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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This condition refers to infrequent menstrual periods—fewer than six to eight in a year.
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.
PMDD is a severe form of PMS, causing significant mood disturbances and physical symptoms that can interfere with daily activities and relationships.
Menstrual disorders can present a range of symptoms that affect the regularity, duration and intensity of your menstrual cycle. Common symptoms may include:
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.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce menstrual pain and inflammation and alleviate cramps.
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 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.
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.
Many people experience some form of menstrual irregularity at some point in their lives. Conditions like dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia are common, and symptoms are often manageable with the right treatment plan.
Menstrual disorders may interfere with ovulation or create conditions that make it difficult for you to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have menstrual irregularities and are concerned about fertility .
While some discomfort during menstruation is normal, severe pain that interferes with daily activities is not. Intense menstrual pain can be a sign of underlying conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids. If you experience severe cramps or pain, talk to your doctor to explore the cause and get appropriate treatment.
Using heating pads on the lower abdomen, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and maintaining a balanced diet can all help relieve mild to moderate menstrual pain.
Calendars, journals or smartphone apps for menstrual health are great ways to track your cycle. Record your period start and end dates, the intensity and associated symptoms, and talk to your doctor if you notice any irregularities.
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