The Healthy Temple

Menstrual disorders occur when certain factors interrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle. In normal function, the menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 42 days. It includes the growth of the uterine lining, (endometrium) and its shedding during menstruation. Hormones in the brain and the ovaries control the menstrual cycle in women in their reproductive years.
Many disruptions and disorders can affect the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy is one of the most common. When a woman becomes pregnant, her menstrual cycle is disrupted because the uterine lining remains to provide a place for the fertilized egg to implant and grow. Menstrual disorders can also affect menstruation. These disorders can be temporary or permanent and may have an effect on the patient’s fertility.Most women have some degree of cramping before or during menstruation. If you have cramps accompanied by certain other signs and symptoms, you may need to see your doctor. Find out when you need to see your doctor for painful periods.
If one or more of the symptoms you experience before or during your period causes a problem, you may have a menstrual cycle “disorder.”
These include:
• abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB; also called excessive or heavy menstrual bleeding)
• amenorrhea (no menstrual bleeding)
• fibroids: noncancerous uterine tumors
• dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)
• premenstrual syndrome
* premenstrual dysphoric disorderOnce it is determined that amenorrhea is not due to pregnancy, lactation or menopause, treatment varies depending on the underlying condition.
Treatments include diet and nutrition modifications, stress birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy and, in rare cases, surgery.
Unless caused by a medical condition, menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea may be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and moderate exercise with plenty of rest.