Menstruation (menstruation): definition, symptoms, to treatment

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Definition

What is menstruation (menstruation)?

Menstruation or menstruation is a normal monthly cycle in which women experience bleeding from the vagina. Menstrual blood comes from the lining of the uterus.

Each month your body prepares for pregnancy by producing an egg from your ovaries, a process called ovulation. If pregnancy doesn't occur, you're having your period.

How common is menstruation (menstruation)?

Menstruation occurs when you are not pregnant. During menstruation every month, an egg is produced by the ovaries. This is called ovulation.

Your body begins to produce hormones to prepare for pregnancy. If the resulting egg is not fertilized, the egg will dissolve with the blood lining the uterine wall. The length of menstruation varies, but generally lasts 3 to 5 days.

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day until the next menstruation. This is not the same for every woman.

A normal cycle usually ranges from 21 to 35 days. The cycle is long in adolescence but will usually shorten and become more regular with age.

Sometimes, the cycle can be regular and irregular. If you experience sudden changes in your menstrual cycle and they don't get better, consult your doctor immediately.

How to monitor my menstrual cycle (menstruation)?

To find a cycle that is normal for you, start recording it on a calendar. Start by recording the start day of your period, each month for several consecutive months.

If you are worried about your menstrual condition, the Mayo Clinic says you need to note the things below.

• End of day: When does menstruation stop? Is it longer or a little longer than usual?
• Amount of blood: Record how much blood you shed during your period. Is it a lot more than usual? How many times do you change pads in a day?
• Abnormal bleeding: Do you have bleeding outside your menstrual cycle?
• Pain: Describe pain associated with menstruation. Does the pain get worse when your menstrual cycle arrives?
• Other changes: Have you experienced changes in mood and attitude?

How does my menstrual cycle (menstruation) affect my health?

Your overall health, be it emotional, mental, and physical can be affected by the menstrual cycle.

In the first half of your cycle (the first and second weeks after your period starts in a 28 day cycle)

• During this period, your energy will probably increase.
• Your memory will probably improve and your tolerance for pain will also improve.
• After your period is over is a good time to have a Pap smear, as your uterine wall is thinning. That way, the results of the examination will be clearer.

In the second half of your cycle (starting with ovulation)

• You may feel slower and more forgetful.
• If you have health problems, such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, or asthma, your symptoms will get worse before your period starts.
• If you have diabetes, you may find it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar level may be higher or lower than normal.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of menstruation (menstruation)?

The general symptoms of normal menstruation can vary from woman to woman. Menstruation usually starts from the age of 11-14 and continues until the age of 51 years. During the cycle, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Bleeding that lasts 3 to 5 days
• Stomach cramps
• Chest pain
• Bloating
• Food cravings
• Mood swings and irritable
• Headache
• Fatigue.

Menstrual symptoms can vary from woman to woman. You may also experience a mix of symptoms, emotional and physical, that begin before your cycle.

This condition is known as premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If symptoms are severe, your doctor can help find treatment for the discomfort.

When should I see a doctor?

Consult a health professional if:

• Your menstrual cycle has suddenly stopped for more than 90 days, and you are not pregnant.
• Your menstrual cycle becomes erratic after being regular.
• You have bleeding for more than seven days.
• You bleed more than usual or have to change pads every hour or two.
• Your period is less than 21 days or more than 35 days.
• You bleed between menstrual cycles.
• You feel severe pain during menstruation.
• You have a sudden fever and are sick after using the bandage.

You should call your doctor if there are major changes to your menstrual cycle. If your cycle is usually every 21 days but in the last 3 months it is every 40 days, this could be a sign of a condition.

You should also tell your doctor if you experience symptoms that get worse or cause discomfort. Your doctor can help resolve it.

Cause

What are the causes of menstruation (menstruation)?

The reason is that a ripe egg is not fertilized. However, there are several health conditions that may occur and the use of drugs associated with menstruation.

What causes irregular menstrual cycles (menstruation)?

Irregular menstrual cycles are caused by many things, namely:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Menstruation that does not occur within one month can be an early sign of pregnancy. Breastfeeding can also be a cause of delayed menstrual cycle after pregnancy.

• Eating disorders, extreme weight loss or excessive exercise

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, extreme weight loss and excessive physical activity can cause menstruation to interfere.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

Women with this common endocrine system disorder may experience irregular menstrual cycles. This condition also causes an enlarged ovary which contains a small collection of fluid (follicles) located in each ovary when seen during an ultrasound examination.

• Premature ovarian failure

This condition occurs due to loss of normal ovarian function before the age of 40 years. Women who experience this disorder may experience irregular menstrual cycles for years.

• Pelvic inflammation

Reproductive organ infection can cause irregular cycles.

• Uterine fibroids

Is a non-cancerous uterine growth. Conditions can cause menstrual cycles to be longer and more numerous.

• Thyroid problems

Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism, cause less and lighter periods than normal.

