Although most women have menstruation in common, it’s not always a topic that is openly talked about. Because of this, many women don’t know what is normal and what is abnormal when it comes to their cycle.
Below are five common menstrual disorders that every woman should be aware of.
Bleeding is considered heavy when it interferes with normal activities. Almost a fifth of women bleed so heavily during their periods that they are unable to complete everyday tasks so they can deal with their flow. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the uterus (such as poles or fibroids), other medical conditions (such as thyroid problems, blood clotting disorders, liver or kidney disease, leukemia, complications from IUD, miscarriage, and infections).
When a female experiences no menstrual periods at all the condition is called amenorrhea. When this is experienced in a female that has turned 16 but has not started menstruation it is likely linked to an issue in the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. Sometimes it is a result of low body weight to delayed maturing of the pituitary gland. When a female has had regular periods and then suddenly stops for three months or longer it can be caused by problems with estrogen levels.
Most women have experienced menstrual cramps at some point during their lives. However, if cramps are especially painful and persistent it is called dysmenorrhea. Pain from menstrual cramps is caused by uterine contractions.
PMS includes a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms associated with a female’s menstrual cycle. Approximately 40% of women experience symptoms of PMS severe enough to disrupt daily life. There are over 100 possible symptoms of PMS, with the most common is depression. A few symptoms of PMS include bloating, headaches, fatigue, painful breasts, fatigue, anger, anxiety, mood swings, crying and depression. These symptoms generally begin about a week before your period and disappear when your period begins or soon after.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is extreme PMS that significantly interferes with a woman’s life. Think of it like the difference between a headache and a migraine. The most common symptoms of PMDD include heightened irritability, anxiety and mood swings.
The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately.
