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Women Wellness
8 Common Menstrual Irregularities: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
Did you know? According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, over 30% of adolescent girls in India experience menstrual irregularities. Irregular periods, characterised by unpredictable cycles, bleeding variations, or even missed periods, can be a source of concern for many women.
Common menstrual irregularities include oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), affecting around 10% of Indian women, polymenorrhea (frequent periods) at 15%, and amenorrhea (absent periods) at around 5%. The prevalence of menstrual irregularities calls for understanding the causes and devising treatment options.
In this blog, you will learn about 8 common menstrual irregularities and the reasons for irregular periods. We will explore the spectrum of irregular menstruation symptoms and shed light on various symptoms of irregular periods. Continue reading to learn more.
Table Of Contents
1. What Is Menstruation?
2. 8 Types Of Abnormal Menstruation
3. Prominent Irregular Menstruation Symptoms Or Irregular Periods Symptoms
4. 6 Major Reasons For Irregular Periods
5. Are There Any Treatment Options For Menstrual Irregularities?
6. How Do We Care For Menstrual Irregularities At ToneOp?
7. Expert’s Advice
8. The Final Say
9. FAQs
10. References
What Is Menstruation?
Menstruation is a monthly event during which vaginal bleeding is observed as the uterine lining is destroyed when a fertilised egg fails to implant. Menstruation is not a sign of ovulation but rather a sign that hormonal regulation and the response of the reproductive system to it are in action.
Menarche begins menstruation in girls, and the menstrual cycle continues until menopause. Average menstrual loss is about 5 to 80 ml daily for 4 to 5 days each month. Blood loss varies from person to person but generally increases with age. The cycle can vary between 21 and 35 days. The average length of a menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days for most women, but more than 14 to 25 per cent of women have irregular menstrual cycles that are shorter or longer than usual: heaviness or lightness.
Some of the factors that can lead to menstrual irregularities include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, infections, diseases, injuries, and drugs.
Also Read: What Is Menstrual Health Awareness? Health Tips For Your Period Cycle
8 Types Of Abnormal Menstruation
The following are eight types of menstruation irregularities:
1. Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstruation)
Among the eight types of unnatural menstruation, one called menorrhagia is heavy menses that last for more than a week. Such a state may cause severe disturbances in everyday life and lead to far-reaching consequences.
2. Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods)
Oligomenorrhea is another type of abnormal menstruation which refers to cycles that are more than 35 days apart, causing infrequent bleeding. Understanding the underlying reasons and possible solutions to solve this issue is essential.
3. Amenorrhea (Absent Periods)
Also known as "no periods", amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles in women of reproductive age (excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding). There are two types of amenorrhea: primary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation despite normal adolescent development) and secondary amenorrhea.
4. Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation)
Commonly called "cramps" by many, dysmenorrhea refers to severe pain and cramping associated with menstruation. This pain can radiate to the lower back and thighs and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Dysmenorrhea occurs in two forms: primary and secondary. In primary dysmenorrhea, however, uterine contractions cause this condition, while in secondary dysmenorrhoea, some underlying medical conditions, such as endometriosis, are involved.
5. Metrorrhagia (Irregular Bleeding)
This is often called "spotting" in lay terms. Metrorrhagia refers to unexpected bleeding occurring outside of the regular menstrual cycle. This can happen anytime during the month, and it may be light or heavy.
6. Polymenorrhea (Frequent Menstruation)
Polymenorrhea describes menstrual cycles occurring more frequently than usual, typically with intervals shorter than 21 days or having more than eight periods in a year.
7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur days or weeks before a menstrual period. Symptoms can include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and headaches. PMDD is a severe form of PMS that can significantly impact a woman's daily life.
8. Pre- And Postmenopausal Irregular Menstruation
Premenopausal women, the stage before menopause, may suffer from menstrual irregularities such as irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, and so on. These symptoms are often related to hormonal imbalances as the body prepares to stop menstruating. Seeing your doctor can help manage your symptoms during this transition period.
