4 Signs of abnormal menstruation that need to be watched out for

Healthy or not menstrual conditions can be an indication of whether your reproductive system is working properly or not. For that, it is important to know what kind of abnormal menstrual cycle you need to worry about.

Generally a woman's menstrual period is 3-5 days, while the cycle lasts every 28 days. However, the menstrual period experienced by each woman has their own characteristics, making it difficult to determine what is normal and what is not.

Some women have very short menstrual periods, while others are longer. Some women have a large menstrual volume, while others have less.

However, there are several conditions that need to be watched out for because they can be an indication of a health problem.

What are some abnormal menstrual conditions that you should be aware of?

Any changes in your period can be a sign of possible reproductive problems. The following are some of the changes that can occur that could indicate an abnormal period.

1. If your menstrual volume is higher than usual

Generally, women produce an average menstrual blood volume of 30-40 ml a month. However some women pass up to more than 60 ml a month. This condition is called menorrhagia, and it can be a sign of abnormal menstrual conditions.

If you need to change pads almost every hour, then you can be categorized as experiencing this condition. Losing a lot of blood causes the body to lose the iron it needs to produce hemoglobin. Without enough iron, the number of red blood cells will decrease significantly, leading to anemia. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath.

This higher menstrual volume can be caused by the following:

• Abnormal pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Use of the IUD (intrauterine device) or spiral as a method of contraception.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Blood clotting disorders.
• Cervical cancer.
• Uterine polyps or fibroids.

Excess blood volume can be reduced by taking oral contraceptives or tranexamic acid drugs, which can increase blood clotting. However, if your menstrual volume is higher than usual, you should immediately see a doctor. If after taking the drug your condition does not get better, the doctor will advise you to undergo an examination ultrasound (Ultrasound) to examine the pelvic organs.

2. If your periods slow down or even stop

Amenorrhoea is a condition when a woman stops menstruating, or is 15 but has never had a period. This is due to decreased production of estrogen so that the frequency of menstruation becomes less frequent.

Generally amenorrhoea occurs naturally around the age of 50 years. You are in menopause when you have not had your period for 12 consecutive months.

But what you need to watch out for is if amenorrhoea occurs before the age of 40. At this age, the possible causes of stopping menstruation are:

• You are pregnant.
• Exercising too hard or too often. Excessive frequency and intensity of exercise can affect the production and work of the reproductive hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
• Experiencing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Calorie limitations in the body prevent the release of hormones needed for ovulation.
• Other possible causes include breastfeeding, obesity, taking birth control pills, disorders of the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates reproductive hormone regulation), thyroid gland disorders, stress, disorders of the uterus, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovaries that stop functioning early, and other hormonal balance disorders.

Immediately consult a doctor if your periods stop, are irregular, or are often late for a long time.

3. If you experience excessive menstrual pain

Most women experience fatigue and pain during menstruation. However, some women experience pain that is more severe and makes them unable to move.

This condition is called dysmenorrhoea which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, back pain, and diarrhea. Excessive pain during menstruation can be an indication of certain diseases, such as endometriosis and fibroids.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to prevent the production of prostaglandins as the cause of pain and reduce the pain they cause. However, it is advisable to see a doctor for proper treatment. Your doctor will likely recommend tests PAP smear, pelvic examination, ultrasound , or laparoscopy.

4. If you experience bleeding when you are not menstruating

Bleeding when you are not menstruating should be checked immediately to detect possible problems, such as vaginal injuries, to more serious diseases such as cancer.

In essence, you should immediately see a doctor if:

• The distance between your two periods is 21 days or more than 35 days.
• Your period lasts more than 7 days.
• Bleeding when you are not menstruating.
• Experiencing unbearable pain during menstruation.
• Need to change pads up to once an hour.
• You have stopped menstruating for 12 months in a row, but then started having periods again.

Checking yourself as early as possible can make the possibility of disorders which are indicated by abnormal menstruation can be handled immediately.

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