Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders are problems resulting in changes to the flow, pattern or timing of a woman's normal menstrual cycle. These problems may be present from the very beginning when you first started menstruating (known as menarche), or may be a newly developed issue from a previously normal menstrual cycle. 

Menstrual disorders are one of the most common reasons women visit their gynaecologist. They can greatly disrupt your daily life, and can also affect your ability to become pregnant. 

Example of menstrual disorders include: 

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding, eg. heavier menstrual flow; a period that lasts longer than seven days; bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, or after menopause.

  • Amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods)

  • Oligomenorrhoea (light or infrequent menstrual periods)

  • Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods and severe menstrual cramps)

  • Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS (physical and emotional discomfort prior to menstruation)

There are many possible causes of abnormal periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions:

  • Stress and lifestyle factors, eg. gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, dieting, changes in exercise routines, travel, illness or other disruptions in your daily routine.

  • Hormonal Birth Control methods

  • Certain medications, eg. steroids or anti-coagulants (blood thinners)

  • Pregnancy complications, eg. miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

  • Uterine polyps of fibroids

  • Endometriosis

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome

  • Cervical Cancer or uterine cancer

Sometimes, there may be nothing wrong at all. Irregular menstruation may be physiological (or normal) if a girl has just entered menarche, or if a woman is approaching menopause. However, this can only be concluded after investigations have been done and abnormal causes have been ruled out.

FAQs

  • If any aspect of your menstrual cycle has changed, you should keep an accurate record of when your period begins and ends, including the amount of flow and whether you pass large blood clots. Keep track of any other symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and menstrual cramps or pain.

    Your doctor will ask in detail about your menstrual cycle and medical history, then perform a physical examination. Tests which are carried out may include blood tests for hormone levels and to rule out anaemia, Pap smear, or a pelvic ultrasound exam.

    Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a possible sign of cervical cancer, therefore it is important to keep your Pap smears up to date if you have ever been sexually active.

    Read more about Cervical Cancer Screening and HPV Vaccines.

  • The treatment for abnormal menstruation depends on the underlying cause. Commonly though, hormonal medications containing oestrogen or progestin may be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

  • Here are some self-care recommendations:

    • Maintain healthy lifestyle habits by exercising regularly and having a balanced, nutritious diet.

    • Make sure you get enough rest.

    • Try some relaxation techniques to control and reduce stress levels.

    • Avoid prolonged or intense exercise.

    • Use birth control pills or other methods as directed.

    • See your doctor for regular Health Screenings.

We are here to help.

If you are experiencing problems with your menstrual cycles, please make an appointment to see our doctor today.