Menstrual Disorder

Menstrual periods typically last four to seven days and occur roughly every 28 days. Normal menstrual cycles can range from 21 days to 35 days.

IRREGULAR PERIODS

• Periods that occur fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• Missing three or more periods in a row.
• Menstrual flow that’s much heavier or lighter than usual.
• Periods that last longer than seven days.
• The length of time between cycles varies by more than nine days. For example, one cycle is 28 days, the next is 37 days and the next is 29 days.
• Periods that are accompanied by severe pain, cramping, nausea, or vomiting.
• Bleeding or spotting that happens between periods, after menopause, or after sexual intercourse.
• Soaking through one or more tampons or sanitary pads in an hour.

Amenorrhea: A condition where your periods have stopped completely If you haven’t started menstruating by age 15 or 16 or within three years of your breasts developing, you may also have amenorrhea.

Oligomenorrhea: A condition in which the bleeding may go more than 35 days between periods or have six to eight periods a year.

Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods and severe menstrual cramps. Some discomfort during your cycle is normal.

Abnormal uterine bleeding: Abnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding between monthly periods, prolonged bleeding, or an extremely heavy period.

CAUSES

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Thyroid or pituitary gland disorders: Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid or pituitary gland disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Uterine cancer or ovarian cancer
• Stress.
• Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight.
• Exercise routines that result in very low body fat.
• Viruses or other illnesses.
• Certain medications
• complications of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Birth control pills
• Miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy 
• Surgery
• Scarring or blockages in your uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

If you sense changes in your menstrual cycle, begin keeping records of when your periods begin and end. Note symptoms, the amount of flow, or if you experience cramping, bleeding between periods, or passing large clots

• Pelvic ultrasound
• Endometrial biopsy.
• Hysteroscopy

MANAGEMENT

• The treatment for irregular periods depends on the underlying cause
• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising moderately and eating nutritious foods. If you want to lose weight, do it gradually instead of turning to diets that drastically limit your calorie and food intake.
• Make sure you get enough rest.
• Practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
• Cut back on prolonged or intense exercise routines.
• Change your tampons or sanitary pads every four to six hours to prevent infections.