Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms

• Irregular periods (less frequent or too frequent cycles)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Very light bleeding or spotting
• Painful cramps during periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Missed periods (amenorrhea)
• Bleeding between periods
• Mood swings, fatigue, and bloating
• Severe pelvic pain or discomfort

Major Causes

• Hormonal imbalance involving estrogen and progesterone
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
• Fibroids or uterine polyps
• Endometriosis or adenomyosis
• Stress, excessive exercise, or eating disorders
• Birth control methods affecting menstrual flow
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or obesity

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Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of menstrual disorder and its underlying cause, and may include:

• Hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, progesterone, or hormonal IUDs)
• Medications to regulate menstrual cycles
• NSAIDs and pain relievers for menstrual cramps
• Iron supplements for heavy bleeding to prevent anemia
• Thyroid or hormonal imbalance correction
• Management of PCOS with lifestyle changes and medications
• Minimally invasive procedures for fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis
• Stress management and lifestyle modifications
• Nutritional counseling for cycle regulation

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Prevention

Many menstrual disorders can be prevented or minimized through healthy habits and early treatment:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and exercise
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques, yoga, or meditation
• Monitoring menstrual cycles to detect irregularities early
• Regular health check-ups and hormonal evaluations
• Avoiding excessive exercise or drastic dieting
• Timely treatment of thyroid issues or PCOS
• Practicing good hygiene and safe sexual practices to prevent infections