Most women experience menstrual cycles that last between three to seven days, every 21 to 35 days. However, some women may experience changes in their menstruation patterns, which might affect their daily lives.

These changes are what doctors call period disorders and they can be brought about by different factors.

What Are Period Disorders?

Period disorders are abnormal conditions that affect women’s menstrual cycles. These disorders can be caused by different factors such as anatomical abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and underlying health conditions among others.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), some of the most common period disorders include:.

1. Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman stops having her period for six or more months, despite not being pregnant or breastfeeding. This disorder can be caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, excessive exercise, and weight loss.

It can also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and pituitary dysfunction.

2. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a disorder characterized by painful menstruation. The pain experienced during periods may range from mild cramping to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

Dysmenorrhea can be primary, which means that there is no underlying condition causing the pain; or it can be secondary, where the pain is caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

3. Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is a condition in which a woman experiences heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged bleeding that lasts for more than seven days. This disorder can be caused by fibroids, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or the use of blood thinners.

Menorrhagia can lead to anemia, which is a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient red blood cells in the body.

4. Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia is a disorder in which a woman experiences bleeding between periods. The bleeding may be light or heavy and can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or cervical or uterine cancer among other factors.

5. Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea is a condition in which a woman has infrequent periods. Women with this disorder may have periods that occur once every few months, or even less frequently.

Oligomenorrhea can be caused by factors such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), excessive exercise, or underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders.

6. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that women experience before their periods. These symptoms can range from bloating and mood swings to headaches and breast tenderness.

The exact cause of PMS is still unknown, but hormonal imbalances, stress, and lifestyle factors have been associated with the disorder.

7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a severe form of PMS characterized by emotional and behavioral symptoms. Women with PMDD may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression among other symptoms.

The cause of PMDD is still unknown, but it is thought to be linked to hormonal imbalances and changes in brain chemicals.

8. Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea is a disorder in which a woman experiences periods that occur more frequently than every 21 days. This disorder can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, excessive exercise, and underlying health conditions.

9. Amenorrhea-Galactorrhea Syndrome

Amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome is a disorder in which a woman experiences amenorrhea (absent periods) and galactorrhea (milky discharge from the breasts).

This disorder is caused by high levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production in the breasts. High levels of prolactin can be caused by factors such as tumors, medications, and thyroid disorders among others.

10. Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

Von Willebrand disease is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects women’s menstrual cycles. Women with VWD may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged bleeding, and clots during their periods.

This disorder is caused by a deficiency in Von Willebrand factor, a protein that is important in blood clotting.

Conclusion

Period disorders can affect women of all ages and can have an impact on their daily lives. If you experience changes in your menstrual cycle, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause of the disorder.

Depending on the cause, treatment options may include hormonal therapy, medications, or surgery among others. With the right treatment, most women can manage their period disorders and live a normal life.