Menstrual Problems

Menstrual Problems

Dysmenorrhea is the pain associated with your menstrual period (dis-men-uh-REE-uh). The most common issue women face with their periods is pain. More than half of all women experience pain during their menstruation. Some women only experience heaviness in the belly or a tugging sensation in the pelvic area, Other women have severe cramps that are not related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen, or aspirin help reduce the majority of period discomfort.
When your period initially begins, taking an over-the-counter NSAID drug may help control the pain and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
Menstrual Problems SIMS Hospital
Primary Dysmenorrhea:
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of dysmenorrhea. The most prevalent type of dysmenorrhea is this. The pain is frequently induced by uterine contractions (womb). During your period, the uterus contracts to assist the uterine lining in leaving the body. Dymenorrhea can get teenagers as soon as they have their first menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea becomes less bothersome for most women as they age. However, some women have excruciating menstruation discomfort. If you smoke, your chances of developing dysmenorrhea are increased.
  • Before the age of eleven, you had your first period.
  • Have periods that are longer or heavier
  • Smoke
  • Have high stress levels
Secondary Dysmenorrhea :
Secondary dysmenorrhea is a type of dysmenorrhea that occurs when a Another health concern is frequently the cause of this sort of dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea pain frequently worsens as you become older. In addition, it lasts longer than regular period cramps. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a variety of issues, including:
A) Endometriosis:
This problem occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, where it is not supposed to be. This lining breaks down and leaks outside of the uterus in reaction to monthly fluctuations in estrogen levels, causing swelling and pain.
B) Fibroids in the uterus:
Fibroids are uterine tumours that form in or on the uterine wall. Almost all of them aren’t malignant. When fibroids are present, some women have pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding even when they are not on their period.
C) Cysts in the ovaries:
On the ovary, cysts are fluid-filled sacs. Although most ovarian cysts cause no symptoms, others can cause pain during your period or during ovulation.
When should you see your doctor?
If over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen aren’t working or if the pain is interfering with daily activities like work or school, see your doctor or nurse. To rule out any other health problems, your doctor or nurse will ask you questions and do tests, including maybe a physical exam. Keeping a journal or calendar of your symptoms and periods can aid your doctor or nurse in diagnosing any health issues.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor to rule out other health issues:
  • You have blood clots the size of quarters in your menstrual flow.
  • Your discomfort occurs at times other than shortly before or during your period.
The type of treatment you receive is determined on the source of your discomfort. To relieve pain from endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control, such as a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), the pill, shot, or vaginal ring. Doctors sometimes prescribe hormonal birth control to women for reasons other than avoiding pregnancy. If one of these disorders is causing your discomfort, you may need surgery as a last resort.

Irregular Periods:

If your menstrual cycle is shorter or longer than usual, your periods are called irregular. This indicates that the interval between the start of your previous period and the start of your next period is either fewer than 24 days or more than 38 days. If your cycle duration changes by more than 20 days from month to month, your periods may be irregular. Your cycle can shift from a regular 25-day cycle to a 46-day cycle the following month, then back to a 25-day cycle the following month. For teenage girls and perimenopausal women, irregular periods are common. For the first several years, teen girls’ menstruation may be irregular before becoming more regular.
Cause of Irregular Period Include:
Eating Disorder:
Period irregularity or absence might indicate an eating condition, most commonly anorexia nervosa. However, any eating condition, such as bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, can result in irregular periods.
Thyroid Issues:
Hyperthyroidism, for example, is a thyroid disorder (hy-pur-THY-roi-diz-uhm). Hyperthyroidism, often known as an overactive thyroid, is a condition in which your thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than your body requires. Menstrual cycles may be shorter and lighter than usual due to hyperthyroidism.
Prolactin Blood:
Prolactin levels in the blood are high. Hyperprolactinemia is the medical term for this condition (hy-pur-pro-LAK-te-nee-me-uh). Prolactin is a hormone that induces breast growth throughout puberty and is responsible for the production of breastmilk after childbirth. It also aids in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Certain Medicine:
Certain medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy or anxiety, should be avoided.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Multiple ovarian cysts, hormone imbalance, and irregular periods are all symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects about one out of every ten women who have irregular menstrual cycles.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Ovarian insufficiency (primary) (POI). POI occurs when your ovaries cease to function normally before the age of 40. It can happen as early as adolescence. Premature menopause is not the same as POI. Women with POI, unlike those who have early menopause, may still have periods, albeit they are usually irregular. Women with POI may still be able to conceive.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Inflammation of the pelvis (PID). Irregular periods might be an indication of PID, a reproductive organ infection. A sexually transmitted infection is the most common cause of PID (STI).
Stress
Chronic (long-term) stress has been linked to irregular periods in studies.
Uncontrolled diabetes:
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause irregular periods, however controlling your diabetes can help you have more regular periods.
Obesity:
The hormone estrogen is produced by the excess fat in the body. Extra estrogen disrupts the menstrual cycle, resulting in skipped, irregular, or heavy periods.
When should you consult a doctor?
After having regular cycles, you start getting irregular periods.
Your menstruation occurs every 24 days or every 38 days, depending on how often it occurs.
When should you consult a doctor?
After having regular cycles, you start getting irregular periods.
Your menstruation occurs every 24 days or every 38 days, depending on how often it occurs.
The treatment for irregular periods is determined by the cause. To assist control your menstrual cycle, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control, such as a hormonal IUD8, the pill, injection, or vaginal ring. Doctors sometimes prescribe hormonal birth control to women for reasons other than avoiding pregnancy.

