Some women have little or no problems during their monthly periods and have never been bothered by a menstrual disorder.
However, many women have period problems and visit the gynecologist quite often because of them.
These problems vary from emotional to physical, making it hard for women to do daily activities and sometimes even go to work.
Many women experience severe symptoms that include migraines, heavy bleeding, and mood swings that often have to be taken care of by a professional.
If you’re someone who has problems during your period, this is what you need to know about it.
Menstrual cycle problems
Although many women tend to disregard their period problems, some of them shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sometimes the cause of the problem is easily solved, but sometimes it requires consultation of a specialist such as an obstetrician or gynecologist. If you’re not quite sure about what’s considered normal, you can choose to consult the Worldwide Pediatrics Group and inform yourself about what is a menstrual period and what a normal menstrual cycle feels like. Our specialists are skilled in providing families with adequate care and treatment and will be able to answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
What can cause menstrual disorders?
There are a number of things that can cause severe menstrual disorders. The key to finding the solution is to be responsible for your health and visit your gynecologist regularly. To determine the root of your menstrual disorder, they will be able to run some tests and provide you with prompt answers. Although every menstrual disorder can have a different cause, some of them are well-known and they include the following:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Genetics
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Uterine fibroids
- Cancer
After examining you thoroughly and performing the necessary tests, your gynecologist should be able to provide you with answers and appropriate treatment options.
The most common menstrual disorders
The symptoms can vary from woman to woman, but generally, there are a few menstrual disorders that all women can suffer from. Depending on the complexity of each case, it’s important to know to recognize what your problem is and ultimately seek professional help. Here is a list of the seven most common menstrual disorders that affect women of all ages:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Painful periods – Dysmenorrhea
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Absence of menstrual bleeding – Amenorrhea
- Light or irregular menstruation – Oligomenorrhea
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding – Menorrhagia
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Depending on what you’re diagnosed with, your doctor will suggest a proper treatment option and make sure to give you advice on how to alleviate the symptoms before undergoing a serious procedure. All these disorders can really interfere with a woman’s everyday life so it’s paramount to seek help on time.
Common menstrual disorders symptoms
If you suspect you might have a menstrual disorder, look out for the following symptoms and talk to your gynecologist about it. If you’re having long or heavy bleeding you should know how to stop period bleeding and avoid further complications. Here are some of the symptoms you should be careful about:
- Pain and cramping
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Headaches
- Depression
- Abdominal bloating and fullness
- Emotional distress
If you have been experiencing some of the mentioned symptoms, consult a specialist and they will provide you with additional information and treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment
Once you decide to seek help, the gynecologist will perform certain tests and ask you some questions to be able to properly establish a diagnosis. They will need your detailed medical history and maybe even a menstrual cycle diary with all the necessary information. They will perform a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and a physical exam to gather the information about your condition. Additional tests and examinations might include:
- Blood tests
- Hormonal tests
- Ultrasound
- Hysterosonography
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Endometrial biopsy
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
After establishing a proper diagnosis, your doctor will make sure to provide you with the necessary care and treatment. Make sure to ask everything you want to know and the doctor will walk you through every procedure and examination. Although treatment options may vary from woman to woman, your gynecologist will suggest some of the following treatment options:
- Diet changes that might include reducing everything that can make things worse such as salt, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake.
- Medical treatment includes pain relievers and hormonal contraceptives.
- Surgical treatment if the condition is severe and cannot be treated medically.
Although many women live with one or more menstrual disorders, asking for help is what you should do to avoid any further health complications. Menstrual disorders can be quite uncomfortable, but with proper treatment, every woman can live a happy and healthy life.
