Menstrual Disorders: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Common Symptoms of Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can show up as changes in your normal cycle, causing irregular periods or other uncomfortable signs. Many women notice shifts in bleeding patterns, pain levels, or how long their periods last.

Here are some symptoms you may experience:

Abnormal Bleeding

• Heavy flow: Periods that go beyond 7 days or feel unusually intense.
• Infrequent periods: Cycles that stretch beyond 35 days.
• Frequent periods: Bleeding that comes sooner than every 21 days.
• Bleeding between cycles: Spotting or flow that appears unexpectedly.
• Light spotting: Small amounts of blood or brown discharge before or after your period.
• Post-menopause bleeding: Any bleeding after a full year without periods.

Pain

• Strong menstrual cramps: Sharp or intense pain in the lower belly during or before periods.
• Pelvic discomfort: Ongoing aches in the pelvic region throughout the month.

Changes in Period Duration

• Very short periods: Bleeding that lasts less than two days.
• Prolonged periods: Flow that continues beyond a week.

Missing Periods

• No first period: Not starting menstruation by age 15.
• Absent periods: No period for three or more months when pregnancy is not the reason.

Other Common Symptoms

• Bloating: A heavy or puffy feeling in your abdomen.
• Mood changes: Irritability, sadness, anxiety, or emotional ups and downs connected to your cycle.
• Tiredness: Feeling drained or unusually low on energy.
• Headaches: Pain that appears before or during your period.
• Acne flare-ups: Skin breakouts around your cycle.
• Blood clots: Passing large clots, which may need medical attention.

Types of Irregular periods

While period patterns differ for every woman, cycles that come less than 21 days apart, more than 90 days apart, or last longer than 10 days may need attention. These changes can point to ovulation issues or other health conditions.

Below are common types of menstrual disorders explained in simple language:

Amenorrhea (No Periods)

Amenorrhea means not getting your period for 90 days or more.

• Primary amenorrhea: When a girl has not had her first period by age 15.
• Secondary amenorrhea: When regular periods stop suddenly for three months or more (not due to pregnancy or breastfeeding).

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

This includes heavy, long, or unpredictable bleeding. Periods may last more than 7 days or feel unusually heavy.

Doctors now use the PALM-COEIN system to identify causes, instead of older terms.

Older terms you may still hear include:

• Oligomenorrhea: Periods that come far apart more than 35 days between cycles or only 4 to 9 periods a year.

• Polymenorrhoea: Periods that come too often, less than 21 days apart.

• Hypomenorrhea: Very light periods, lasting less than 2 days or needing very little bleeding support.

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Dysmenorrhea refers to strong cramps that may spread to the back or thighs. Some women also experience nausea or diarrhoea.

• Primary dysmenorrhea: Painful periods without any underlying disease.
• Secondary dysmenorrhea: Pain caused by another condition like endometriosis.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS includes physical and emotional changes that appear 1 to 14 days before the period starts.

Symptoms improve once bleeding begins. PMS often affects daily routine, mood, sleep and concentration.

Causes of Irregular Periods

Menstrual disorders can happen for many reasons, and the cause can be different for every woman. Some reasons are common and harmless, while others may point to medical issues that need attention.
Below is a simple breakdown of the main causes:

Common Causes

• Hormone imbalance (changes in estrogen or progesterone)
• Stress or emotional distress
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Excessive exercise
• Poor sleep or lifestyle habits
• Birth control pills or hormonal contraceptives
• Normal changes during puberty or perimenopause

Medical Conditions

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Bleeding disorders
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or high prolactin levels
• Ovarian cysts

Diagnosis for Irregular periods

Diagnosing menstrual disorders usually begins with understanding your symptoms and how your cycle has changed. Doctors focus on finding the cause so they can guide you toward the right treatment.

Physical Exam

• The doctor checks your overall health and may do a pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, swelling, or structural changes.
• They may also ask about your cycle history, pain levels, lifestyle, and stress.

Lab Tests

• Simple blood tests can check hormone levels, thyroid function, and iron levels.
• These tests help identify conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or anemia.

Imaging

• An ultrasound is commonly used to look at the uterus and ovaries.
• It helps detect fibroids, cysts, or any unusual growths that may affect your periods.

Specialist Referrals

• If the cause is unclear or symptoms are severe, your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist.
• Specialists help with complex hormonal disorders, pelvic conditions, or long-standing menstrual issues.

Treatment Options for Irregular periods

Treatment depends on the cause of the menstrual problem and how much it affects daily life. Some women improve with simple home care, while others may need medicine or medical procedures.

Self-Care and Home Management

• Using heat pads to ease cramps
• Getting enough rest and managing stress
• Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Tracking your cycle to notice changes early
• Light exercise, such as walking or yoga, to reduce discomfort

Medicines

• Pain relievers for cramps and pelvic pain
• Hormonal medicines like birth control pills to regulate cycles
• Thyroid medicines if hormone levels are off
• Iron supplements for anemia due to heavy bleeding
• Medicines for conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis

Procedures

• Ultrasound-guided treatments for fibroids or cysts
• Endometrial procedures to reduce heavy bleeding
• Surgical removal of fibroids or abnormal tissue when required
• Minimally invasive procedures may be used to treat structural problems in the uterus

When Hospitalization Is Needed?

Hospital care is usually required when:

• Bleeding is extremely heavy and causes dizziness or weakness
• Severe pain does not improve with home care or medicines
• There is a serious infection or pelvic condition
• Emergency treatment is needed for sudden complications

When to See a Doctor?

Irregular periods are common, but some symptoms may signal a deeper health issue that needs medical attention.

See a doctor if you experience:

• Irregular or missed periods for several cycles.
• Severe pain that affects your daily activities.
• Heavy bleeding or periods lasting more than 7 days.
• Spotting or unusual bleeding between periods.
• Emotional issues like depression, mood swings, or anxiety around your period.
• Missed periods for more than 3 months without a clear reason.

Prevention Tips for Irregular Periods

Lowering the risk of irregular periods often starts with everyday habits. Small changes in your routine can help your cycle stay more balanced and reduce discomfort over time.

• Keep a healthy lifestyle with balanced meals and moderate exercise. If you're trying to lose weight, aim for slow, steady changes.
• Get enough sleep to support hormone balance.
• Practice stress-relief techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or light yoga.
• Avoid extreme workouts or overtraining, as it can affect your cycle.
• Use birth control methods exactly as prescribed.
• Change sanitary pads or tampons every 4 to 6 hours to prevent infections.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your gynecologist and primary care doctor to catch problems early.

Why Choose Medicover Hospitals for Irregular periods?

Choosing the right hospital can make a big difference when dealing with menstrual concerns. Medicover Hospitals offers supportive, reliable care designed to help women understand their symptoms and find the right treatment.

Why Medicover Hospitals Stands Out

• Experienced gynecology specialists who assess menstrual concerns with care and clarity.
• Advanced diagnostic tools that help identify the cause of irregular or painful cycles accurately.
• 24/7 emergency services for sudden heavy bleeding, severe pain, or urgent health needs.
• A multidisciplinary approach, where gynecologists, endocrinologists, and other experts work together for complete care.
• Personalized treatment plans that consider your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term health needs.
• Supportive environment where women can discuss concerns comfortably and receive guidance at every step.