Our hormones play a vital role in our reproductive and overall health. However, sometimes they go haywire, disrupting our menstrual cycle, throwing our emotions out of balance, and causing a host of other unpleasant symptoms.

A healthy period involves a delicate balance of hormones, but when something goes wrong, it can lead to irregular periods, heavy bleeding, intense cramping, and other issues. This is where seeking medical advice becomes crucial.

What are Periodic Disorders?

Periodic disorders or menstrual disorders are common among women of childbearing age. These disorders refer to any abnormal conditions affecting the menstrual cycle. Some of the most common types of menstrual disorders are:.

1. Amenorrhea

This condition is characterized by the absence of a menstrual period in women who are of reproductive age and not pregnant. Primary amenorrhea refers to women who have not started menstruating by the age of 16.

Secondary amenorrhea refers to women who have stopped menstruating for more than six months.

2. Dysmenorrhea

This is a condition characterized by painful periods. Symptoms may include cramps, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea. Dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is usually caused by prostaglandins, hormones that cause the uterus to contract, while secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by an underlying condition like endometriosis.

3. Menorrhagia

This is a condition characterized by heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Symptoms may include soaking through tampons or pads every hour, bleeding between periods, and needing to change pads or tampons during the night.

Menorrhagia may be caused by fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or other underlying conditions.

4. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is a group of symptoms that occur in the days before a woman’s menstrual period. These symptoms may include mood swings, depression, irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain.

While some women experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe PMS.

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries. It is characterized by a high level of androgens (hormones that are typically found in men), which can lead to irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and even infertility.

PCOS is a common disorder affecting up to 20% of women of reproductive age.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

If you experience any of the above conditions, it is important to seek medical advice. While some of these conditions may be benign, others can be indicative of underlying conditions that require prompt treatment.

Additionally, experiencing any of these conditions can be disruptive to your daily life, so it’s important that you don’t leave them untreated.

Besides, you should seek medical advice for the following symptoms:.

Periods that last longer than seven days.
Periods that are heavier than usual.
Unusual bleeding between periods.
Painful periods that don’t respond to over-the-counter medications.
Symptoms of PMS that are so severe they interfere with your daily life.
Difficulty getting pregnant.
Unusual vaginal discharge or itching.

How are Menstrual Disorders Diagnosed?

To diagnose menstrual disorders, a healthcare provider will usually request a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. Additionally, they may order one or more of the following tests:.

Blood tests to check hormone levels.
Pelvic ultrasound to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
A biopsy to rule out the possibility of uterine cancer.
Hysteroscopy to examine the insides of the uterus.
MRI or CT scan if other tests are not conclusive.

Treatment Options for Menstrual Disorders

The treatment for menstrual disorders depends on the underlying cause of the condition and the overall health of the individual. Some of the treatment options are:.

Birth control pills or hormonal patches to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve cramps and pain.
Surgery to remove uterine fibroids or to manage endometriosis.
Antibiotics to treat infections that may be causing unusual vaginal discharge or itching.
Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress, can also help manage some menstrual disorders.

Conclusion

Menstrual disorders can be disruptive to daily life and can indicate underlying health issues that require prompt treatment.

It is important to seek medical advice if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above and to undergo the necessary diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the disorder. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available to help manage menstrual disorders, so don’t let these conditions impact your quality of life.