Changes of the menstrual cycle occur when the menstruation is irregular, does not appear every month or appears more than once with overly abundant or prolonged menstruation, or sudden losses. The alteration of the menstrual cycle includes several anomalies.
The rhythm abnormalities are characterized by the irregularity of cadence, oligomenorrhea (cycles that delay), polymenorrhea (cycles anticipated) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Abnormalities in the amount and duration differ in scanty menstruation (hypomenorrhea), heavy menstruation (hypermenorrhea), longer menstruation (menorrhagia).
Abnormal presentation stands in breakthrough bleeding (abnormal unexpected loss) and menometrorrhagia (loss between menstruation cycles).
What kind of diseases can be associated with menstrual irregularity?
The irregularity in the menstrual cycle may be symptoms of various diseases and conditions:
- Acromegaly
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)
- Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Meningitis
- Cancers ( ovarian, cervical uterine, endometrial)
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Coagulation defects (Von Willebrand disease)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- PCOS
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for menstrual irregularity?
The irregularity of the menstrual cycle is not always an indication of a malfunction of the organism. In the presence of major irregularities, you have to undergo gynecological examination to identify any pathological cause.
A slight loss can be contained with the use of NSAIDs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Anemia resulting from an abundant menstruation may require the use of iron supplements. In the case of hormonal imbalances and other illnesses a specialist after the appropriate diagnostic tests, will indicate the most appropriate drug therapy or surgery.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of menstrual irregularity?
It is always a good practice to undergo a gynecological exam once a year. You should contact your doctor if:
- bleeding occurs or you have losses between cycles
- bleeding occurs or there are losses after intercourse
- bleeding occurs or a loss during pregnancy
- bleeding occurs or a loss after menopause
- you feel pain
- the menstruation lasts longer than 7 days or is excessive
- there is a presence of anomalous leakage or odor
- there is a presence of fever
- there is an increase or sudden weight loss
- it is a case of breasts resizing