Prominent Irregular Menstruation Symptoms Or Irregular Periods Symptoms
Symptoms of irregular menstruation include:
- Pain or cramps before or during menstruation
- Excessive bleeding
- Mood changes, irritability, depression and anxiety. Bloating or fullness
- Very light bleeding or spotting
- Longer or shorter cycle duration
Also Read: How To Control Mood Swings During Periods? Try These 14 Helpful Tips
6 Major Reasons For Irregular Periods
Menstrual irregularities can have a variety of reasons, including:
Reason | Explanation |
| Pregnancy or Breastfeeding | It is common for breastfeeding to delay the return of periods after pregnancy. |
| Eating Disorder | Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, extreme weight loss, or increased physical activity can cause periods to stop. |
| PCOS | People with this widespread condition are likely to have irregular periods. Their ovaries may also be enlarged, and small fluid-filled collections known as follicles are found on each ovary. These follicles are visible on an ultrasound scan. There are usually more follicles in the ovaries of people with PCOS than in the ovaries of other people. |
| Early Ovarian Failure | The lack of normal ovarian function before the age of 40 is referred to as early ovarian failure. Also referred to as primary ovarian failure, this condition can cause irregular or irregular menstrual cycles for several years. |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | PID of the pelvic organs. Infections of these reproductive organs lead to abnormal bleeding during menstruation. |
| Uterine Fibroids | Uterine fibroids are benign tumours in the uterus. Menstruation can be more prolonged and protracted. |
Are There Any Treatment Options For Menstrual Irregularities?
If you experience irregular periods, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. Be open to discussing your health history, including the number of days, length of your menstrual cycle, and any other symptoms like fatigue or muscle aches.
The doctor may perform a physical exam and order various tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your menstrual irregularities. These tests might include:
- Blood tests: A hematocrit test can assess blood loss if you experience heavy bleeding.
- Pelvic exam: This examination helps rule out pregnancy complications or pelvic infections.
Treatment options depend on the cause:
Hormonal therapy: Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or other hormonal medications like:
- Progestin-only pills
- Combination pills (estrogen and progestin)
- Vaginal rings
- Skin patches
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) with hormones
Other treatment plans: Depending on the diagnosis, alternative treatment plans might be considered by your doctor, such as:
- Medications to treat underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or PCOS
- Pain relievers for cramps (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Iron supplements for blood loss anaemia
- Surgical procedures (in rare cases) to address structural abnormalities
Also Read: Say Goodbye To Delayed Periods! Try These Yoga Poses For Regular Menstruation
How Do We Care For Menstrual Irregularities At ToneOp?
ToneOp Care 360 Period Capsules are designed to control menstrual abnormalities and PMS symptoms and promote regular menstruation. With hing oil, coconut oil, and frankincense oil, these capsules are the best combination of ferulic acid, coumarin, frankincense, MCTs, and enzymes. Our best hing oil capsules are made from high-quality ingredients and are 100% natural, vegan, and gluten-free. This powerful supplement is carefully formulated with powerful ingredients for complete menstrual management and digestive support.
The main ingredient of this amazing 360-cycle care formula is hing oil, also known as asafoetida oil. Ayurveda has used this oil for centuries to treat various problems, including blood regulation, bloating, spasms, mood swings, and constipation management. 15 mg of hing oil in each capsule helps eliminate bloating and menstrual cramps. To further enhance the effectiveness of this formula, we added coconut oil and frankincense oil, known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Each of our capsules contains 400mg of nutrient-rich coconut oil, which helps regulate your body's hormones and improve its ability to absorb nutrients. Coconut oil promotes better absorption of nutrients and helps your body get the most from the food you eat. Energy improved, overall health improved, and they felt better. One capsule contains 85 mg of frankincense oil for menstrual pain relief. This ancient remedy reduces inflammation, soothes the stomach lining and relieves pain.
The advantages of Tone Up Care Period Care 360 Capsules include the following:
- Relieves abdominal cramps.
- Reduces back and hip pain
- Reduces bloating and cramping.
- Acts as a blood thinner and controls blood flow.
- Enhances hormonal balance and maintains hormone levels.
- Relieves mood swings.
- Calms the digestive system.
- Regulates the blood flow by normalising progesterone.
- Controls anxiety and mood changes.
- Weakness and fatigue during menstruation are minimised.
Also Read: 7 Best Foods To Eat And Avoid During Your Period Cramps
Expert’s Advice
Dealing with menstrual irregularities can be very frustrating, but with the right diagnosis and the right treatment, every woman can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Minor variations between cycles or periods are generally nothing to be concerned about. Everyone is different. If you suspect that you may be having a problem with your menstrual cycle and are observing changes, consult your physician.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Irregular menses are a common condition that can be managed with simple therapies. Secondary testing is required if you have a severe medical condition. Many factors cause irregular menstruation and irregular menstruation. If you notice any abrupt changes in your menstrual cycle or if your periods are excruciating, then you should contact your healthcare provider. Most factors leading to irregular periods are not life-threatening and can be treated with medication. If you suspect that you may be having a problem with your menstrual cycle and are observing changes, consult your physician.