Many women suffer from menstrual disorders ranging from severe menstrual cramps to irregular menses. Most assume these symptoms are due to hormone imbalances and do not seek help or treatment. Conditions like fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome and pelvic congestion syndrome are unfamiliar to many menstrual disorder sufferers. There could also be infections or abnormal growths in the pelvis affecting the menstrual cycle.

1. Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea)

Dysmenorrhea is associated with severe cramps and pain during a women’s period. This could be merely due to hormone changes in an individual’s body but it could also be due to a disease like fibroids, infections or growths in the pelvis. A consultation with a doctor and a physical examination is essential to help find out the cause of the painful periods. Simple investigations like blood tests and an ultrasound can help to identify the cause. Treatment would depend on the root cause and can include medications like oral contraceptive pills, lifestyle changes or even surgery if warranted.

2. Irregular periods (Oligomenorrhea)

Oligomenorrhea is when a woman’s period has no regular cycle. A few common yet often neglected causes are endocrines diseases of the thyroid and pituitary, polycystic ovarian syndrome, side effects of medications and diet eating disorders.  A consultation with a doctor which includes a physical examination is helpful to delineate the reason for the irregular menses. Simple investigations like blood tests and an ultrasound can help to identify the cause. Treatment would depend on the root cause and can include medications like oral contraceptive pills or thyroid medications, lifestyle changes or even surgery if warranted.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? More and more women are becoming aware of this often disregarded condition. This syndrome consists of having multiple cysts in the ovaries (as the name suggests), irregular periods and excess male hormone levels in a woman. The excess male hormones can lead to increased weight, excessive hair growth called hirsutism and acne.

Most women are concerned about PCOS causing irregular periods and the resultant fertility issues. However, PCOS is also associated with other significant conditions like an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and even uterine cancer. It is paramount that a woman with irregular periods consult a doctor for a detailed history taking and examination together with investigations like blood tests and ultrasound scans to exclude PCOS. If PCOS is diagnosed, regular follow-up is required to manage the condition and its potential complications as mentioned. Treatment involves lifestyle and diet modifications with medications which would be recommended by the doctor to suit each individual’s needs.

3. Heavy periods (Menorrhagia)

Menorrhagia is a condition when there is extremely heavy or prolonged bleeding during a woman’s period. This can sometimes even lead to anaemia (low blood counts). This is often caused by uterine fibroids but other reasons like infections, hormone changes, blood clotting disorders, side effects of medications or even cancer can also be the cause.

A consultation with a doctor and a physical examination is important to determine the cause of the heavy bleeding. Simple investigations like blood tests and an ultrasound can help to identify the cause. Treatment would depend on the root cause and can include medications like oral contraceptive pills, lifestyle changes or even surgery if warranted.