Menstruation is a vital sign of reproductive health, serving as a monthly reminder of your body’s intricate biological functions. Each menstrual cycle preconditions the body for pregnancy, and when the natural rhythm of this cycle is disrupted, it could signal underlying health issues.
Abnormal menstruation includes all kinds of irregular patterns, ranging from bleeding heavily to periods not occurring at all. Recognizing these deviations is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
With a better knowledge of different types of abnormal menstruation, you can better advocate for your health and ensure your body’s signals are heard and addressed.
Causes of Abnormal Menstruation
Hormones, health conditions, and lifestyle can cause menstrual dysregulation in many different ways. Recognizing these causes is important to correct any abnormalities in your cycle. Here are some common causes:
- Hormonal imbalance – Varying levels of estrogen and progesterone can mess up your period. [ref]
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A condition that involves hormonal dysregulation. 75-85% of women with PCOS experience evident menstrual dysfunction2. []
- Stress – Excessive stress affects hormone levels, which causes periods to be irregular.
- Medical interventions – Some medicines, especially hormonal contraceptives, can change your menstrual cycle.
- Weight fluctuations – Excessive weight loss or gain can affect hormones, disrupting the monthly cycle.
- Uterine diseases – Fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis can lead to excessive bleeding and irregular periods.
- Chronic conditions – Conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease may interfere with the frequency of your periods.
Types of Abnormal Menstruation
Abnormal menstruation does not only raise alarm about your reproductive health but also your overall health. Here are the eight types of abnormal menstruation which are most commonly found.
Amenorrhea
It is also known as missing menstrual periods. Amenorrhea can be classified as primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea is not having a period by age 16, and secondary amenorrhea is when a female has had regular periods before but missed three or more periods in a row.
Causes
- Stressful lifestyle factors (low body weight linked to eating disorders or excessive exercise)
- Medical conditions (thyroid disorders, problems with the hypothalamus, genetic abnormalities, etc.)
- Hormonal imbalances (low estrogen levels)
- Certain birth control pills and contraceptives [ref]
Implications
Amenorrhoea might be a sign of some serious health problems like hormonal imbalance or nutritional deficiencies. It could also be problematic for future conditions such as osteoporosis and infertility if not treated appropriately.
Menorrhagia
It is an abnormality characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In this condition, a period may last for more than 7 days. Menorrhagia can cause extreme discomfort and may disrupt your daily life.
Causes
- Uterine abnormalities (fibroids or polyps)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Miscarriage
- Medical conditions (pelvic inflammatory disease, tumor, or thyroid disorders)
Implications
Menorrhagia can cause unusually heavy blood loss, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, and a diminished quality of life in women.
Oligomenorrhea
If you don’t experience periods at a fixed frequency (monthly or within 35 days), you might be suffering from oligomenorrhea. Periods usually occur more than 35 days apart. This condition is most commonly seen in either the first year of periods or during perimenopause.
Causes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Hormonal irregularities, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels
- Extreme exercise or physical activity
- Stress
- Medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, tumors, Asherman’s syndrome)
Implications
The most serious health implication of oligomenorrhea is fertility issues. It may also increase the risk of developing conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia.
Polymenorrhea
If you experience menstrual cycles frequently, occurring less than 21 days apart, you might have polymenorrhea. In this condition, the cycles are surprisingly very short, and some women may even experience menstruation twice a month. The period even lasts for the usual 3-7 days, raising health concerns.
Causes
- Hormonal fluctuations (high estrogen levels) affecting ovulation
- Stress and lifestyle factors
- Specific medications
- Conditions such as polyps, uterine fibroids, or reproductive issues
Implications
A woman with polymenorrhea may feel physically and emotionally fatigued due to the quick recurrence of menstruation. Consistently frequent cycles can target your quality of life and affect your overall well-being.
Dysmenorrhea
Also referred to as painful menstruation, it is characterized by severe pain and cramps in the pelvic region. This pain may also radiate to the lower back and thighs. Although it is common to experience period cramps, Dysmenorrhea is the state in which the pain interferes with your daily routine.
