We know that dealing with our monthly cycle can sometimes be a real rollercoaster ride that does not always go smoothly. That’s why we are here to shed some light on the subject of abnormal menstruation – an issue that affects many of us at some point in our lives.
In this article, we’ll look at the 8 types of abnormal menstruation you may experience. Do not worry, we will not overwhelm you with complicated medical jargon! We’ll keep it simple but factual so you can easily understand what’s going on with your body. Understanding these different types of menstrual cramps will help you identify potential problems and know when it’s time to consult an expert.
8 types of Abnormal Menstruation
| 8 Types of Abnormal Menstruation | Description |
|---|---|
| Menorrhagia (Heavy or Prolonged Periods) | Excessive bleeding or prolonged periods, may be caused by hormonal imbalances, infections, or certain medications. |
| Polymenorrhea | Frequent menstrual cycles occur more often than usual, caused by hormonal imbalances or reproductive conditions. |
| Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods/Period Cramps) | Painful cramps during periods can be primary (hormonal) or secondary (caused by underlying conditions). |
| Amenorrhea (Absent Periods) | Absence of periods, either primary (periods fail to start by puberty) or secondary (previously regular periods become irregular or absent). |
| Hypomenorrhea (Extra Light Periods) | Lighter menstrual flow than usual, caused by low body fat, obesity, hormonal imbalances, or other factors. |
| Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods) | Infrequent periods, having only four to nine periods in a year, often caused by hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. |
| Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) | Collection of physical and emotional symptoms before periods, common symptoms include mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. |
| Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) | Severe forms of PMS with intense emotional symptoms, can significantly impact mental health. |
Menorrhagia (Heavy or Prolonged Periods)
Menorrhagia is a term used to describe periods that are exceptionally heavy or prolonged, causing you to use more pads or tampons than usual or have bleeding that extends beyond the typical 5-7 day cycle. It’s important to know that every woman’s menstrual flow can vary, but if you find yourself changing pads or tampons every hour or two, or if your periods last longer than a week, it might be menorrhagia.
Subtypes of Menorrhagia
- Polymenorrhea: Polymenorrhea refers to having menstrual cycles that are shorter than the standard 21-35 days. This means you might have your periods more frequently than others. It’s like having your menstrual visitor show up at your doorstep more often than you expect.
- Metrorrhagia: Metrorrhagia is when you experience unexpected bleeding or spotting between your regular periods. It can be a bit puzzling and concerning when you’re not expecting to see any blood between periods.
- Postmenopausal Bleeding: Postmenopausal bleeding occurs after menopause, which is when you’ve gone a full year without a period. If you suddenly experience any bleeding after this milestone, it’s essential to get it checked out as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Also Check – 10 Effective Home Remedies to Stop Prolonged Periods
Causes of Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia can happen due to hormonal imbalances, such as an excess of oestrogen or progesterone, which play crucial roles in regulating your menstrual cycle. Various factors can lead to hormonal imbalances, including stress, certain medications, or medical conditions like thyroid disorders, liver or kidney infections, vaginal infections, and non-cancerous uterus tumours.
Possible Treatments and When to Seek Medical Advice
If you suspect you have menorrhagia or notice any abnormal changes in your menstrual flow, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments. Depending on the cause and severity, treatments may range from hormonal therapies, medication, or procedures to manage the bleeding or, in some cases, surgical interventions. Remember, early intervention can prevent further complications and help you enjoy a healthier menstrual cycle.
Also Check – 7 Foods That Might Aggravate Heavy Periods
Polymenorrhea
Polymenorrhea can be frustrating as it means having menstrual cycles shorter than the usual 21-35 days. Instead of waiting around for the regular 4 weeks or so, you might find yourself with your period more frequently.
Factors Leading to More Frequent Menstrual Cycles
Hormonal imbalances, especially higher oestrogen levels, are often responsible for polymenorrhea. Oestrogen helps build up the lining of your uterus, and if its levels are too high, your uterus might shed its lining more often.
Possible Underlying Causes of Polymenorrhea
Polymenorrhea can also be triggered by various factors, such as stress, certain medications, uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus), polyps, thyroid disorders, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you’re experiencing periods more frequently than usual, or if your menstrual cycle is becoming irregular, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify the root cause and provide guidance on managing your menstrual health effectively.
