menstrual disorder, the absence of menstrual bleeding, is normal for women before puberty, after menopause, and during pregnancy. If you don’t fit into one of these categories, then you need to discuss this condition with your healthcare provider.
There are two types of amenorrhea, primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed if you have turned 16 and haven’t started to menstruate. Primary amenorrhea is usually caused by some problem in your endocrine system, which regulates your hormones. The condition may also be due to low body weight associated with an eating disorder, excessive exercise or medications.
Secondary amenorrhea is diagnosed if you had regular periods, but they suddenly stopped for 3 months or longer. Secondary amenorrhea is caused by problems that affect estrogen levels, such as stress, weight loss, exercise or illness. It can also be caused by problems that affect the pituitary gland, such as elevated levels of the hormone prolactin or thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for severe menstrual cramps. Many women experience menstrual cramps during their periods, but dysmenorrhea refers to especially painful and persistent cramps. Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions triggered by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are produced by the uterine lining cells and circulate in your bloodstream.
Some patients who experience severe menstrual cramps also have issues with diarrhea or an occasional feeling of faintness. This is because prostaglandins speed up contractions in your intestines, resulting in diarrhea, and lower your blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, leading to lightheadedness.
Menorrhagia is the medical term for menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. It can also be bleeding which is very heavy. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can significantly reduce the quality of your life and cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms.
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PMDD is a similar but more serious disorder than PMS (see section below). PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in a week or two before your period starts. Like PMS, researchers don’t know the direct cause for PMDD but hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle may play a role as well as a brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin levels change throughout the menstrual cycle, and some women may be more sensitive to these changes.
Physical symptoms include cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. Emotional symptoms may include
To be diagnosed with PMDD, you must have five or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom.
PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. Symptoms may include bloating, headaches, and moodiness. About 30 to 40 percent of women experience symptoms severe enough to disrupt their lifestyles.
Researchers don’t know the direct cause of PMS but believe that changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle may play a role.
There are a number of factors that can cause menstrual disorders including:
Symptoms of menstrual disorders may include:
During your appointment, your Women’s Health Specialist will ask you questions about your medical history and will conduct a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear.
Your doctor may also order additional diagnostic tests, such as
At the conclusion of your visit, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your menstrual cycles, including dates, amount of flow, pain and any other symptoms.
Your Women’s Health Specialist will determine the best treatment option for you depending on the cause of your menstrual disorder. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medical management, and surgery, including:
Dietary Changes. You may be advised to reduce salt, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake before your period to reduce cramping and other symptoms.
Medical Management. Pain relievers, either over-the-counter medications or prescription medications may be recommended for cramps. Hormonal contraceptives may also be prescribed to help reduce heavy bleeding and regulate, reduce or even eliminate menstrual periods.
Surgical Treatment. Surgical options may include
With the right treatment method, it is possible to relieve the symptoms of menstrual disorders and restore your body to a normal menstrual cycle and experience more freedom and happiness in your life. Contact WHS of Dallas at (214) 342-4421 to schedule an appointment or you may request an appointment online.
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