Up next is dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. Pain happens to be the most common problem women have with their periods. Dysmenorrhea is divided into the primary form and the secondary form. Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of dysmenorrhea. The pain is usually caused by contractions of the uterus (womb). The uterus contracts during the period to help the uterine lining leave the body. Teens may get dysmenorrhea soon after they get their first period. For most women, primary dysmenorrhea gets less painful as they get older. The risk for dysmenorrhea may also increase if the woman belongs to any of the following groups:
- Smokers
- Those who consume excessive alcohol during their period
- Women who are overweight
- Women who started menstruating before the age of 11
In secondary dysmenorrhea, usually another health problem is responsible. The most common condition is endometriosis (lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus where it does not belong). Others include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, abnormal pregnancy (i.e., miscarriage, ectopic), infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity, IUDs and pelvic scarring due to STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
The last disorder to be discussed is that of abnormal uterine bleeding. This term includes any vaginal bleeding not considered normal for a menstrual period. Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding and is characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Other types include polymenorrhea (too frequent menstruation), Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent or light menstrual cycles), Metrorrhagia (Any irregular, non-menstrual bleeding as in bleeding which occurs between menstrual periods) and Postmenopausal bleeding (Any bleeding that occurs more than one year after the last normal menstrual period at menopause). Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding have been mentioned earlier in this series. several possible causes of menorrhagia exist, including:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Uterine fibroids
- Abnormal pregnancy; i.e., miscarriage, ectopic (tubal pregnancy)
- Infection, tumors or polyps in the pelvic cavity
- Certain birth control devices; i.e., intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Bleeding or platelet disorders
- High levels of prostaglandins (chemical substances used to control muscle contractions of the uterus)
- High levels of endothelins (chemical substances used to dilate blood vessels)
- Liver, kidney or thyroid disease.
This brings us to the end of our discourse on disorders of the menstrual cycle. Discussing one’s menstrual disorder symptoms with a qualified health professional can help determine what type of treatments can best reduce or relieve the symptoms. Professional medical help should be sought as soon as is possible.
As always, stay healthy!
Reference: www.summahealth.org
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