Table of Contents
What types of menstrual disorders are there?
The most common form is probably irregular menstrual bleeding – that is, the period either comes too early or too late. Normally menstrual periods come almost exactly every 28 days. Normal menstrual bleeding lasts four to five days. It is usually strongest on the second day.
Due to various reasons – these will be explained later – this period can be postponed. Menstrual periods that are too weak or extremely heavy also fall under the category of menstrual disorders. It is particularly unpleasant if there is constant bleeding between periods or spotting.
It is certainly not unusual for young girls to have irregular periods at first. The hormonal balance only levels off over time. Irregular menstrual bleeding can also occur when a woman begins menopause . None of this is cause for concern. However, if the bleeding stops completely or lasts for an extremely long time, it is right to see your gynaecologist.
What are the causes of cycle disorders?
On the one hand, the woman’s hormonal balance can be messed up. This can happen relatively quickly due to diseases of the thyroid gland. But psychological stress also has an effect on the hormonal balance. Diseases that affect the kidneys, liver or pancreas also disrupt the hormonal balance. It is therefore important to see your doctor if your cycle disorders persist.
If a woman engages in extreme competitive sports, this can lead to a missed menstrual period. Many women in high-performance sports have to struggle with menstrual disorders on a permanent basis. Of course, the absence of menstrual bleeding can also have genetic causes. Sexual organs can be malformed or a section of the diencephalon is damaged.
In some women, a menstrual cycle disorder can also show up in the form of a false pregnancy. The soul has a great influence on the body and if a woman has been harboring an unfulfilled desire to have children for a long time, this is a heavy mental burden that affects the hormonal balance. The body practically plays the woman a pregnancy.
Gland diseases can produce too many male sex hormones, which can then also lead to a missed menstrual period. Anyone who goes on one diet after the other and thus has constant weight fluctuations will sooner or later have menstrual disorders. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, often lead to the absence of menstrual bleeding.
Of course, there are also natural causes for cycle disorders. Before the menopause begins, the hormonal balance slowly changes and this leads to irregular bleeding. A completely normal process. Of course, there is no menstrual bleeding even if you are pregnant, which of course is not a cycle disorder but a completely natural process. Fallopian tubes or ovarian inflammation can also lead to cycle disorders.
What are the symptoms of a menstrual cycle disorder?
That is completely different. Some women only notice a missed period, but otherwise have no symptoms. However, if the menstrual period does not stop, but on the contrary lasts much longer than usual, things usually look very different. Performance may be reduced. The woman suffers from fatigue and the whole thing can be accompanied by abdominal and back pain. Headaches are also not uncommon with long menstrual periods. If ovarian inflammation is present, the woman will experience severe abdominal pain. Women should be careful here, ovarian inflammation can easily become chronic without proper treatment. Constipation or flatulence can also occur.
What does the doctor?
If a woman suffers from menstrual irregularities, she should see her doctor. First, of course, he will listen to the patient’s complaints. It is good if the woman can give exact dates. What is the duration of the cycle, how long did the bleeding last, was it heavy or light. Very important, how long have these menstrual disorders been around and are other diseases known? After that, the doctor will do a physical exam of the woman. A blood test to determine hormone levels may also be necessary. An ultrasound or computed tomography can make it easier to find the right diagnosis. In order to be able to treat a cycle disorder successfully, the cause must first be found. Once this cause has been found, most menstrual cycle disorders can be remedied relatively easily.
How can the menstrual cycle disorder be treated?
Here, of course, the cause is in the foreground. If a thyroid disease is present, it must be treated properly. Then the menstrual disturbance will go away on its own. If cysts on the ovaries are the culprit, the removal of these cysts should be discussed in consultation with the doctor. And when the fallopian tube inflammation is treated, there will be no more menstrual disorders. If the hormone level is no longer appropriate, the doctor can also help with the right hormones. However, if the patient’s lifestyle is the cause, the woman must consider how best to change it.
What can you do yourself?
The hormonal balance of women is sensitive. He wants to be cherished and cared for. A healthy lifestyle can prevent this. Not smoking and little alcohol are a good idea. A healthy body weight and normal physical activity are also good prerequisites for avoiding cycle disorders. Women should also beware of strong weight fluctuations caused by many diets. A healthy diet avoids this. Of course, mental health also plays a major role. Therefore, emotional stress should be avoided whenever possible.