Understanding 8 Types of Abnormal Menstruation
Menstruation is a natural biological process, which is essential to the reproductive health of females. The entire mechanism or cycle of menstruation, popularly known as menstrual cycle, is divided into several phases or stages. They include The menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases, which collectively last from 21 to 35 days in general. Nevertheless, a considerable number of individuals go through irregular menstrual cycles, culminating in irregular menstruation. These irregularities should be recognised and diagnosed early to avoid any profound medical condition.
What is Menstruation or Menstrual Cycle?
The term "what is menstruation or what is menstrual cycle" can be defined as the removal of the uterine lining every month. This causes bleeding that generally continues for 3 to 7 days. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the intricate interaction of the estrogen and progesterone hormones.
What Are The Root Causes Behind Abnormal Menstruation?
Abnormal menstruation is at times caused by hormonal imbalances, which may disrupt the regular menstrual cycle phases. These may include menopause, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the like.
Stress, strain, and significant weight fluctuations, whether caused by intense physical workouts or dieting, can also lead to various types of menstrual inconsistencies. Additionally, certain medications, including regular intake of birth control pills, and anticoagulants, may affect the normal menstrual cycle. Infections or certain medical conditions like endometriosis, and fibroids are responsible for painful or heavy periods.
8 Types of Abnormal Menstruation
1. Irregular Periods (Amenorrhea):
Amenorrhea is referred to as the absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles. Stress, major fluctuations in weight, and hormone abnormalities are considered to be the major reasons behind Amenorrhea or irregular periods.
2. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia):
Menorrhagia is the condition of heavy bleeding during periods. It can very well result in anaemia and other serious health problems in the long run, if not treated early. That’s the reason, it is necessary to monitor blood loss and seek medical intervention whenever bleeding surpasses the normal thresholds.
3. Prolonged Menstruation (Menorrhagia):
When the periods last more than the normal tenure of seven days, that’s a sign of Menorrhagia. It may be triggered by hormonal imbalances or fibroids, though other underlying medical conditions are found to be responsible for prolonged menstruation. Again, timely medical intervention is a must to avoid any medical complications in the long run.
4. Frequent Menstruation (Polymenorrhea):
This is a typical medical condition wherein the menstrual periods last for less than 21 days. Health issues like thyroid malfunction or hormonal fluctuations are generally the reasons behind Polymenorrhea.
5. Irregular Cycles (Oligomenorrhea):
Oligomenorrhea are menstrual cycles that occur more than 35 days apart. This is an indicator of disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances.
6. Spotting Between Periods:
This phenomenon includes symptoms like light bleeding or spotting in between the regular menstrual cycles. This might be caused by pregnancy, certain hormonal changes, and other underlying medical conditions.
7. Clots in Menstrual Blood:
Frequent clots in menstrual blood - bigger, maybe a sign of severe bleeding or other problems like fibroids or endometriosis. The smaller clots, however, may be harmless.
8. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):
Many individuals go through PMS during the luteal phase, even though it is not a form of menstruation. However, this can cause period symptoms like cramping, bloating or in some cases, mood swings.
Treatment for Unusual Menstruation
The underlying reason for irregular menstrual cycle determines the course of treatment. Possible choices for irregular menstruation treatment include:
- Hormonal Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Medication
- Surgery
The Final Words
Inconsistent menstrual cycles can have a significant effect on a woman's physical and emotional well-being. Understanding the various types of irregular menstruation and the associated symptoms can help people better manage their menstrual health. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for the accurate diagnosis and management of any anomalies in your menstrual cycle.
Comments