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Common Menstrual Disorders You Need To Know About!

It’s time that we talk about menstruation and discuss it as a function of a healthy female body! Many women are still unsure about what is normal and what is unusual when it comes to their menstrual cycle. While they endure it, they do not realize when it is time to visit a doctor.Below are some common menstrual disorders that every woman should know about.

Amenorrhea:

The absence of one or more menstrual periods is known as Amenorrhea. Women with at least three missed menstrual periods consecutively or girls who haven’t started menstruation by age 15 are said to have Amenorrhea. The main symptom of Amenorrhea is a lack of menstruation. Other symptoms include milky nipple discharge, hair loss, headache, vision changes and additional facial hair.Can this be treated? Yes! Treatment options vary based on the cause of Amenorrhea. Some women may need to make lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet, regular exercise or yoga and reducing stress. Certain hormonal medicines and birth control pills can help balance hormones, trigger periods or ovulation, such as for PCOS.

Dysmenorrhea:

Having painful periods or menstrual cramps are called Dysmenorrhea. These cramps are triggered by uterine contractions which are caused due to hormone-like substances called Prostaglandins. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to common menstrual cramps, while secondary dysmenorrhea is mild to severe pain that results from a disorder in the reproductive organs such as endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis. Both types are treatable.How do you know if you have dysmenorrhea? The most common symptoms are:

Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
Low back pain or pain radiating down the legs
Nausea, Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
Fainting
Headaches

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Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen for pain relief. Rest when needed. Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol. Avoid popping pain medications without doctor’s advice as these medicines may have side effects in some cases. If you find that none of these self-care measures are providing relief, it is recommended to seek medical advice from your doctor. They will be able to provide proper guidance and may consider prescribing appropriate medication to help alleviate your pain and other symptoms effectively.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

PMS is a group of symptoms that affects a woman’s physical and emotional health and behaviour between ovulation and a period, generally starting 5-11 days before menstruation and typically ending once menstruation begins. What does PMS feel like? PMS has a wide variety of symptoms, including mood swings, depression and irritability, fluid retention, acne, bloating, diminished libido, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, headaches and vertigo. It’s estimated that almost 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of PMS. Treatment:

Antidepressants such as SSRIs successfully reduce mood symptoms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diuretics.
Hormonal contraceptives.

Also Read: How To Increase Female Libido Rapidly

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

PMDD is an endocrine disorder in which a woman has symptoms such as severe depression, irritability and tension before menstruation. PMDD symptoms are usually more severe than those that occur during PMS. In addition to physical symptoms, women with PMDD also experience a variety of mental health symptoms such as depression and suicidal thoughts.Symptoms include:

Lasting irritability/ anger that may affect other people
Feelings of tension or anxiety, sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide
Panic attacks
Mood swings
Lack of interest in routine activities and relationships
Trouble focusing
Tiredness
Food cravings/binge eating
Insomnia
Feeling out of control
Abdominal cramps, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness and joint/muscle pain

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Can PMDD be treated? Yes! Treatments for PMDD include-

Antidepressants such as SSRIs can be prescribed to women suffering from PMDD.
OTC pain relievers may alleviate symptoms such as breast tenderness, muscle aches and pains, cramps and headaches.
Birth control pills.
In case drug-based treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered.
Making healthy changes, such as eating a healthy combination of foods across the food groups, cutting back on salty and sugary foods and getting more physical activity, may also help relieve some symptoms.

If you have irregular periods, painful cramps, excessive facial hair growth or mood swings, don’t ignore it. It may help to visit a doctor and discuss your symptoms with them. Also Read: Quick Tips: How to Get Your Period Faster and SafelyDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

All You Need To Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)!

It’s not just about your periods. Yes, irregular and absent periods are a classic hallmark feature of PCOS but it’s only one part of the condition. PCOS is a syndrome. This means it easily overlaps and intersects with other areas of the body. While PCOS does cause reproductive problems and can affect ovulation, it’s also associated with metabolic issues. Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is highly crucial.

You May Be At Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Metformin and oral contraceptive pills are two of the most common medications used to treat PCOS. What many don’t realize is that both medications can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.A deficiency of vitamin B12 is serious, as it may result in permanent neurological and nerve damage. Common symptoms in those with a vitamin B12 deficiency include mood changes, fatigue and numbness or tingling in their arms, fingers, legs and feet.Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome comes with its own complications but can be handled with care. If you take either of these medications, you should supplement vitamin B12. In addition, ask your doctor to check your vitamin B12 level, which can be done with a blood test, to see if your levels are normal.

You May Suffer From Mood Disorders

As if women with PCOS don’t have enough to deal with, they are also at a higher risk for mood disorders. Anxiety, depression and bipolar depression have been shown to be more common in women with PCOS. Mood disorders may be more prevalent in PCOS women due to hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, PCOS is an extremely frustrating condition. Dealing with the metabolic, reproductive and dermatological symptoms (weight gain, hair growth, hair loss) can have a significant impact on mood.

You Can Get Pregnant

Yes, PCOS is the main cause of ovulatory infertility. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. There have been new advancements in reproductive medicine over the past decade aimed to help women with PCOS conceive. One of these advancements is the use of Letrozole, which has been shown to be more effective than Clomid for ovulation induction in PCOS women and the dietary supplement Inositol, which can aid in improving egg quality and restore menstrual cycles.

Your Milk Supply Can Be Affected

It’s not conclusive but it has been suggested that women with PCOS could have more difficulty producing an adequate milk supply to breastfeed their children. Part of the reasons why this could be related to the hormone imbalance of higher androgen and insulin levels, which may interfere with milk production. One thing that is for sure is that diet and lifestyle are the primary treatment approaches for PCOS. A healthy eating plan, regular exercise, supplements, sufficient sleep and stress management all work together to manage your fertility and optimize your health. Not sure where to start or need help? Consult with a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in PCOS for understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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