Menstruation problems, also known as menstruation disorder or period problems, signify abnormality in one’s menstruation cycle. Menstruation experiences are subjective and problems manifest differently for different women. Heavy bleeding, no bleeding, and irregular bleeding are all symptoms of menstrual problems.
Problems often go undiagnosed and untreated due to the normalisation of pain and discomfort associated with periods. Particularly in Asian cultures, a lack of education, information, and discussions about menstruation further disempowers women from seeking treatment where menstruation problems occur.
There are various reasons why one is dealing with menstruation problems.
Below are some possibilities of why menstruation problems occur:
It is important that you have an idea of what a normal cycle looks like to ensure that you are aware of when abnormalities occur. Sometimes, these changes are normal and do not pose or signify any threat. However, certain symptoms should be taken seriously and require medical intervention.
Menstruation problem | Symptoms that require medical intervention |
Absence of menstruation (amenorrhoea) | ● Absence of menstruation cycle for over three months. ● Girls who do not menstruate by the age of 15 or have shown no signs of pubertal changes (no development of breasts or pubic hair growth). |
Debilitating pain during menstruation cycle (dysmenorrhoea) | ● Cold sweats from feeling feverish. ● Chronic pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. ● Restriction in your ability to conduct daily routines (mundane activities like walking and showering). ● Reliant on painkillers for 2 or more days during menstruation. ● 3 months of consistent pain patterns. |
Heavy and excessive blood flow (menorrhagia) | ● Discharge in the form of blood clots that are the size of a 50-cent coin. ● Requiring frequent changes of pads or relying on super-sized pads to avoid blood leakage. ● Menstruation lasts more than 7 days. ● Dizziness and fatigue during menstruation cycles. |
Irregular period cycles | ● Period cycles that last less than 21 days or are more than 42 days apart. ● Irregular patterns are consistently present for three or more months. |
Abnormal bleeding | ● Spotting or heavy bleeding between period cycles (outside of menstruation days) known as breakthrough bleeding. ● Bleeding patterns that do not resolve within a month. |
If you notice any of the symptoms stated above, make an appointment (link to contact us) today to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
It can be generally concluded that women of all ages are at risk of menstruation problems and symptoms appear in different forms and patterns.
However, period problems tend to show the likelihood of occurring among:
It is best to seek expert advice to identify the cause. Given the possibilities, it is best that women are alert to their bodily changes so necessary precautions can be taken.
To establish if you are facing period problems, it is important that the history of your period cycles is provided to your doctor. It is important to gauge what your normal cycles are like to understand if a deviation has occurred or if consistency in problematic cycles is evident
Following the review of your history, you may be advised to undergo the following:
Depending on your condition, treatment options vary.
Below are some treatments your obstetrician/gynaecologist may prescribe:
Black blood discharge is a result of blood oxidation in the uterus. It is typically referred to as “old blood” or retained menses. It is common to have black blood at the start or end of menstruation. However if accompanied by a foul smell, itching, and fever, you may be exhibiting symptoms of vaginal blockage or infections. . It may also indicate old blood trapped in the uterus or fallopian tubes that discharges itself later in the cycle.
It is common for patients to undermine symptoms as a one-off problem or temporary irregularities. If you find your menstrual cycle has abruptly changed and these changes persist for 3 cycles or more, seek medical intervention from a gynaecologist. If your periods are causing significant deterioration in your quality of life, it is also a sufficient indication to seek gynaecological aid. Clear communication of symptoms to your gynaecologist is vital for accurately determining the diagnosis.
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