Irregular menstruation and menstrual abnormalities

Puberty and menopause mark the two ends of the spectrum of a woman’s reproductive life. Puberty is characterized by the onset of menstruation, the development of the breasts, and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. The age of onset of puberty can vary between individuals, however, the onset of regular menstruation before the age of 8 or the delay beyond the age of 16 requires medical advice. Similarly, in the case of menopause, the cessation of menstruation before the age of 40 or its continuation after the age of 53 is unusual and a reason for medical attention. Both ends of the spectrum of a woman’s reproductive life are periods of great hormonal, emotional, and physical change.

menstrual irregularities

During the reproductive phase of a woman’s life, menstruation occurs every 21 days with bleeding lasting 5 to 7 days. In many cases, cycles tend to be erratic at puberty and menopause. Any cycle length in the range of 25 to 30 days is normal. Menstrual irregularities can be:

• amenorrhea – is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It may be a situation where a girl does not start menstruating at all, or menstruation stops after a certain period of time.
• Oligomenorrhea or hypomenorrhea– The menstrual cycle is infrequent with intervals of more than 40 days or is extremely light and scarce.
• Menorrhagia – Menstrual bleeding is abnormally heavy, clotted and prolonged, although it occurs at regular intervals. Women tend to have anemia in this condition.
• metrorrhagia – the duration of the cycle is less than 20 days, often associated with menorrhagia.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding– bleeding occurs at irregular intervals in variable amounts and can last almost the entire month.
• PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)– It can range from mild to extreme. It is associated with a feeling of swelling, pain in the legs, headaches and mood swings. PMS symptoms can interfere with normal social life.
• Dysmonhorrhoea– Although not to be confused with menstrual irregularities, it is a medical condition characterized by intense uterine pain during menstruation. In many cases, the pain is so intense that it makes even daily activities difficult and requires the use of pain relievers.

Reasons: Menstrual patterns can be influenced by changes in general health, sudden weight gain or loss, stressful life situations, metabolic disorders, certain infections, and anatomical and hormonal changes. Treatment depends on:

1. type of menstrual irregularity
2. age and complexion of the patient
3. associated physical illness or other symptoms
4. hormonal changes that can be detected by blood tests
5. desire for fertility or contraception
6. anatomical abnormalities

Types of treatment:

1. Changes in lifestyle
2. exercises like yoga
3. Meditation practices to manage stress.
4. herbal supplements
5. hormone supplements
6. surgical or interventional procedures

Since these problems can last a long time, and in many cases no obvious abnormalities are detected; it is best to start with treatment modalities that have few or no side effects and are easy to use.

Recommended herbal remedies and herbal supplements for irregular menstruation.

• Shatavari – A natural herb used to regulate hormonal secretion.
• M2 Tone – a popular herbal supplement