Menstrual disorders refer to health conditions that affect a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. From heavy periods to irregular periods, women can experience many different gynecologic issues relating to their monthly cycle. Doctors treat or manage menstrual disorders based on the cause and the symptoms being experienced.
Types Of Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders are categorized into four main types. These include:
- Amenorrhea – this is the absence of periods. Amenorrhea occurs when a female does not experience a period by age 16, or when a woman does not get her period for at least three months.
- Oligomenorrhea – this term refers to infrequent menstrual periods.
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – This is heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting/bleeding that occurs between periods.
- Dysmenorrhea – This refers to painful periods, including severe menstrual cramps. Dysmenorrhea may cause other symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting and lower back pain.
Common Causes Of Menstrual Disorders
Many conditions can cause menstrual disorders. For example, oligomenorrhea can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine disease, premature ovarian failure or other hormone imbalances. Abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea can be caused by polyps, fibroids, infection, endometriosis, miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Managing & Treating Menstrual Disorders
Treatment of a menstrual disorder is based on the type of condition and its symptoms. Lifestyle changes may resolve the problem if stress, weight or excessive exercise are thought to be causing the disorder. The use of oral contraceptives or hormone therapy may be recommended to women who experience infrequent menstruation.
Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding may include hormone therapy, endometrial ablation, dilation and curettage (D&C) or hysteroscopic procedures to remove polyps that may be causing symptoms.
Treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. Oral contraceptives, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may be sufficient in relieving mild cases. If the pain is caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids, non-surgical or minimally-invasive procedures may be recommended.
Your doctor may recommend other treatments to reduce or relieve your symptoms, such as diuretics, hormone supplements, prostaglandin inhibitors, vitamin or mineral supplements, antidepressants, dietary modifications or regular exercise.
Learn More By Contacting Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness
Menstrual disorders can be uncomfortable and disrupt a woman’s life. It is not always clear what is causing a menstrual cycle problem, but treatments may be recommended to help relieve symptoms. If you are experiencing menstrual problems, contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment options.