Causes
- Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by hormonal changes leading to uterine contractions.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea may result from conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroids
Implications
This condition can cause significant discomfort, prompting you to withdraw from your daily routine and take complete rest until you feel better.
Spotting or metrorrhagia
It refers to irregular bleeding between periods, often lighter than a typical menstrual flow. Metrorrhagia can happen at uncertain times and in unforeseen amounts. This condition is usually experienced by teenage girls or during ovulation in women in their 20s and early 30s.
Causes
- Hormonal fluctuations, especially related to ovulation or contraceptive use
- Uterine abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids [ref]
- Infections or inflammation of the reproductive organs
Implications
Spotting is usually considered harmless because it might just indicate hormonal imbalances in the body. It becomes a matter of concern when metrorrhagia starts happening in an increased frequency.
Hypomenorrhea
The duration of periods is short during hypomenorrhea. This condition is characterized by extremely light bleeding with periods lasting for just 2-3 days.
Causes
- Use of hormonal contraceptives that reduce menstrual volume
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress and depression
Implications
Although hypomenorrhea is not a significant health concern, it can sometimes indicate reproductive health problems.
Postmenopausal Bleeding
It refers to any vaginal bleeding that occurs after a woman has gone through menopause which is defined as 12 consecutive months without menstruation.
Causes
- Hormonal changes
- Uterine abnormalities
Implications
Since you have already gone through menopause, the recurrence of menstruation is not a good sign and may signal serious health issues.
Treatment For Abnormal Menstruation
You need not worry about experiencing any type of abnormal menstruation. There are various treatment methods available to tackle it:
- Medications – This involves both hormonal therapy (birth control pills and patches) and non-hormonal medications (painkillers).
- Lifestyle modifications – Maintain a healthy weight through diet and moderate exercise. Don’t strain yourself physically by exercising excessively. Reduce stress using techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Surgical interventions – Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove uterine fibroids or polyps. In some cases, the doctor might perform hysterectomy (the removal of uterus) to deal with serious reproductive health issues.
Conclusion
You need to know when you menstruate to stay healthy and happy. Abnormal menstruation, while typical, could reveal untreated underlying health concerns. By acknowledging the symptoms and consulting with doctors at an early stage, complications can be prevented and controlled. Just keep in mind, your cycle is the voice of your body – follow it, notice the shifts, and take care of yourself.
FAQs
What is considered a normal menstrual cycle?
A normal menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and a period lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be different for you, so you must monitor your cycles for the variations.
When should I see a doctor about my menstrual cycle?
You might need to consult your doctor if your cycle changes significantly – if you’re experiencing excessive bleeding, inability to bleed for an extended period, or chronic pain. Other symptoms are cycles shorter than 21 days or more than 35 days on a regular basis.
Can stress affect my menstrual cycle?
Stress can be quite detrimental to your period. In extreme cases, too much stress will cause hormone disruptions, and some people will experience periods that are irregular or even amenorrhea.
Are there home remedies for managing abnormal menstruation?
Though it’s recommended to seek the advice of a doctor, some do feel better with lifestyle modifications such as exercise, diet, stress management, and herbal remedies. You should always see a doctor first when trying something new.
Can birth control pills help regulate my menstrual cycle?
Hormonal contraceptives – such as pills, patches, and IUDs – can be used to regulate your periods, diminish excessive bleeding, and manage your menstrual cramps. Check with your doctor and find out what’s right for you.
What role does diet play in menstrual health?
A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and nutrients can help you with hormonal stability and menstrual cycle. Iron, calcium, and vitamins can alleviate symptoms and promote wellness.
Is it normal to experience changes in my menstrual health as I age?
Indeed, you’ll often have menstrual fluctuations in your body when you get older, especially if you’re approaching perimenopause. This can include disturbed periods, disruption of flow, and other symptoms. Keeping an eye on these changes is important for health surveillance.
How can I track my menstrual cycle effectively?
You can follow your period using a calendar, a period-tracking app, or a journal. Track the cycle duration, flow speed, symptoms, and emotional changes to spot patterns or abnormalities.