Heavy Bleeding

Every year, one in every five Indian women suffers from heavy periods. Your periods may be so painful and heavy if you have significant bleeding that you find it difficult to complete daily tasks like go to work or school.
Ovulation Problems:
Your uterine lining thickens and swells up throughout a regular menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy. The uterine lining leaves your body throughout your period if pregnancy does not occur. The uterine lining can build up too much if your hormones are out of balance or if you don’t ovulate, causing you to bleed heavily and in an unexpected pattern.
Uterine Problems:
There are issues with the uterine lining. The uterine lining can bleed excessively if your hormones or uterine lining are out of balance. As the lining is forced out during the next menstrual period, this might result in excessive bleeding.
Thyroid Problems:
Hypothyroidism (hy-poh-THY-roi-diz-uhm), or an underactive thyroid, can cause heavy bleeding. When your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, you have hypothyroidism.
Uterine Fibroids:
Fibroids are uterine fibroids made up of muscle tissue that grows in or on the uterine wall. Almost always, they aren’t cancer. They may cause discomfort as well as heavy or irregular bleeding.
Obesity:
The hormone estrogen is produced by the excess fat in the body. Extra estrogen disrupts the menstrual cycle, resulting in skipped, irregular, or heavy periods.
Bleeding Disorder:
Inherited bleeding diseases such as haemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease cause excessive bleeding during periods. According to studies, one in every five white women who have heavy periods has a bleeding issue.
Pregnancy Problems:
A miscarriage (an early pregnancy that ends) or an ectopic pregnancy might cause unusual or irregular profuse bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside of the uterus (womb), putting the woman’s life at jeopardy. Ectopic pregnancies are a medical emergency that can never result in a healthy pregnancy.
When should you consult a doctor?
  • Your period is more than eight days long.
  • Every one to two hours, you bleed through one or more pads or tampons.
  • During or after your period, you feel dizzy, lightheaded, weak, or weary, or you experience chest pain or difficulties breathing. These could be signs of anaemia. Anemia is a condition that occurs when your blood lacks enough iron to provide enough oxygen to your body.
  • Menstrual blood clots the size of quarters move through your system. (Passing clots the size of quarters or smaller is usual.)
Heavy bleeding may be treated first with hormonal birth control, such as a hormonal IUD the pill, shot, or vaginal ring, by your doctor or nurse. Doctors sometimes prescribe hormonal birth control to women for reasons other than avoiding pregnancy. Your doctor may also recommend that you try over-the-counter pain medicines like naproxen or ibuprofen, which may help to reduce bleeding in some women, especially if taken right before or right after your period begins.
If birth control or other medications are ineffective, surgery to address the cause of severe bleeding may be required. Because surgery always carries dangers, surgery is usually the last treatment option considered by women and their doctors when they are experiencing excessive bleeding.

