Menstrual Disorders
What Are Menstrual Disorders?
Menstrual disorders are problems related to a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. They are one of the most common reasons why women visit their gynaecologist. Menstrual disorders and their symptoms can disrupt a woman’s daily life and stop them from carrying out their daily tasks. They can also affect the ability to become pregnant.
Common Types of Menstrual Disorders
- Abnormal uterine bleeding – Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Amenorrhea – The absence of menstrual bleeding
- Oligomenorrhea – Light or infrequent menstruation
- Fibroids – Noncancerous uterine tumors
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – Physical and emotional discomfort prior to menstruation
- Premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD) – Severe physical and emotional discomfort prior to menstruation
Symptoms of Menstrual Disorders
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding e.g. heavy flow, irregular bleeding
- Pain or cramping
- Depression / Anxiety
- Frequent headaches
- Emotional distress
- Bloating or fullness in the abdomen
If your periods come too frequently (fewer than 21 days apart), not often enough (more than three months apart), or last longer than 10 days, talk with your doctor.
Causes of Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormonal imbalances
- Clotting disorders
- Cancer
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – cysts on the ovaries – Genetics
How are menstrual disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam and possibly a Pap smear. You may be asked to keep a diary of your menstrual cycles, including dates, amount of flow, pain and any other symptoms. Additional testing may include:
- Blood Tests / Hormonal tests
- Ultrasound scan – To detect conditions that may be causing menstrual disorders.
- Hysterosonography – An ultrasound using sterile saline to expand the uterine cavity for better imaging.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – For intricate pictures of the uterus and surrounding organs.
- Hysteroscopy – An office procedure that uses a hysteroscope, inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the uterus for fibroids, polyps, or other abnormalities.
- Laparoscopy – Looks for abnormalities of the reproductive organs using a laparoscope which is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.
- Endometrial biopsy – An office procedure in which a small sample of the lining of the uterus is removed to examine for abnormal cells.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – Involves scraping the inside lining of the uterus and cervix to take tissue samples or relieve heavy bleeding.
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