Causes of Menstrual Irregularity and Treatment Methods
Menstrual Irregularity
The female reproductive system is regulated mainly by certain hormones secreted by the ovaries. With the effect of these hormones every 28 days, the endometrium layer forming the inner surface of the uterus thickens and enriches in terms of blood vessels in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, it is poured at the end of that period to be prepared for the next month.
The Cause of Menstrual Irregularity
Menstrual irregularity can develop for different reasons. The main cause of sudden bleeding may be a decrease in hormones during ovulation. Due to this decrease, the endometrium tissue in the uterus loses hormone support and may cause bleeding in the form of a stain. If patients begin to feel uncomfortable with these breakthrough bleeding, they are advised to see a doctor immediately.
If the menstrual irregularity is due to hormonal reasons, the person should seek medical help if their menstrual bleeding is severe and painful.
Some conditions that can cause irregular menstrual periods and irregular bleeding include:
Adenomyosis (thickening of endometrial tissue)
Lack of ovulation or problems with ovulation
Fibroids, polyps, or cysts
Hormonal drugs used
Estrogen-induced or other hormonal disorders
Infectious conditions
Malignant masses of the uterus and ovaries.
What are the Symptoms of Menstrual Irregularity?
It is considered that menstrual bleeding normally lasts 2-7 days. In addition, the period from the beginning of one term to the beginning of the next is expected to be between 21 and 35 days.
Menstrual cycles in other periods are called menstrual irregularities, but menstrual irregularities can normally be seen in youth when new menstruation begins and during hormonal adjustments that occur in the period approaching menopause.
Once all these conditions are controlled, conditions that are not considered normal can be treated and regulated.
Main Symptoms of Menstrual Irregularity
Menstrual cycle (the time from the start of a period to the start of the next period) less than 21 days, less than 35 days
Menstrual bleeding that lasts less than 2 days or more than 7 days at most
Severe bleeding
Pain, cramping or vomiting
Constant tiredness
Dizziness
Anemia
It may give some symptoms in the form of frequent menstrual bleeding or not being seen for a long time.
Menstrual Irregularity Diagnostic Methods
When you apply to your doctor with the complaint of menstrual irregularity, your physician will first question your medical history and then perform a gynecological examination.
During the gynecological examination, ultrasonographic examinations can be performed to obtain the image of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures.
After the examination, some blood tests such as estrogen, FSH, LH, AMH may be requested to clarify the diagnosis. In addition, imaging techniques such as MRI can be used.
If menstrual irregularity is thought to be caused by a mass or thickening of the uterine lining, samples can be taken for examination.
Menstrual Irregularity Treatment Methods
Menstrual irregularity is not a disease in itself, it usually occurs as an important symptom of other diseases. Therefore, in the treatment of menstrual irregularities, it is essential to eliminate or regulate the medical condition that led to this condition.
If it is determined that menstrual irregularity is caused by a hormonal imbalance, the person is treated with hormone-regulating drugs and the menstrual irregularity is treated.
If there is an organic disease such as an underlying polyp, the uterus is examined with a tool called hysteroscopy and the pathological area is removed when necessary.
Other causes of bleeding include fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors in the uterus and these habits usually do not cause any symptoms. However, in some patients, it causes bleeding by pressing against the inner tissue of the uterus.
Fibroids that cause severe bleeding, on the other hand, are treated according to the age of the patient and whether or not they have children, by removing only the fibroids or, rarely, the whole uterus.
In adolescents with excessive bleeding, all conditions that may cause this bleeding, including bleeding coagulation disorders, are investigated. Later, this bleeding is taken under control and menstrual regulatory treatments are given to ensure that the patient’s menstrual cycle becomes regular. Menstruation at a very early or late age in adolescence should be examined and treated according to the situation.
