Menstrual Abnormalities

Menstrual abnormalities refer to any deviations from the normal menstrual cycle in terms of frequency, duration, volume, or symptoms. These abnormalities can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and may be indicative of underlying health issues.

Types of Menstrual Abnormalities

• Menorrhagia
• Metrorrhagia
• Menometrorrhagia
• Oligomenorrhea
• Polymenorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Dysmenorrhea
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Causes of Menstrual Abnormalities

Hormonal Imbalances:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common condition that affects hormone levels and menstrual cycles.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can disrupt menstrual patterns.
• Perimenopause: The transition to menopause can cause irregular menstrual cycles.

Structural Abnormalities:

• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy or irregular bleeding.
• Endometrial Polyps: Benign growths in the uterine lining that can lead to abnormal bleeding.
• Endometrial Hyperplasia: Thickening of the uterine lining, which can cause heavy bleeding and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Infections and Inflammations:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can cause irregular bleeding.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain and abnormal bleeding.

Pregnancy-Related Issues:

• Miscarriage: Early pregnancy loss can cause bleeding that may be mistaken for a menstrual period.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy occurring outside the uterus can cause bleeding and pain.

Diagnosis of Menstrual Abnormalities

To diagnose the cause of menstrual abnormalities, a healthcare provider may conduct:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: To assess menstrual patterns and associated symptoms.
• Pelvic Examination: To detect physical abnormalities or signs of infection.
• Ultrasound: To visualize the uterus and ovaries for abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps.
• Endometrial Biopsy: To sample the lining of the uterus for abnormal cells or signs of cancer.
• Hysteroscopy: A procedure to directly view the uterine cavity and possibly biopsy abnormalities.
• Blood Tests: To check for hormonal imbalances, thyroid function, or bleeding disorders.