Health Tips

Most women suffer some type of menstrual problem, whether it is cramps, heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. However prolonged menstruation problems or severe menstruation problems can signify a menstrual disorder.

Types of Menstrual Disorders

There is a number of different menstrual disorders, from the short minor menstrual problems to the more prolonged menstruation problems to serious illnesses. This list of menstrual disorders will help you identify different menstrual cycle disorders of varying degrees.

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the name for painful menstrual cramps. There are two types of dysmenorrheal, primary dysmenorrheal and secondary dysmenorrheal. Primary dysmenorrheal is period pain that is not due to secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrheal is pain that occurs as a result of excess prostaglandins, excessive uterine contractions or any other disease.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. There are two types of amenorrhea, primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is the condition where a woman has never had a period. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods for at least six months. Secondary amenorrhea is often due to pregnancy.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Menorrhagia is also known as hypermenorrhea. Menorrhagia does not refer to normal heavy menstrual bleeding. It only refers to very heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than seven days. Menorrhagia can also be accompanied by menstrual bleeding that includes large blood clots. It is most frequently caused by a hormonal imbalance or uterine fibroids.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus. Usually, endometrial cancer is accompanied by unusual bleeding from the vagina. It is a serious illness, but can usually be treated successfully if it is caught early enough. It is most common is women over 50 years old or in women who have had high levels of estrogen.

Fibroids

Fibroids are growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. They come in varying sizes and can be tiny or large. Some women do not have any symptoms with fibroids. Other women can experience heavy bleeding and longer periods than usual. Fibroids can also cause pain in the lower pelvic area, pain during sexual intercourse, a constant need to urinate, pressure in the bowel and constipation. Women who are aged over 35 or who have had multiple pregnancies are at a greater risk of fibroids.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) is an infection that occurs in some part of the female reproductive organs. One of the symptoms of PID is a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. It may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual periods or pain during sex. The most common cause for PID is by coming into contact with a sexually transmitted disease. PID is a serious illness that may damage the fallopian tubes and prevent future pregnancies.

Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is the name of the symptoms that may occur from seven to fourteen days before the period, sometimes continuing for some time after the period begins. Many women feel like degree of premenstrual syndrome. However, some women can have very severe pain or emotional problems during this stage of the menstruation cycle