Diagnosis and treatment of various disorders of the menstrual cycle

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Diagnosis and treatment of various disorders of the menstrual cycle

A regular menstrual cycle is an indicator of a woman's health. Changes in the cycle indicate hormonal disorders and require a doctor's consultation.

An irregular cycle is often perceived by women as a loss of control over their body.

What is a menstrual cycle disorder?

A normal menstrual cycle is a monthly process of changes that prepare a woman's body for a possible pregnancy. Menstrual cycle disorders include heavy menstruation, light menstruation, and lack of ovulation.

Types of disorders: amenorrhea – absence of menstruation, dysmenorrhea – painful menstruation, menorrhagia – heavy menstruation, oligomenorrhea – infrequent menstruation, polymenorrhea – short menstrual cycle.

The main causes of menstrual cycle disorders

Hormonal imbalances are the most common cause of menstrual cycle disorders.

Endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome are often the causes of cycle disorders, manifesting as pain and changes in cycle duration.

Cycle disorders can result from stress, overexertion, and weight fluctuations, which disrupt the normal hormone levels in the blood.

Infectious and inflammatory processes, as well as endocrine diseases, can lead to irregular cycles due to hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms indicating problems with the menstrual cycle

  • A delay of more than 10 days or absence of menstruation.
  • Light or heavy bleeding that causes discomfort.
  • Painful sensations during menstruation that disrupt your quality of life.
  • Irregularity (cycle fluctuations of more than 10 days) or changes in cycle duration.

Diagnosis of menstrual cycle disorders

  • A gynecologist consultation includes: examination, medical history review.
  • Hormone levels: FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, progesterone.
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs to assess the condition of the uterus and ovaries.
  • Additional diagnostic methods: endocrine examination to check hormonal balance and genetic tests to identify hereditary diseases affecting reproductive function.

Methods of treating menstrual cycle disorders

  • Hormonal medications may be recommended to restore the cycle, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain.
  • Treating underlying conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or infections is important for restoring the cycle and avoiding complications.
  • Surgical treatment methods are recommended in severe cases when medication is ineffective.
  • Restoring the cycle after childbirth or hormonal contraception takes time. During lactation, menstruation is often absent. After lactation ends, the cycle resumes. After hormonal contraception, the cycle usually restores within 3 months.

The impact of lifestyle on the menstrual cycle

Stress, exhausting diets, and physical overexertion can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

A healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and minimizing stress, positively impacts the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Balanced nutrition rich in vitamins A, E, D, and omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain hormonal balance.

Special cases: menstrual cycle disorders at different stages of life

In teenagers, the cycle may initially be irregular, but if menstruation does not start by the age of 15, a doctor should be consulted.

After childbirth and during lactation, the menstrual cycle may be absent or irregular due to hormonal changes.

Early menopause can be caused by genetics, stress, illnesses, or surgeries. Treatment includes hormonal therapy.

The impact of lifestyle on the menstrual cycle

Regular visits to a gynecologist and preventive check-ups allow for the timely detection of cycle disorders and help maintain reproductive health.

A healthy lifestyle and stress management help maintain hormonal balance, which is crucial for a regular menstrual cycle.

Timely treatment of gynecological and endocrine diseases prevents hormonal imbalances and menstrual disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Menstrual Cycle Disorders

When should you see a doctor for irregular menstruation?

When the delay lasts more than 10 days or if you have fewer than 9 periods in a year.

How quickly can the cycle be restored after hormonal therapy?

From several months to a year, depending on individual body characteristics and the cause of the cycle disruption.

Do painful periods always indicate a disease?

No.

What tests are mandatory if a menstrual cycle disorder is suspected?

The list of tests depends on symptoms and doctor recommendations, but usually includes:
  • General blood test.
  • Hormone level test (estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH).
  • Ultrasound of pelvic organs.
  • Infection tests if relevant symptoms are present.

On female and male sex hormones, as well as thyroid hormones.

Diagnosis and treatment of menstrual cycle disorders help identify the cause and maintain reproductive health.

Do not ignore cycle disorders! Consult a doctor to preserve your reproductive health.

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