8 Types of Abnormal Menstruation – Understanding Menstrual Irregularities

You will have this issue of heavy bleeding, irregular periods, or other menstrual disorders, so reaching Dr. Shradhha Galgali is important to get clinical guidance. Menstruation is a natural process every woman experiences as part of her reproductive cycle. A regular menstrual cycle normally lasts between 21 and 35 days, with menstruation lasting between 2 to 7 days. However, not all women experience a “normal” menstrual cycle. Abnormal menstruation can manifest in various forms, each potentially signaling underlying health issues that may require medical attention.

Dr. Shraddha Galgali is the Best Female Gynecologist in Punawale and also clarifies the various types of irregular menstruation that can help ladies identify when to seek help. Beneath, we examine eight sorts of abnormal menstruation.

1) Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation):

Amenorrhea is the lack of menstruation in females of reproductive age. It can be organized into 2 types:

  • Primary Amenorrhea: when a young lady has not begun bleeding by the age of 16. This can be because of hereditary or formative issues, like Turner disorder or Müllerian agenesis.
  • Secondary Amenorrhea: When a female who earlier had regular periods stops menstruating for three months or more. Common causes include pregnancy, breastfeeding, excessive exercise, stress, and hormonal inequalities such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

Symptoms:

  • Absence of periods
  • Different side effects might contain cerebral pains, vision changes, or skin breakouts, contingent upon the hidden reason.

When to Seek Help:

  • If you have not started menstruating by the age of 16.
  • If you miss three or more periods in a row without being pregnant.

2) Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding):

Menorrhagia refers to excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily life. Women with menorrhagia may need to change sanitary products every hour, or their periods may last more than seven days.

Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving estrogen and progesterone.
  • Uterine fibroids or polyps.
  • Blood clotting disorders.
  • Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining).

Symptoms:

  • Flow via one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour.
  • Passing large blood clots.
  • Bleeding for more than seven days.
  • Signs of anemia, such as tiredness or shortness of breath.

When to Seek Help:

  • If heavy bleeding interferes with your daily actions.
  • If you Feeling indications of anemia.

3) Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Menstrual Periods):

Oligomenorrhea is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, typically happening more than 35 days apart but less than six months apart. It can result from different factors, including hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions.

Causes:

Symptoms:

  • Irregular periods with gaps of more than 35 days.
  • Light bleeding or spotting.

When to Seek Help:

  • If your menstrual cycles become always irregular or periodic.

4) Polymenorrhea (Frequent Menstrual Periods):

Polymenorrhea is the happening of menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days, resulting in frequent periods. This situation can indicate underlying health matters and may need medical evaluation.

Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalances.
  • Uterine fibroids or polyps.
  • Thyroid disorders.

Symptoms:

  • Menstrual periods happen more frequently than every 21 days.
  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding.

When to Seek Help:

  • If your periods become unusually frequent or you experience important changes in your menstrual cycle.

5) Dysmenorrhea (Painful Abnormal Menstruation):

Dysmenorrhea is indicated by painful menstrual cramps that happen before or during menstruation. It can be organized into 2 types:

  • Primary Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods without an underlying medical condition, often starting within the first few years of menstruation.
  • Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods caused by an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Symptoms:

  • Squeezing torment in the lower mid-region or pelvis.
  • Back torment or leg torment.
  • Queasiness, retching, or the runs.

When to Look for Help:

  • If your menstrual pain is severe or disrupts your daily activities.
  • If over-the-counter pain killers are ineffectual.

6) Hypomenorrhea (Light Menstrual Bleeding):

Hypomenorrhea leads to unusually light menstrual bleeding, where periods are shorter or less intense than usual. While light periods may not always indicate an issue, they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.

Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalances, particularly low estrogen levels.
  • Use of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
  • Asherman’s syndrome (scarring of the uterine lining).

Symptoms:

  • Shorter periods with light bleeding.
  • Spotting instead of a full flow.

When to Seek Help:

  • If your periods suddenly become lighter or you experience other signs, such as pelvic pain or problems conceiving.

7) Metrorrhagia (Irregular Menstrual Bleeding):

Metrorrhagia is irregular menstrual bleeding that occurs between periods or at unpredictable intervals. This type of abnormal bleeding can be a sign of different underlying conditions and should not be ignored.

Causes:

  • Hormonal imbalances.
  • Uterine fibroids or polyps.
  • Endometrial cancer or hyperplasia.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Symptoms:

  • Bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Unreliable timing of menstrual bleeding.

When to Seek Help:

  • If you undergo irregular bleeding between periods, especially if it is heavy or persistent.

8) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically one to two weeks before menstruation. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS that can greatly affect a woman’s mental health and daily life.

Causes:

  • Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
  • Neurotransmitter changes, particularly including serotonin.

Symptoms:

  • PMS: Bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.
  • PMDD: Severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability.

When to Seek Help:

  • If PMS signs are painful or interfere with your daily life.
  • If you are feeling signs of PMDD, such as depression or severe mood swings.

Dr. Shraddha Galgali is the best Pregnancy Specialist in Punawale and offers clinical benefits in adjacent areas like Wakad, Marunji, Hinjewadi, and Thathwade. If you are suffering from abnormal menstruation come to Dr. Shraddha Galgali Head of Shraddha EXCELLA Women’s Wellness Clinic, Punawale, PCMC, Pune for treatment. No matter what type of abnormal menstruation you are afflicted with, we will treat it.