Menstrual Disorders: 4 Types Of Common Disorders Affecting Women

Periods and menstruation are a regular part of woman’s life. During each cycle, the body of a woman prepares itself to nourish a fetus and if fertilization does not occur, then periods take place. The blood that comes out of the vagina is the endometrium, also known as uterine lining in the uterus. This happens on a monthly basis in normal cases. But unfortunately, in some cases, this cycle gets disturbed because of irregularities and underlying health conditions that lead a woman towards menstrual disorders. Today, we will find out about different types of menstrual disorders that occur commonly in women.  

Types of Menstrual Disorders in Females 

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 

This is a very unpleasant and uncomfortable situation that women occur at most conditions. Premenstrual syndrome occurs during your menstrual cycle that may temporarily disturb normal functioning of your body. Symptoms of PMS may last for a few hours or it can even last for some days. The intensity of premenstrual syndrome varies from every individual but it is much more common in reproductive stages in women. According to gynecologist, around 3 to 8% of women in reproductive age suffer from premenstrual syndrome. Nearly 85% of women in India have at least one symptom of PMS, among which 5% of females even get disables because of this menstrual disorder.  

Symptoms of PMS include- 

• Fluid retention in body 
• Headaches 
• Vertigo 
• Muscle spasms 
• Heart palpitations 
• Skin problems like acnes 
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating 
• Psychological problem such as depression, anxiety and irritability 

2. Amenorrhea 

This is a serious condition in which the menstrual periods are absent for three months or more. Amenorrhea can cause critical complication in a woman's life. Amenorrhea is categorized into two types- 

Primary amenorrhea- This is a condition in which the menstruation cycle does not begin during the age of puberty.  

Secondary Amenorrhea- In this case, the menstrual cycle becomes extremely abnormal because of which periods either happen very irregularly or they become absent. This is usually because of delayed onset of physical impact. 

Also Read- Does Hot Weather Affect Menstrual Cycle? Understand The Link Between Them

This condition can occur because of a number of reasons. It might be because of complications in general lifestyle such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause. Sometimes amenorrhea could also be because of medical problems or conditions including the following- 

• Eating disorders 
• Ovulation abnormalities 
• Some kinds of birth defects 
• Excessive or strenuous exercise 
• Thyroid disorders 

3. Dysmenorrhea 

Dysmenorrhea can be said as opposite of amenorrhea, this is a condition where a woman gets severe or frequent menstrual cramps. It is quite a discomfortable situation. In this menstrual disorder, the menstrual cramps and pain is quite frequent that results in irritation and bloating as well. Dysmenorrhea is also categorized into two types- 

In primary dysmenorrhea, Women experience some abnormal uterine contractions. This leads them to have chemical imbalance in their bodies. Whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is caused because of some other medical conditions or is a result of endometriosis in women. Some possible causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include- 

1. Uterine fibrosis 
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease 
3. Abnormal pregnancy 
4. Infection like tumors, polyps that happen in the pelvic cavity 

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea- 

• Getting cramps in lower abdomen 
• Lower back pain or in lower legs 
• Vomiting 
• Fatigue 
• Weakness 
• Diarrhea 
• Headaches and fainting 

Also Read- Endometriosis: 7 Myths And Facts Debunked For Women’s Health

4. Menorrhagia  

It is one of the most common types of abnormal uterine bleeding that results to menstrual disorders. Menorrhagia is defined as the condition of heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding in the body. In some cases, the bleeding might be very severe because of which it can impact your daily routine. Other type of menorrhagia called as dysfunctional uterine bleeding might also lead to some complications. Common causes of menorrhagia are- 

• Hormonal disbalance 
• Uterine fibroids 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease 
• Infection or polyps in pelvic cavity 
• Certain types of birth control devices 
• Bleeding or platelet disorders 
• High levels of prostaglandins in the body which control muscle contraction in uterus.

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