Menstrual problems encompass a range of symptoms and conditions related to the menstrual cycle, which can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. As gynecologists, our role is to diagnose, manage, and treat these issues effectively while providing education and support to patients. This detailed overview covers the various types of menstrual problems, their potential causes, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options.
AUB refers to any deviation from the normal menstrual bleeding pattern, including variations in volume, duration, or frequency of menstrual bleeding.Menorrhagia: Excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Metrorrhagia: Bleeding between periods or irregular bleeding. Polymenorrhea: Frequent menstrual cycles occurring less than 21 days apart. Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual cycles occurring more than 35 days apart.
Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pain without an underlying pelvic pathology, often due to excessive prostaglandin production. Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Pain associated with underlying pelvic conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.Primary Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation by age 15 in girls with normal secondary sexual characteristics or by age 13 if secondary sexual characteristics are not present. Secondary Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation for three consecutive cycles or six months in women who have previously menstruated regularly.