Menstrual irregularity refers to when a woman deviates from her normal menstrual cycle or breaks the expected pattern. The normal menstrual cycle lasts approximately 21 to 35 days and covers the period from the start of a woman's menstrual flow until the start of the next menstrual flow. The duration, amount and intensity of menstrual bleeding can also vary from person to person.
A person experiencing menstrual irregularities should consult a health care professional to identify the underlying cause of this condition and receive appropriate treatment. This is important to protect one's health and identify any underlying health problems.
What Causes Menstrual Irregularity?
Menstrual irregularity can occur due to many different causes. These reasons can be based on physiological, hormonal, psychological or environmental factors. Here are some of the common causes that lead to menstrual irregularity:
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances can affect menstrual patterns. In particular, an imbalance of female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can lead to irregular periods.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition in which cysts form on the ovaries and can cause hormonal imbalances. This can cause irregular menstrual cycles.
Thyroid Problems: An imbalance of thyroid hormones can affect the menstrual cycle. Both hypothyroidism (thyroid deficiency) and hyperthyroidism (thyroid excess) can lead to irregular periods.
Stress: Intense stress can cause hormonal changes and disrupt the menstrual cycle.
Excessive Exercise: Excessive physical activity or heavy sports programs can lead to menstrual irregularities. This can lead to a decrease in body fat and hormonal changes.
Eating Habits: Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can cause irregular menstrual cycles. In addition, malnutrition or excessive weight loss can also affect menstrual patterns.
Overweight or Underweight: Being overweight or obese, or being too thin, can lead to hormonal imbalances and contribute to menstrual irregularities.
Medications: Some medications, especially hormonal contraceptives or psychotropic drugs, can affect menstrual patterns.
Genetic Factors: Family history can increase the risk of menstrual irregularities.
Bleeding Disorders: In rare cases, genetic blood disorders that affect the ability of blood to clot can also lead to menstrual irregularities.
What are the Symptoms of Menstrual Irregularity?
Symptoms of menstrual irregularity may differ from person to person and may vary depending on the underlying causes. However, many women with menstrual irregularities may experience the following symptoms:
Differences in Intermenstrual Period Duration: The time between periods can deviate from the normal cycle. Some women may menstruate more frequently, while others may menstruate less frequently.
Excessive Bleeding: Menstrual bleeding may last longer or be heavier than usual. This is called menorrhagia.
Reduced Bleeding: Some women may experience less bleeding than usual.
Metrorrhagia: Bleeding can also occur outside the menstrual period.
Pain: Menstrual irregularity can cause painful cramps in the lower abdomen.
Menstrual Migraine: Some women who experience migraine headaches during menstruation may also associate it with menstrual irregularity.
Mood Changes: Mood changes, symptoms of depression or anxiety may be experienced due to hormonal fluctuations.
Body Weight Changes: Weight gain or weight loss may occur due to hormonal changes.
Skin Problems: Menstrual irregularity can increase skin problems, especially problems such as acne or oily skin.
Body Hair: Hormonal changes can cause excessive body hair growth or hair loss.
Reproductive Problems: Menstrual irregularity can be a symptom of a problem for women who have difficulty conceiving.
How is Menstrual Irregularity Diagnosed?
Menstrual irregularity is diagnosed by a health professional after a detailed evaluation and some medical tests. Here are the methods commonly used to diagnose menstrual irregularities:
Patient History Taking: The health professional will ask about the patient's menstrual cycle, bleeding pattern, menstrual history, lifestyle, weight changes, stress levels, etc. This can help identify potential causes.
Physical Examination: By performing a physical examination, the doctor can assess the patient's general health and potential problems.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to measure hormone levels. These tests are used specifically to detect the causes of hormonal imbalances.
Ultrasonography (USG): Ultrasonography can create images of the ovaries, uterus and other reproductive organs. This can be useful for diagnosing problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Intrauterine Examination: Procedures such as endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy can help examine the tissue inside the uterus. This can be used to identify the causes of abnormal bleeding.
Laparoscopy: Rarely, a surgical procedure called laparoscopy may be needed to diagnose or treat problems associated with menstrual irregularities. This can be used to diagnose problems such as endometriosis, for example.
The above methods can be used to identify the underlying cause of menstrual irregularity and plan the right treatment. Treatment can vary depending on the underlying causes and may include different methods such as hormonal adjustments, medications, lifestyle changes or surgical intervention.
How is Menstrual Irregularity Treated?
Treatment for menstrual irregularity can vary depending on the underlying causes and symptoms. Treatment should be determined by a health professional's assessment and accurate diagnosis. Here are the commonly used methods for treating menstrual irregularity:
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise and stress management can improve menstrual regularity.
Medications: Birth control pills or hormonal therapy can be used to correct hormonal imbalances.
Surgical Intervention: Conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids may require surgical intervention.
Treatment of Underlying Health Problems: Menstrual irregularity can be a symptom of another health problem, so it is important to diagnose and treat these problems correctly.