Also Check – 10 Foods That Help Relieve Period Cramps and PMS Symptoms
Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods/Period Cramps)
Dysmenorrhea is a common issue many of us face during our periods. It’s when you experience painful cramps in your lower abdomen, back, or thighs, making your period quite uncomfortable. The pain can range from mild to severe and may even interfere with your daily activities.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
There are two types of dysmenorrhea, and it’s essential to know the difference.
- Primary Dysmenorrhea –Primary Dysmenorrhea is usually considered “normal” period pain, caused by the release of hormones that trigger your uterus to contract and shed its lining. This type often improves with age and isn’t linked to any underlying health issues.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea – Secondary dysmenorrhea, however, is when the pain is a result of an underlying condition, like endometriosis, fibroids, or infections. If you notice a change in the severity of your cramps or if they’ve started recently, it might be secondary dysmenorrhea and requires medical attention.
Common Medical Conditions Causing Dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea can occur due to various medical conditions. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and inflammation. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to painful periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in the reproductive organs that can cause discomfort during menstruation.
Management and Relief Strategies for Painful Periods
If you experience dysmenorrhea, don’t fret; there are ways to manage the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort. Applying a heating pad or taking a warm bath can also soothe the cramps. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress can contribute to reducing pain during your period. If the pain is severe and affects your daily life, it’s best to seek guidance from your healthcare provider. They can offer additional treatment options, recommend birth control methods that may help with pain management, or investigate if there’s an underlying condition causing the discomfort.
Also Check – What Do Period Cramps Feel Like?- Signs , Symptoms, Severity , FAQS Explained
Amenorrhea (Absent Periods)
Amenorrhea is a term used when you’ve missed your period for more than three cycles in a row. It means your periods are absent, and it’s essential to figure out why.
Types of Amenorrhea
There are two types of amenorrhea – Primary and Secondary. Primary amenorrhea happens when you haven’t had your first period by the time you reach 16 years old. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when you previously had regular periods but have now gone three or more cycles without one.
Natural Causes and Medical Conditions Leading to Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea can sometimes be due to natural changes in your life, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or reaching menopause (when your periods stop permanently). However, it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue. Conditions like thyroid gland disorders, obesity, eating disorders, intense exercise, certain medications, or even birth defects can lead to absent periods.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Absent Periods
If you’ve missed your period for more than three months, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional. They can help identify the reason behind the absent periods and suggest appropriate treatments if necessary. While occasional missed periods can be normal due to factors like stress or hormonal fluctuations, persistent amenorrhea should be investigated to ensure your reproductive health is in good shape. Your doctor can provide insights and guidance to address any concerns about your menstrual cycle and overall well-being.
Also Check – 17 Essential Positions to Help Relieve Period Cramps
Hypomenorrhea (Extra Light Periods)
Hypomenorrhea is a condition where your menstrual flow is lighter than what you’d typically expect during your periods. Instead of the usual amount of blood, you may notice only a small or scanty flow.
Factors Contributing to Very Light Menstrual Bleeding
Several factors can contribute to hypomenorrhea. If you have low body fat or are obese, it can affect your hormone levels, leading to lighter periods. Hormonal imbalances, stress, or depression can also play a role in altering your menstrual flow. In some cases, certain medical conditions like intrauterine adhesions (scar tissues in the uterus) or the use of hormonal contraceptives can lead to lighter periods.
Conditions and Circumstances Associated with Hypomenorrhea
Hypomenorrhea can occur at any stage of a woman’s life, but it’s more common during the period leading up to menopause or directly after puberty. In some cases, hypomenorrhea might not be a cause for concern, especially if it’s your body’s natural response to hormonal changes. However, it’s essential to pay attention to any other symptoms you might experience alongside light periods.
Seeking Medical Advice
While occasional light periods might not be worrisome, if you consistently experience hypomenorrhea or if you notice any other unusual symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Light periods can sometimes be a sign of hormonal imbalances or underlying health conditions that need attention. Your Doctor can conduct tests and examinations to determine the cause of hypomenorrhea. Based on their findings, they can provide guidance on managing your menstrual health effectively and ensuring your overall well-being.
Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods)
Oligomenorrhea occurs when your periods become infrequent, and you have fewer periods in a year than usual. Instead of the regular monthly cycle, you might have only four to nine periods annually.
Hormonal Imbalances and Other Causes of Infrequent Periods
Oligomenorrhea is often caused by hormonal imbalances. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt your hormone levels, leading to irregular periods. Thyroid gland disorders can also affect your menstrual cycle. Other factors such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, obesity, eating disorders, diabetes, intrauterine adhesions, intense exercise, or sudden weight changes can contribute to infrequent periods.
Medical Conditions Linked to Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention. Conditions like PCOS, which affect the ovaries, or pelvic inflammatory diseases, which involve infections in the reproductive organs, might be linked to irregular periods.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional for Irregular Periods
If you notice that your periods are becoming less frequent or irregular, or if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience before their menstrual period starts. It’s like a monthly visitor that brings along a mix of discomforts and changes in mood.
Common Physical and Emotional Symptoms of PMS
PMS can bring a variety of symptoms, but they’re not the same for everyone. Some physical symptoms include feeling bloated (like you have a balloon in your belly), breasts that are sore and tender, headaches, tiredness, and mild cramps. Emotionally, you might feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, experiencing mood swings, feeling anxious, irritable, or a little down. Remember, you may have some or all of these symptoms, and they might not be the same every month.
PMS Symptoms
PMS is quite common, and many women experience mild symptoms before their periods. It’s essential to know that these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration for each woman. For some, they might be barely noticeable, while others might feel them more strongly.
Coping Mechanisms and Management Strategies for PMS
Coping with PMS is about finding ways to make those days a bit easier. Regular exercise can help you feel better overall, and eating a balanced diet is essential. Getting enough sleep can also play a role in how you handle PMS. Stress can make things worse, so finding ways to relax and unwind, like doing yoga or taking deep breaths, can be helpful. You can also keep track of your symptoms and know when they might pop up each month. If PMS is affecting your daily life and you’re finding it tough to handle, it’s a good idea to talk to the Gynec . They can suggest different options to manage PMS, such as medications or lifestyle changes, and help you find what works best for you.
Also Check – Yoga for Period Relief – 8 Poses to Relieve Menstrual Cramps, Pain, and Irregularity
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is like a more intense and challenging version of PMS. It’s less common, but for those experiencing it, it can be quite tough to handle. PMDD brings along intense emotional and physical symptoms before the period.
What is the Difference between PMDD and Regular PMS
PMDD and PMS might seem alike, but PMDD takes things to a whole new level. While PMS might give you mild mood swings or some irritability, PMDD can make you feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. You might experience extreme sadness, feel very irritable, or have thoughts of hopelessness.
Risk Factors for PMDD and Its Impact on Mental Health
Women with a history of depression or mood disorders might be more likely to experience PMDD. It’s essential to understand that PMDD isn’t just feeling a bit down before your period; it can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being.
Seeking Professional Help and Treatment Options for PMDD
If you suspect you might have PMDD or notice severe emotional symptoms before your period, it’s essential to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can diagnose PMDD based on your symptoms and medical history. There are different ways to manage PMDD, like medications, counselling or lifestyle changes, which can help make dealing with it easier. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and there are solutions available to make coping with PMDD more manageable. Your well-being matters, and reaching out for support is crucial to feel better and enjoy life more fully.
In conclusion, gaining knowledge about the different types of abnormal menstruation empowers us to care for our reproductive health proactively. From Menorrhagia to Polymenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea to Amenorrhea, Hypomenorrhea to Oligomenorrhea – each condition can affect us uniquely, but we’re not alone in facing them. Seeking professional guidance for irregularities or persistent discomfort is crucial for our overall well-being. Whether managing PMS symptoms or tackling the challenges of PMDD, support and solutions are available. Let’s prioritise our health, openly discuss our concerns, and find the help we need. By doing so, we can embrace our bodies’ uniqueness and enjoy healthier, happier menstrual cycles.
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