Menstruation is a natural process experienced by women of reproductive age every month. It is marked by the discharge of blood from the uterus through the vagina.

A normal menstrual cycle is defined as a consistent cycle lasting 3 to 7 days, with normal blood volume, minimal pain, and no unusual symptoms. Unfortunately, not everyone has a smooth menstrual cycle. Menstrual disorders can have a negative impact on overall health and make it difficult to conceive.

Types of menstrual disorders

Menstrual disorders can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyles, and medication use. Here are some types of menstrual disorders that can occur:

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, which is divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea occurs when menstruation does not begin by age 15. This condition could be caused by genetic abnormalities, reproductive structural abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues.

Secondary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation for three months or more. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, contraceptive use, stress and lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, and health issues such as pituitary gland tumors or other chronic diseases are all possible causes.

Oligomenorrhea

Oligomenorrhea is characterized by irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles with intervals longer than 35 days, whereas the normal cycle is between 21 and 35 days. Causes may include hormonal imbalances, stress and lifestyle factors, contraceptive use, menopause, and other health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, eating disorders, or chronic illnesses.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is severe menstrual pain that can be caused by a medical condition or occur on its own. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea often include severe lower abdominal cramps, lower back pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness or headaches.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is characterized by prolonged menstruation with very heavy bleeding. Menorrhagia occurs when menstruation lasts more than 7 days and is accompanied by excessive blood volume and large blood clots.

Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia refers to bleeding between regular menstrual periods. It can be a sign of medical issues such as hormonal imbalances, structural problems in the uterus, contraceptive use, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, blood clotting disorders, thyroid disorders, or diabetes.

Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea is a condition where menstrual cycles occur very frequently, with intervals shorter than 21 days. Causes may include hormonal imbalances, PCOS, thyroid gland issues, stress and lifestyle factors, hormonal contraceptive use, pelvic inflammatory disease, or tumors or polyps in the uterus.

Hypomenorrhea

Hypomenorrhea is characterized by light menstrual flow, such as spotting. In this condition, menstruation lasts for a very short duration and is much shorter than usual.

Hypermenorrhea

In contrast to hypomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea refers to menstruation that lasts longer with very heavy bleeding. Unlike menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea refers to bleeding with a volume of more than 90 ml but with a normal menstrual cycle duration of 3–7 days.

If you experience menstrual disorders or concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor or gynecologist immediately. You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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