Menstrual Dysfunction

Menstrual Dysfunction

Menstrual dysfunction is any abnormal condition in a woman's menstrual cycle. The normal length of a cycle is 21 to 35 days; if a period comes sooner than 21 days or later than 35 days, it is treated as a problem. Other signs of dysfunction include missing three or more periods, a flow that is much heavier or lighter than usual, a cycle lasting longer than seven days, pain, cramping or vomiting during the period, and any bleeding after menopause.

Abnormal cycles can be caused by being overweight, stress, a dietary disorder, disease, a sudden change in the exercise schedule, travel and other medical complications.

There are several distinct types of menstrual disorder:

1. Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Unpleasant symptoms during the cycle — depression, anxiety, irritation, headache, fainting, vertigo, infection and the like — that may last from a few hours to a few days. They can often be eased by moderate exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep and rest.
2. Amenorrhea. Missed periods, or the absence of a normal monthly cycle. It has two forms:
   • Primary amenorrhea — the menstrual cycle does not begin at puberty at all.
   • Secondary amenorrhea — menstruation stops for three months or more; this is the most common form.
3. Dysmenorrhea. Menstruation with severe pain or frequent cramps; symptoms include cramping in the lower abdomen, low back pain, pain in the legs, nausea, fatigue and weakness.
4. Menorrhagia. Heavy, long-lasting or continuous menstrual bleeding.
5. Polymenorrhea. A menstrual cycle that is shorter than 21 days (frequent menstruation).
6. Oligomenorrhea. Infrequent menstruation — strictly, periods occurring at intervals of more than 35 days.
7. Metrorrhagia. Missed, delayed or erratic periods, or abnormal bleeding patterns.
8. Postmenopausal bleeding. Bleeding that occurs one year after menopause, or after a woman has stopped having menstrual cycles because of menopause. …