Menstrual disorders can affect women at any stage in their reproductive years, causing disruption to a normal menstrual cycle. A normal menstrual cycle is a sign of good health, which is why menstrual disorders should be treated as medical issues. Over time, these disorders can affect a woman’s overall health and significantly impact their quality of life.
Let’s discuss the 7 most common menstrual disorders and how they are treated.
#1 Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods for three or more months in women who have previously had regular cycles. It is typically caused by hormonal imbalances due to underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or pituitary tumors. Treating amenorrhea usually involves hormone replacement therapy with estrogen or progesterone to restore normal menstrual cycles. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if the cause is an anatomical issue like blocked fallopian tubes or scar tissue in the uterus that prevents ovulation from occurring normally.
#2 Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful cramps during menstruation that interferes with daily activities and causes distress to women experiencing them. Severe period cramps can be excruciating and interfere with daily life. Treating dysmenorrhea involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or pain relievers and fever reducers such as acetaminophen. Birth control pills may also be prescribed, as they inhibit ovulation and reduce prostaglandin levels, which contribute to abdominal cramps.
#3 Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia refers to heavy periods. There may be bleeding between periods, and the period may also last a week or more. Heavy periods can be disruptive to your lifestyle. Treatment may include prostaglandin inhibitors, birth control pills, and progesterone therapy, all of which reduce the amount you bleed during your period. Iron pills may be prescribed to prevent anemia from heavy bleeding.
#4 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS refers to physical and emotional symptoms experienced before menstruation, including mood swings, irritability, fatigue, overeating, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and acne breakouts. Treatments for PMS vary depending on individual needs but commonly involve lifestyle modifications such as diet changes, stress management techniques, and exercise along with medication.
#5 Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those found inside the uterus grow outside, resulting in pelvic pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation. Treating endometriosis usually includes pain medication, hormonal therapy, or surgery – which involves the removal of the endometrial growths through laparoscopy.
#6 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a menstrual disorder that is caused by high levels of androgens, which can cause acne, increased hair growth, irregular periods, and the growth of cysts in the ovaries. Treatment for PCOS usually involves a combination of therapies, which includes exercise, dietary changes, weight loss, medicine to reduce insulin resistance, and birth control pills.
#7 Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of muscle tissues present within uterine walls, which lead to abdominal discomfort, frequent urination, pain during sex, and heavy bleeding. Treatment for fibroids depends on the size and location of the growths. If the problem causes severe symptoms, surgical removal of the fibroids or the uterus may be necessary. Treatment can also involve birth control, iron pills, and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
Treatment for Menstrual Disorders in Arizona and Washington
For the skilled and compassionate treatment of menstrual disorders, choose Family Nurse Practitioner Sharon Zell at Show Low Family Clinic. Sharon provides a great service to women suffering from menstrual disorders and is committed to ensuring healthcare is made available conveniently for women in the areas we serve.
Show Low Family Clinic offers in-office and virtual appointments for patients. For any questions, call us today at (928) 251-2914 or use our convenient online request form to schedule your appointment.