Symptoms and Causes of Menstrual Irregularity
Menstrual irregularity is a deviation from normal in a woman’s menstrual cycle. A normal menstrual cycle usually lasts between 21 and 35 days, and menstrual bleeding is expected to last between 2 and 7 days.
Examples of menstrual irregularity:
- No menstrual bleeding for 3 or more consecutive periods
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
- Severe pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting
- More or less than normal
- Postmenopausal or post-coital bleeding
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- One or more tampons or sanitary pads overflowing within an hour.
Menstrual irregularity is common in many women. However, if these irregularities are frequent or change significantly, it may be an indication of an underlying health problem.
Reasons:
Hormonal Changes: This is a common factor that causes irregular menstrual periods. Especially during puberty, menopause, pregnancy or breastfeeding, menstrual irregularities can occur due to hormonal changes.
Stress: Intense stress or emotional problems can affect the menstrual cycle.
Eating Habits: Conditions such as anorexia or excessive exercise can cause irregular menstrual periods.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances in the ovaries and is associated with irregular menstrual periods.
Thyroid Problems: An imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect the menstrual cycle.
Long-Term Medication Use: Some medications, especially birth control pills or antidepressants, can affect the menstrual cycle.
Myomas can cause painful and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Endometriosis is especially painful with menstruation. In addition, it can cause heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding and intermenstrual bleeding.
If you are someone who has irregular menstrual periods, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. It is important to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause and evaluate appropriate treatment options. Remember, irregular periods are often treatable, and with proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled.
Medical History and Physical Exam: A doctor will review a patient’s medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check hormone levels. This can help identify hormone imbalances.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to evaluate the structure and condition of the reproductive organs.
Laparoscopy: A diagnostic laparoscopy may be done to look for abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
Biopsy: An endometrial biopsy is a procedure that takes a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus. It can help identify conditions such as endometrial cancer.
Treatment Methods
Drug Therapy: Drugs such as birth control pills, progestins or GnRH agonists can be used to correct hormonal balance.
Surgical Intervention: If there is a factor such as myoma, ovarian cyst or endometriosis underlying irregular menstrual bleeding, surgical intervention may be required. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy are often preferred.
Endometrial Ablation: This is the process of reducing menstrual bleeding by destroying part or all of the endometrium to control excessive bleeding.
Endometriosis Treatment: In the case of endometriosis, drug therapy, surgical intervention or a combination of both can be applied.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment: Small, simple and harmless cysts are usually monitored, but large, complicated or symptomatic cysts can be surgically removed.
Diet and Exercise: A healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage menstrual irregularity.
Stress Management: Stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises can reduce menstrual irregularity.
Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements or herbal treatments may help relieve symptoms of irregular periods. However, more research is needed on their effectiveness.
Acupuncture: Some women have found acupuncture to be helpful in reducing symptoms of irregular periods.
Since every patient is different, the treatment approach should be personalized. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms, age, health status, and other factors. Many menstrual disorders can be managed and symptoms controlled if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
