The uterine lining (endometrium) prepares for fetal development with each menstrual cycle. The endometrium is discharged during the cycle, which usually lasts three to eight days if fertilization fails. Although each woman’s menstrual cycle is unique in terms of duration and intensity, it is abnormal when periods are excessively light, heavy, frequent, long, irregular, or continue after menopause.
Some causes of irregular periods aren’t as serious as others. The abnormality could be due to a variety of factors. Hormone-based birth control, infection of the uterus lining or cervix, STIs, blood clotting abnormalities, and other health issues are examples of these.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a disagreeable but usually normal condition of females during the menstrual cycle. The severity and diversity of symptoms vary from one woman to the next and symptoms can continue anywhere from a few hours to several days. The most common type of PMS is called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). About 5% of women of reproductive age are affected.
PMS can occur when progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. PMS can also be triggered by a woman’s genetic makeup. Women who suffer from PMS also have reduced serotonin levels.
During their reproductive years, 85 percent of women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, suffer at least one PMS symptom. The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms, which may differ from person to person:
- Lack of appetite
- Reduced desire for sex
- Acne, rosacea, and other skin problems
- Fainting
- Vertigo
- Depression, irritability, and anxiety
- Muscle spasms
- Allergies
- Retention of fluid (evidence from swelling of feet and fingers)
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Infections in the eyes and vision issues
The majority of PMS symptoms do not need medical intervention. The intensity of the symptoms can also be reduced or eliminated with simple lifestyle adjustments. It might include:
- Rest sufficiently
- At least 3 times a week of exercise.
- Keep a balanced diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and reduced caffeine, sugar, and alcohol content.
When do periods change to abnormal?
Four of the most common types of abnormal periods are listed below.
Dysmenorrhea (Excess Pain During Period)
Dysmenorrhea is a condition that is categorized by menstrual pain and menstrual cramps. Depending on the cause, the conditions can be defined as both primary and secondary. An individual is affected by abnormal UTIs due to a chemical imbalance for primary dysmenorrhea. Generally linked to medical issues is secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Some known causes involve abnormal pregnancy, uterine fibroids, inflammatory pelvic disease, and pelvic cavity tumors, or infections. In women who are smoking, obese, drinking exceedingly high alcohol in periods or beginning menstruation, the condition is most prevalent.
This condition’s main symptoms are:
- Lower back pain and pain in the legs
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lower abdomen pain or cramping
Menorrhagia & Polymenorrhea (Prolonged, Heavy Bleeding)
One of the most common types of menstrual bleeding is menorrhagia. Prolonged, severe bleeding characterizes the condition. For certain cases, basic everyday activities can be interrupted by bleeding. This disorder has different forms. Polymenorrhea (too frequent), postmenopausal (menstrual postmenopause periods), and menorrhagia (bleeding between periods) are most common.
Although there are several causes of menorrhagia, the following are the most common causes:
- Pelvic cavity tumors and infections
- Bleeding or platelet disorder
- Endothelin High Concentration
- Hormonal imbalance
- Uterine fibroids
- Other forms of abnormal pregnancy and Miscarriage
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
The primary symptoms of this disorder are that sanitary pads often need to be changed throughout the day or when the menstrual period lasts more than seven days. Spotting during pregnancy or between menstrual periods and bleeding are some of the common symptoms. Diagnostic methods such as blood testing, Pap testing, biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging, laparoscopic (a thin tube inserted in a stroke), ultrasound, and hysteroscopy can also be performed by your doctor.
To determine a treatment plan, the Specialist Gynecologist Doctors will take further factors into accounts, such as age, overall health, condition severity, and current symptoms, after diagnosis.
Hypomenorrhea (Extra Light Periods)
The opposite of menorrhagia is hypomenorrhea. Hypomenorrhea is a light-period disorder. It is often less than two days or less than 80 ml for menstruation. Using hormonal contraceptives such as oral contraceptives, IUDs or Depo-Provera® can result in this condition.
Additional reasons may include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Premature ovarian failure
- Intrauterine adhesions or Asherman’s syndrome
- Stress or Nervousness
- Low body fat
- Pregnancy
This condition is more prevalent just before menopause or puberty but can occur in every stage of a woman’s life. Ultrasonograms, blood tests, and other medical tests can be used to detect thickness and the causes of scanty flow to diagnose hypomenorrhea.
Amenorrhea (Absent Periods) [H5]
Characterized by more than three cycles of missing or missed periods, is a menstrual disorder that is called Amenorrhea. Two kinds of this disorder exist primary and secondary amenorrhoea. The menstruation did not begin at puberty with primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea is caused by an increasingly irregular or absent normal menstrual cycle. For different reasons, women may suffer from this condition, usually due to biological life changes such as breastfeeding, pregnancy, or menopause.
It can also be caused by medicines or by health problems such as:
- Birth defects
- Thyroid disorder
- Excessive exercise
- Obesity
- Ovulation abnormality
- Eating disorder
Early diagnosis and treatment will help to restore normal menstruation as with any menstrual disorder.
When to consult an Ob-Gyne Doctor Please contact your gynecologist in Abu Dhabi for a consultation if you have noticed any of the symptoms associated with these menstrual disorders. Call Wellness One Day Surgery Center today at (02)694-0000 to book an appointment, or send an email to Info@wellnesssurgery.ae.
