Menstruation is a naturally occurring process in which the menstrual waste comes out of the female body through the vaginal tract. Basically, what happens is that a female body starts creating eggs to give birth to offspring, but it can only happen when a sperm fertilizes the egg.
So, if the egg remains infertile, it comes out with the menstrual blood, which is basically the lining that the body takes inside the uterus. While this process should start around every 28 days if the female doesn’t expect pregnancy, sometimes, due to abnormalities, it delays or comes early.
Moreover, sometimes, it becomes painful, and sometimes it even stops for a longer period. Based on such cases, there are eight common types of abnormal menstruation. Let’s discuss all these eight types of abnormal menstruation in this blog.
Eight Types of Abnormal Menstruation
1) Menorrhagia
When it comes to talking about the types of menstrual disorders, heavy menstrual bleeding always comes to mind. In medical terminology, it is menorrhagia. In this condition, the person receives a heavier flow than usual, and it also makes it difficult to be involved in daily activities due to this heavy flow.
The symptom of this condition is the use of more than one pad for a very short time. Moreover, the menstrual span also gets longer than one week, which is the usual time normal menstrual bleeding lasts. Additionally, if there are blood clots present in the menstrual waste, it can also be a symptom of menorrhagia.
This disorder can be caused due to various reasons like hormonal disbalance, bleeding disorder, etc. Moreover, it is mostly treated with NSAIDs and sometimes requires surgical procedures.
2) Oligomenorrhea
The next type of menstruation is oligomenorrhea. In this type of menstruation, the person usually gets their period infrequently, meaning the days between one period and the other increase. So, if you are not getting your periods in more than 35 days, then it can be a sign of oligomenorrhea.
However, it is only when it keeps happening to you for more than three or four-period cycles. In totality, getting fewer than six to eight periods per year is a sign of it. There are many causes for this to happen, like PCOS, thyroid disorder, or being overweight or obese.
Typically, it is treated with the help of lifestyle changes, but you may also need to take medication as per the gynecologist prescribes. Moreover, if it is happening due to other problems like the thyroid, then regulating the thyroid with the help of medication will lead to its treatment, too.
3) Polymenorrhea
Now, the opposite of oligomenorrhea is polymenorrhea, where the periods become too frequent. For example, if you are getting your periods earlier than expected multiple times, then it can be a sign of polymenorrhea. In this condition, the periods come back in or under 21 days, which is significantly less than the days in a normal cycle.
The underlying causes of this type of menstruation can be stress or hormonal imbalance. However, it can also be caused by the intake of certain medications. That’s why it mostly gets cured by itself when you stop taking those medications. However, if the reason is something else like stress, then You should look for therapy or medical assistance.
4) Amenorrhea
Another type of menstrual disorder is amenorrhea. This term refers to the absence of menstruation for three or more months in women who previously had regular periods or six months in women with irregular cycles.
The primary symptom is the complete lack of menstrual bleeding. The most common causes of amenorrhea include pregnancy, PCOS, excessive exercise, or eating disorders.
Treating amenorrhea typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This might mean lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and reducing exercise intensity or taking medications to correct hormonal imbalances. If an underlying condition like PCOS or thyroid disorder is responsible, treating that condition often resolves amenorrhea as well.
Good to Read:- Menstrual disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
5) Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods which can severely affect daily activities. This type of menstrual disorder causes severe cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.
Symptoms include intense cramping, lower back pain, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Common causes of dysmenorrhea are endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Treatment usually involves pain relief medications such as NSAIDs. In some cases, hormonal treatments are used to reduce menstrual pain. For severe cases, surgical options like removing fibroids or treating endometriosis may be necessary.
6) Hypomenorrhea
Hypomenorrhea is characterized by very light menstrual bleeding, often just spotting instead of a full flow. This condition is part of the broader category of oligomenorrhea and hypomenorrhea.
Symptoms include light bleeding that may seem insufficient compared to a typical menstrual period. Hypomenorrhea can be caused by hormonal contraceptives, stress, or thyroid issues.
Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause. Adjusting or changing hormonal contraceptives, managing stress through relaxation techniques, or treating thyroid conditions can help restore normal menstrual flow.
7) Metrorrhagia
Metrorrhagia involves irregular bleeding between periods, a type of irregular menstruation medical term often used in clinical cases in obstetrics and gynecology.
Symptoms include spotting or bleeding at times other than the regular menstrual cycle. This condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or polyps.
Treatment usually involves hormonal therapy to regulate bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove fibroids or polyps. It’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
8) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMS and PMDD are common types of menstrual disorders characterized by a range of physical and emotional symptoms before the menstrual period.
Symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, bloating, and breast tenderness. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS involving intense emotional symptoms like severe depression and fatigue.
Treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. For PMDD, medications like antidepressants may be prescribed. Hormonal treatments can also help stabilize mood swings and alleviate symptoms.
Good to Read:- Most common Gynecological Problems and Preventions
Summing Up
So, these are the eight types of abnormal menstruation, along with their causes and symptoms. If you are facing any of these types of menstrual disorders, you should not take it lightly and see a gynecologist. Moreover, you should also do regular exercise and keep your weight in control to keep your menstrual cycles healthy.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any type of abnormal menstruation, it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice. Dr. SwatiAttam, a renowned gynecologist in Noida, specializes in diagnosing and treating menstrual disorders. Book a consultation today to receive personalized and expert care. Your health and well-being are our top priorities!
