Everything To Know About Menstrual Disorders

Do you know that the prevalence of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) varies between 16% and 91% among women of reproductive age? If you’re experiencing period pain, then you’re not alone. Menstrual cycle by default comes with some common health concerns like pain, bloating, cramps, irregularities, and stress. 

If you experience a constant struggle with your periods, usually to the point where it’s interfering with your daily life, then it’s a sign that you are dealing with a menstrual disorder. Let’s see what menstrual disorders are, the causes, how to handle them, and when to treat them with medical help. 

What are Some Common Menstrual Disorders?

1. 1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

PCOS is a hormonal condition considered a menstrual cycle disorder that interferes with ovulation and causes missed or irregular periods.

• It leads to high levels of androgens, which are male hormones associated with symptoms such as acne, male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), and hair thinning.
• And many women with PCOS experience unexplained weight gain—or difficulty losing weight often related to insulin resistance.
• Additionally, it results in ovarian cysts that are evident on ultrasound.
• Long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility can all be made more likely by PCOS. 
• Usually, hormonal birth control, lifestyle modifications, or drugs that control insulin and ovulation are used to treat PCOS.
  
  

1. 2. Dysmenorrhea:

Dysmenorrhea is a scientific name for severely painful periods. This includes painful menstrual cramps during your period which often disrupt your life. 

• There are two types of Dysmenorrhea: 

- Primary dysmenorrhea leads to no underlying condition and often begins in adolescence. Some risk factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea include smoking, stress, a family history of painful periods, and living with a higher body mass index (BMI).
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is a serious condition with symptoms such as severe period pain, heavier menstrual bleeding, pain during or after sex, and pain before the period. It may be associated with conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

• Painkillers (OTC) and home remedies can relieve this but severe dysmenorrhea may not always be cured with these approaches. 

1. 3. Menorrhagia:

When you are bleeding excessively enough to soak through period underwear, pads, or tampons within an hour or two for several hours in a row– it’s a sign of menorrhagia. The symptoms of this condition are:
- Bleeding lasts more than the usual time (> 8 days) in every period.
- This heavy bleeding can also involve passing large blood clots.
- Anemia that results in fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and kidney or liver disease.

• Menorrhagia is caused due to conditions such as hormonal imbalances, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or bleeding disorders. 
• If you experience heavy bleeding more often than not, visit your doctor for further discussions.
  
  

1. 4. Oligomenorrhea:

Irregular periods are common but when you’re getting your period for more than 35 days apart, then it’s a sign of oligomenorrhea, one of the disorders in menstrual cycle disorder. This condition can be caused due to:
- Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and hyperprolactinemia–which is a rise in high prolactin levels that suppress ovulation.
- Lifestyle factors such as sudden weight loss, excessive exercise, or stress.
- Medical conditions such as eating disorders, chronic diseases, or premature ovarian insufficiency.
- Natural causes such as adolescence–irregular periods are common for a few years after menarche, and perimenopause–hormonal fluctuation before menopause.

• Not every irregular period is an oligomenorrhea, but if that happens constantly in a row, then, consider talking to the doctor. 
• If the condition goes untreated, the irregular or absent periods may impact fertility and overall reproductive health. 
  
  

1. 5. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

• PMDD (menstrual cycle disorder) is a severe form of  Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that can significantly interfere with daily life activities. 
• This menstrual disorder involves more intense emotional symptoms such as severe mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating on anything. 
• PMDD usually requires medical treatment, such as lifestyle adjustments, hormonal therapy, or taking antidepressants, as per severeness.
  
  

1. 6. Endometriosis:

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This condition can cause:
- Intense pelvic pain, especially during menstruation or sex.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
-Gastro issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation during periods.
- It may also contribute to infertility because endometriosis can inhibit ovulation or injure reproductive organs.

• If left untreated, endometriosis can progress, and it needs to be treated with medical intervention, including hormonal therapies, pain management, or surgery.

How to Manage Menstrual Disorders?

Studies show that around 79.9% of women with severe menstrual symptoms benefit from a combination of lifestyle adjustments such as diet modifications, exercise, and rest, underscoring the importance of personalized care. Tackling root causes like hormonal imbalances, often yield better results in managing menstrual disorders. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. 1. Pain Relief:

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are examples of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that can assist relieve menstrual cramping pain. 
• Heating pads or warm compresses might help ease discomfort in the abdomen.
  
  

1. 2. Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Altering your lifestyle by eating a well-balanced, iron-rich diet is the best way to manage menstrual disorders. 
• To reduce the symptoms of any menstrual disorder, try doing low-impact activities like yoga or walking and using stress-reduction strategies like meditation.
  
  

1. 3. Medications and Hormonal Therapy:

• Birth control tablets or hormonal IUDs are hormonal therapies that can be used for more serious conditions such as PMDD, secondary dysmenorrhea, and the aforementioned to reduce excessive bleeding or pain.
• It lessens discomfort, controls severe bleeding, and regulates periods. 
  
  

1. 4. Alternative Therapies:

• Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies can help provide additional relief from cramps but only when guided by certified practitioners or your doctor.
  
  

1. 5. Surgical Intervention:

• As directed by the doctor, surgical procedures may be required for severe cases like uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

When to Consult a Gynecologist?

Consider taking your gynecologist's opinion if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below because prevention is better than cure. 

• When your periods last over 7 days or soak through a pad/tampon every hour.
• When there is severe pain unrelieved by medication.
• When you miss your periods for over three months, and it is not due to pregnancy.
• When you experience unexplained mood swings or depression symptoms during or before periods.
• When you feel there are unusual changes in your menstrual cycle frequency, duration, or flow.
  
  

Putting Your Menstrual Health First

It is evidently stated that period pain is normal and severe pain needs medication or doctor consultation. Don’t worry if you experience heavy flow or late periods occasionally, that’s how hormones work. 

Whereas menstrual disorders are more common and a part of menstruation. If you think you’re struggling with them, it’s not a sign of weakness. If you suspect something is amiss with your cycle, don’t ignore the signs. Proper diagnosis and timely intervention can make all the difference. Remember, a healthy period is a cornerstone of overall well-being.


Sources :
Medical News Today - Common menstrual problems and how to manage them
Kids health - Irregular Periods 
Mount Sinai - Menstrual disorders
NCBI - Prevalence of menstrual pain in young women: what is dysmenorrhea? 
Healthline - Menstrual problems 
NIH - Period Problems