Menstrual Disorders
What are the different types of menstrual disorders?
There are numerous types of menstrual disorders:
Disorders of cycle length:
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
- Oligomennorrhea (menstrual cycles that happen more than 35 days apart.
Disorders of flow:
- Hypomenorrhea (light flow during periods).
- Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding or prolonged cycles).
- Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding in between periods).
Other menstrual disorders:
- Dysmenorrhea (painful cramps during menstruation).
What are the symptoms of menstrual disorders?
Amenorrhea
- Absence of period (not including pre-pubescence, post-menopause)
Dysmenorrhea
- Extremely painful and persistent menstrual cramps.
- Pain can be sharp, dull or aching in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Menorrhagia
- A type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
- Periods can last longer, for more than 10 days.
What causes menstrual disorders?
Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea
- Weight loss
- Delayed puberty
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Stress
Menorrhagia and irregular bleeding
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Contraceptive medication
- Cancer
Dysmenorrhea
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids or the intrauterine uterine device (IUD).