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Menstrual Disorders: Common Problems, Prevention Techniques and Remedies

Normal menstruation in healthy woman, which typically begins between the ages of twelve or thirteen and lasts until about 55, should last from two to five days and reoccur every 28 days, unless the woman is pregnant or going through menopause. However, many menstrual disorders can affect women's menstrual cycles in different degrees, causing them to skip a cycle or to cease menstruation for a varying amount of time. The majority of females will experience some degree of a menstrual disorder during their lifetime.

Because of the numerous causes of menstrual disorders, there are several possible treatments for each, depending on the severity and type of disorder. Often, symptoms can be alleviated by changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle. However, other times treatment will depend on age, medical history, severity of condition and your treatment preference.

Consulting a doctor is necessary for the proper diagnosis and treatment of any menstrual disorder. It's also key to ruling out more severe or contributing conditions. Although isolated incidents of many menstrual abnormalities aren't the cause of serious concern, see a doctor if you have severe menstrual changes or changes that continue for three cycles or more.

Common Menstrual Disorders
Of the possible menstrual disorders, here are the most common:

Amenorrhea refers to delayed or absent menstruation. The chronic form of amenorrhea, known as primary amenorrhea, occurs when menstruation never begins. More often, women suffer from secondary amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation that was once regular.

• Causes: Primary amenorrhea can be caused by an ovulation abnormality, low body weight or birth defects. Secondary amenorrhea can be caused by physical changes such as pregnancy, eating disorders, thyroid disorders, excessive exercise or obesity.
  
  
• Prevention and Treatment: See a gynecologist for a diagnosis. While the doctor may recommend doing nothing, she might suggest dietary changes or prescribe hormone supplements or contraceptives to balance the system.

Dysmenorrhea occurs when women suffer from severe pain or frequent cramps. While lifelong instances of this conditions are known as primary dysmenorrheal, coming down with the condition later in life due to physical changes is secondary dysmenorrhea.

• Causes: Dysmenorrhea can be caused by chemical imbalances, endometriosis (the presence of uteral tissue within the ovaries), infections, tumors or other disorders. Women who are smokers, excessive drinkers, obese or who started menstruating before age 11 are especially at risk.
  
  
• Prevention and Treatment: Most often, a physician will prescribe dietary modifications, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin supplements, exercise or heating pads for use when symptoms arise. Hormone supplements or contraceptives may also be prescribed.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): The most common of menstrual disorders, PMS includes having at least one symptom (pain, fatigue, etc.) that temporarily disturbs or inhibits normal functioning or daily activities. These symptoms generally occur a few days before menstruation and usually stop when menstruation actually begins.

• Causes: Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and other hormone levels generally cause symptoms.
  
  
• Prevention and Treatment: A healthy diet, exercise, getting enough sleep and limiting certain substances (such as alcohol, salt and caffeine) can reduce symptoms. Treatment most often includes anti-inflammatory medications and contraceptives for hormone balancing. If you suffer from severe symptoms, visit a gynecologist or physician to rule out the presence of more serious conditions.

Menorrhagia refers to heavy bleeding. This most often occurs right before menopause begins or just after women begin menstruation. Women with this condition generally soak through a pad or tampon every hour for many hours or menstruate longer than seven days.

• Causes: Hormonal imbalances, fibroids, cervical polyps, IUD use or some cancers will cause menorrhagia.
  
  
• Prevention and Treatment: Go to your gynecologist so she can test for other irregularities to rule out more severe conditions. Anti-inflammatory medications and contraceptives can often lessen blood flow.

Alternative Treatments
If you suffer from a type of menstrual disorder, alternative treatment options may be the best route. Some alternative treatments include:

• acupuncture
• herbal remedies
• iron supplements
• relaxation techniques (including deep breathing, yoga and meditation)
• vitamin supplements.

Consult your doctor and try a number of different treatments to determine which one is the best for you.