• High levels of prolactin in the blood

This condition is called hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is a hormone that helps breast growth at puberty and produces milk after childbirth. This hormone also helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

• Stress

Research suggests chronic stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles.

• Obesity

Excess fat in the body creates the hormone estrogen. Excess estrogen changes the menstrual cycle and can cause irregular or heavy cycles.

What are the problems related to menstruation (menstruation)?

There are several problems that can affect your menstrual cycle, such as:

Heavy menstrual bleeding

This is common in some women, about 1 in 5 women. Heavy bleeding occurs when there is so much blood that you need to change pads or pads every hour instead of 3 to 4 times a day.

Heavy bleeding usually interferes with daily activities and causes weakness due to blood loss.

Heavy bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, polyps, or fibroids in the uterus or certain health conditions. Health conditions can include:

• Thyroid problems
• Blood clotting disorders such as von Willebrands disease
• A bleeding disorder characterized by low platelets in the blood called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells).

Other causes can occur from miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that grows outside the uterus), and possibly infection.

There are several drugs that cause you to experience this condition, namely:

• Anticoagulants
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Corticosteroids
• Hernal: ginseng, chasteberry, danshen
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Tamoxifen

Amenorrhea (no menstruation)

You may not have menstrual periods at all. This is only normal at before puberty, after menopause, and during pregnancy.

If these reasons are not the cause of amenorrhea, you need to discuss with your doctor about the causes and treatment.

There is primary or secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea occurs when there are no conditions that cause amenorrhea.

Your doctor can diagnose you with amenorrhea if you have reached the age of 16 and have not had your period. The doctor will perform several tests to find the cause.

Secondary amenorrhea occurs when you have regular periods but they suddenly stop for more than 3 months. This can be caused by stress, extreme weight loss, or abnormal estrogen levels.

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Abdominal cramps or painful menstruation is a common symptom that every woman has experienced. However, if the cramps become so bad that you can't move normally, you may have dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual cramps are caused by hormones called prostaglandins that are produced by the uterine lining to trigger uterine contractions. You may also feel dizzy, lightheaded, pale and sweaty. Prostaglandins can also increase intestinal contractions, causing diarrhea. You must consult your doctor for proper treatment.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

PMS or premenstrual syndrome occurs when you experience a collection of symptoms, physical and emotional, that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Physical symptoms can include headache, constipation, bloating, chest swelling, weakness and awkwardness.

Emotional symptoms can include feelings of anger, depression, anxiety and inability to concentrate.

PMS is different from menstruation. PMS usually occurs before your menstrual cycle starts, and can get worse. PMS can subside after menstruation begins or ends.

PMS can occur at least 3 cycles in a row. Research proves a genetic link. If you have a sibling or mother who has had an STD, you probably have one too.

Premenstrual dysphonic disorder

Premenstrual dysphonic disorder or PMDD is a more severe form of PMS. About 3 to 8% of women experience PMDD. Common symptoms include migraine headaches, severe anxiety, depression, and serious mood swings. Women who have a history of postpartum depression or mood disorders have a higher risk of developing PMDD.

Diagnosis

How to diagnose menstrual problems (menstruation)?

Here are some ways your doctor might diagnose the problem you are experiencing:

Heavy menstrual bleeding

To diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding, your doctor will perform a full medical examination to see if your condition is related to any health problems. This can be structural, fibroid-like, or hormonal.

The examination involves a series of tests which may include:

• Ultrasound
• Endometrial biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Curette

Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for anemia and urine tests to see if you are pregnant or sleeping. Other laboratory tests may be needed.

PMS and PMDD

There is no specific diagnostic test for this condition. You may be asked about your symptoms. The list of premenstrual symptoms is one common method of evaluating the condition.

This way, you can track the type and severity of symptoms to help identify a pattern of the condition.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat menstrual problems (menstruation)?

Treatment for menstrual problems includes relieving symptoms and treating the cause. The most common symptom is menstrual pain, which can start a few days before your period.

Some of the treatment options for menstrual cramps can include:

• Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can include ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or meloxicam. These drugs may be hard on the stomach. It is recommended to drink it with food to avoid stomach irritation.
• Another pain reliever. These medications can include paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, (Tylenol®, Panadol®) to relieve pain.

Treatment for irregular menstruation can include:

• Contraceptive drinking
• Progestin tablets
• Surgical removal of polyps or fibroids in the uterus
• Address the causes.

These treatment options can set your cycle.

How can I manage my menstrual symptoms?

Here are tips for managing your menstrual symptoms:

• Put it down heating pad (warm water compress) or a warm towel on the lower part of the stomach. You can also take a warm shower. Heat can increase blood flow and reduce cramps.
• Lie down with your feet raised.
• Exercise regularly to increase blood flow.
• If you have vaginal pain or cramps, use pads instead of pads.
• If you are treating menstrual disorders, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully.