Menstrual disorders are conditions that affect the regularity, duration, and intensity of menstrual cycles. Here are five common menstrual disorders:
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Amenorrhea: This condition is characterized by the absence of menstruation. Primary amenorrhea refers to the lack of menstruation by age 15 in girls who have normal secondary sexual characteristics or by age 13 in those who do not have secondary sexual characteristics. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when a woman who has previously menstruated stops having periods for three or more consecutive cycles, often due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, hormonal imbalances, significant weight loss, stress, or certain medical conditions.
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Dysmenorrhea: This term refers to painful menstruation, usually categorized into primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea involves pain caused by natural prostaglandin release during menstruation and often begins shortly before or at the onset of menstruation. Secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with underlying conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to pain that might occur at other times in the menstrual cycle as well.
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Menorrhagia: This condition involves excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia may be defined as bleeding that lasts more than seven days or involves soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours. It can result from hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, or other underlying health issues. Women with menorrhagia may experience fatigue or anemia due to excessive blood loss.
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Oligomenorrhea: This term describes infrequent menstrual periods, typically defined as having cycles longer than 35 days but fewer than six to eight cycles a year. Oligomenorrhea can be caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), excessive exercise, stress, or significant weight changes. Women with oligomenorrhea may have difficulty conceiving if they are trying to become pregnant due to irregular ovulation.
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): This disorder encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically a week before menstruation and resolving shortly after the period begins. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and headaches. While many women experience mild symptoms, PMS can become severe in some cases, significantly impacting daily life (known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD).
Understanding these disorders is critical for diagnosis and treatment, and it is essential for affected individuals to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate management.