Abnormal Menstruation

Dr. Smita Jadhav: Best Abnormal Menstruation Treatment in Kolkata

What is Abnormal Menstruation?

Abnormal menstruation, also known as irregular periods, refers to any variation in your menstrual cycle that differs from your regular pattern. This can manifest as changes in the duration, frequency, or flow of your period. For example, if your periods occur less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart, this is considered an irregular cycle. Other signs of abnormal menstruation include periods that are longer or shorter than usual, missed periods, or unusually heavy or light bleeding. Understanding what constitutes a typical menstrual cycle is crucial to identifying when something is off and seeking appropriate medical advice if necessary.

Symptoms of Abnormal Menstruation

Here are some symptoms of abnormal menstruation:

Contact Dr. Smita Jadhav, the best abnormal menstruation doctor in Kolkata, if you experience any of the aforementioned signs of abnormal menstruation.

What is Abnormal Menstruation?

Abnormal menstruation, or menstrual irregularity, refers to any deviation from a regular menstrual cycle. While variations in menstrual patterns are common, abnormal menstruation involves significant deviations in frequency, duration, or intensity. This condition can manifest in various ways, disrupting the usual rhythm of a woman’s menstrual cycle and, in some cases, leading to other, more severe health concerns.

Causes of Abnormal Periods

As per Smita Jadhav, the best gynecologist in Kolkata, the causes of abnormal menstruation are listed below.

Hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, implants, and IUDs, suppress ovulation and usually prevent menstruation. However, users may experience vaginal bleeding, which can vary in pattern:

  • Monthly bleeding similar to a regular period.
  • Spotting or irregular bleeding.
  • Lighter or heavier bleeding.
While irregular bleeding is usually not harmful, individuals who find it problematic should consult their doctor for alternatives.

Prolactin, a hormone involved in milk production, can also suppress ovulation during breastfeeding, often leading to the absence of periods, known as lactational amenorrhea. This is normal and harmless. Menstrual cycles usually resume after breastfeeding decreases or stops.

Perimenopause, the transition to menopause starting in the 40s and lasting 4–8 years, is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and eventually the cessation of periods. Symptoms may include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Vaginal dryness
Diagnosis involves blood tests, and management may include treatments for symptoms like lubricants for dryness or estrogen therapy for hot flashes.

High-stress levels can lead to irregular periods. Stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, can disrupt the sex hormones that regulate menstruation.

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Types of Abnormal Menstruation

Types of Abnormal Menstruation are as follows:

1. Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is characterized by the absence of menstrual periods and occurs when a woman misses more than three consecutive cycles. It can result from various medical conditions, such as anatomical abnormalities, eating disorders, thyroid disorders, excessive exercise, or lifestyle choices. Amenorrhea is also normal before puberty, after menopause, and during pregnancy.
Amenorrhea is divided into:

a. Primary Amenorrhea:

Diagnosed when a woman hasn’t had a period by age 16. Common causes include endocrine issues, low body weight, genetic abnormalities, or delayed pituitary gland maturation.

b. Secondary Amenorrhea:

Occurs when a woman with previously regular periods stops menstruating for three months or more. Causes may include stress, illness, weight loss, thyroid issues, or ovarian cysts.

2. Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent menstrual periods occurring more than 35 days apart. It’s common in adolescents and those transitioning into perimenopause. Some of the causes can include:

3. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe menstrual cramps and pain, which may extend to the lower back and thighs. It is classified as:

a. Primary Dysmenorrhea:

Painful cramps without underlying disease, often worsened by heavy abnormal bleeding during periods.

b. Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

Pain associated with conditions like uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

4. Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia involves unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which can interfere with daily activities. It is often accompanied by painful cramps (dysmenorrhea). Common causes include:

5. Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia refers to irregular bleeding between regular menstrual periods, also known as breakthrough bleeding.

6. Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea is characterized by menstrual periods occurring more frequently than the usual 21–35-day cycle, though the bleeding duration remains normal. Causes may include:

7. Hypomenorrhea

Hypomenorrhea involves very light menstrual bleeding lasting less than two days. It is often associated with:

8. Hypermenorrhea

Hypermenorrhea is characterized by excessively frequent and heavy abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It is linked to:

Diagnosis of Abnormal Menstruation

To diagnose irregular periods, the gynecologist will review your menstrual history and medical background, perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and may order additional tests such as:
pelvic-ultra-img

Pelvic Ultrasound

Detects issues like uterine fibroids, polyps, or ovarian cysts.

Endometrial Biopsy

Involves taking a tissue sample from the uterus lining to diagnose conditions like endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, or precancerous cells.
hysteroscopy-img

Hysteroscopy

Allows the gynecologist to examine the inside of your uterus to diagnose and address abnormal bleeding causes.

Treatments for Abnormal Menstruation

Here are some common treatments for various menstrual issues:

1. Hormonal Therapies

a. Birth Control Pills:

Help regulate periods, reduce heavy bleeding, and manage hormonal imbalances.

b. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Used for symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause.

c. Progestin:

A type of hormone that can help manage irregular bleeding and heavy periods.

2. Lifestyle Changes

a. Diet and Exercise:

Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity can help regulate menstrual cycles.

b. Stress Management:

Techniques like yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises can alleviate stress-related menstrual irregularities.

3. Medications

NSAIDs:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help with pain and heavy bleeding.

4. Surgery

Hysterectomy:

Removal of the uterus, sometimes recommended for severe cases of abnormal bleeding when other treatments have not been effective.

5. Addressing Underlying Conditions:

a. Treating PCOS:

Medications and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

b. Managing Thyroid Disorders:

Medications to address thyroid imbalances affecting menstrual cycles.

c. Managing Endometriosis:

Hormonal treatments or surgery to remove endometrial tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abnormal menstruation can signal underlying medical issues that may need attention. It’s advisable to consult the gynecologist to determine whether your irregular periods are due to a serious condition. Young girls often experience irregular periods as their menstrual cycles are still establishing a pattern and ovulation may not yet be regular.

The most common menstrual problem is dysmenorrhea, characterized by painful periods or cramps. Women who are obese, smoke, consume excessive alcohol, or started menstruating early are more likely to experience dysmenorrhea. In severe cases, the pain can be debilitating and disrupt daily activities.

Missing a period or two may not be cause for immediate concern, but it can indicate underlying medical issues. It’s a good idea to consult with the gynecologist to investigate the cause and determine if any treatment is necessary.

Abnormal menstruation can be more common due to factors such as intense exercise, significant weight changes, stress, medical conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances. It can also occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, or menopause.

Yes, abnormal/irregular menstruation and pregnancy are interlinked, as the former may indicate irregular ovulation or other hormonal imbalances. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it may be challenging to predict when you’re ovulating, which is crucial for conception. It’s advisable to consult the gynecologist for an evaluation and potential treatments to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

Pregnancy usually causes a halt in menstrual periods. However, some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, which can be mistaken for a period. If you have irregular periods and suspect you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test or consulting the gynecologist can help determine if pregnancy is the cause of the changes in your cycle.