A woman’s menstrual cycle must last an average of 5 days (the limit ranges from 3 to 8 days), while the duration from cycle to cycle must be 28 days (the limit ranges from 21-35 days). Regarding irregular menstruation, it is one that is defined as a variation in the woman’s menstrual pattern. Women with irregular periods may not have a period, have unexpected bleeding or painful periods. What are the problems that arise with an irregular rule?
Irregular menstrual problems
- Amenorrhea. It arises when a woman does not have the period before the age of 16 or stop having the period for at least three months or more without being pregnant. The causes of this disorder may be due to excessive or moderate exercise, polycystic ovary disease, physical or mental stress, hormonal problems or tumors.
- Oligomenorrhea. It is about infrequent menstrual periods, or what is the same, having the rule from time to time. This is an underlying problem. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome can also suffer from it.
- Dysmenorrhea. These are very painful periods with cramps. For this type of periods, the gynecologist can prescribe birth control pills, although other medications can also help (for example: ibuprofen).
- Endometriosis. It happens when the tissues that grow in the uterus grow outside of that place. This can cause pain before and during the first days of the period. Also, periods can be very heavy, as well as painful.
- Premature ovarian failure. It consists of an arrest in the normal functioning of the ovaries of a woman under 40 years of age. These women may have irregular periods or even no bleeding. This problem can make it difficult to get pregnant, but it doesn’t make it mission impossible.
- Uterine fibroids. They are non-cancerous tumors. Some women may have very heavy periods, while others may have intermenstrual periods (outside of normal bleeding).