Unusual Bleeding:

Any bleeding that differs from your regular monthly period or occurs when you don’t have your period is considered unusual or abnormal bleeding.
Unusual bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • Hormonal shifts Longer, heavier periods can be caused by changes in hormone levels throughout puberty and perimenopause, the period between menopause and menopause. They can also lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
  • Endometriosis. This problem occurs when the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, where it is not supposed to be.
  • Cysts in the ovaries. Unusual bleeding could be an indication of a ruptured ovarian cyst (burst).
  • Uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers are examples of cancers. After menopause, any vaginal bleeding might be a sign of a significant health concern, such as ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you have unusual bleeding, you should consult your doctor. This could involve the following:
  • More than once, I've bled after sex.
  • Other than during your period, you may notice spotting or bleeding at any point during your menstrual cycle.
  • Bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than usual during your period
  • Bleeding after menopause is a common occurrence.
Your doctor may begin by looking for issues that are common among people your age. Some of them aren’t life-threatening and are simple to treat. To assist control your menstrual cycle, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control, such as a hormonal IUD, pill, shot, or vaginal ring. Doctors sometimes prescribe hormonal birth control to women for reasons other than avoiding pregnancy.

Missing Periods:

Amenorrhea is the lack of menstrual cycles prior to menopause (ay-men-uh-REE-uh). If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have amenorrhea:
  • For the third month in a row, I haven't had a period.
  • By the age of 15, you haven't had your first period.
Amenorrhea is a condition that affects 3% to 4% of women.
Amenorrhea that isn’t caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding could indicate that your ovaries have ceased producing enough estrogen. If you don’t have enough of this hormone, it can be dangerous to your health.
Pregnancy:
Because your ovaries are no longer producing eggs, your menstruation will end during pregnancy. You may experience some spotting (light vaginal bleeding), but this is normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. To be sure, you should see your doctor or nurse if you have spotting while pregnant.
Breastfeeding:
Some women’s periods don’t return until after they’ve finished breastfeeding. Others may resume their periods within a few months of giving birth. You may ovulate without realising it as your baby goes from breastfeeding to solid foods. If a woman does not want to become pregnant again straight away, she should speak with her doctor or nurse about birth control options while breastfeeding. In our Breastfeeding area, you may learn more.
Eating Disorder:
Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders. Amenorrhea can occur if your body fat levels drop to the point that ovulation stops. Anorexia frequently results in significant weight loss, resulting in a dangerously low body weight. Periods may become less regular or stop entirely as a result of this.
Weight:
Missed periods can be caused by gaining or decreasing too much weight. Menstrual periods normally resume after dropping weight or gaining weight, depending on whether you are overweight or underweight.
Stress:
The region of your brain that governs reproduction can be harmed by long-term, severe stress. As a result, your period and ovulation may come to an end. Stress management can aid in the restoration of normal menstrual cycles.
Hormonal Problems:
This encompasses issues with the reproductive organs, as well as those induced by medical diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Other Health Issues:
Birth abnormalities and brain cancers are among the other serious health issues. Once these issues are resolved, your period may begin for the first time or resume if it had previously stopped.
When should you consult a doctor?
  • You haven't had a period in three months and aren't pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • By the age of 15, you haven't had your period.
  • If you haven't begun your period within three years of the start of breast growth, or if your breasts haven't started to grow by the age of 13, you may be pregnant.

Menstural Migraine:

A migraine (a painful, severe headache) affects about four out of every ten women at some point in their lives. About half of the women say their migraines occur during their periods.
Researchers are baffled as to what causes migraine headaches. Migraines can be triggered by a variety of things, including stress, anxiety, and bright or flashing lights. Hormones that control the menstrual cycle may also impact chemicals in the brain that cause headaches.
Although migraines cannot be cured, your doctor can assist you in managing them. Identifying what causes a migraine and devising a strategy to avoid these triggers is an important first step.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you suspect you’re suffering from migraine headaches, see your doctor. If you already know you suffer from migraines, make an appointment if:
  • Your headaches will change over time.
  • Treatments that used to work are no longer effective.
  • Your medication is causing you problems.
  • You take hormonal birth control pills and suffer from migraines with aura (flashing lights or phantom spots)
  • When you lie down, your headaches get worse.
Although migraines cannot be cured, your doctor can assist you in managing them. Identifying what causes a migraine and devising a strategy to avoid these triggers is an important first step.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help you avoid migraines. Antidepressants, blood pressure medications, certain types of hormonal birth control, and seizure medications are all examples of medications. Injections of Botox may also assist to avoid migraines.