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What are the Different Types of Menstrual Cycle Problems?

Nat Robinson
Nat Robinson

Menstrual cycle problems can be very troubling. During a cycle, it is generally common to experience a wide variety of numerous menstrual symptoms. For instance, some women experience pain, headaches and mood swings before and during a menstrual cycle. While such symptoms are usually considered normal, sometimes they can become very problematic to the women enduring them. What is defined as a menstrual problem will undoubtedly be different for every woman.

Pain may be defined as one of the biggest menstrual cycle problems. Menstrual pain is usually one of the most common menstrual symptoms. The pain may become abnormal when it is so severe that a women is unable to complete her normal daily activities. Sometimes, a woman may suffer pain that is so intense she may be forced to take to the bed until the pain is even moderately relieved. Often, when menstrual pain is this severe, the women may have other existing reproductive problems such as cysts or uterine fibroids.

A diagram of the female reproductive system.
A diagram of the female reproductive system.

Excessive menstrual bleeding and menstrual bloating are other common menstrual cycle problems. Some women have very short and light menstrual cycles. On the other hand, menstrual cycles can also be very long with excessive bleeding. Losing a significant amount of blood in a short period of time can lead to other health problems, such as fatigue and weakness. Bloating can also become troublesome during that particular time of the month. The biggest problem caused by bloating is a distention of the abdomen, possibly to the point where clothes that easily fit before the onset of the cycle may fail to afterward.

Bloating can be a menstrual cycle problem.
Bloating can be a menstrual cycle problem.

Many women suffer from an abnormal menstrual cycle. In most cases, a woman will have one cycle per month. Some women may have a cycle every other month or even less frequently. In rare cases, an individual can have more than one cycle per month. Menstrual cycle problems such as these are generally indications that there is some type of problem and may be a cause for further evaluation.

A woman with irregular menstruation should see her gynecologist.
A woman with irregular menstruation should see her gynecologist.

It is generally a good idea to schedule an appointment and have a complete health care examination for any type of irregular menstruation. A gynecologist is usually the doctor of choice to analyze menstrual cycle problems. Gynecologists are trained to specialize in diseases and conditions which affect the female reproductive system. In many cases, menstrual cycle problems are benign, or not an indication of a serious underlying condition. In the event that there is a serious cause of such problems, a gynecologist is trained to accurately diagnose the problem and advise a treatment plan for the patient.

Discussion Comments

anon983825

Menses is a time for rest. It's okay to take it easy for a few days. If you can, don't take on too many responsibilities or activities and give yourself adequate rest and downtime to renew your energy. Treating yourself kindly during your menses will go a long way to help you feel better all month long.

lluviaporos

@KoiwiGal - I will add to that by saying that if you experience pain during your cycle then you should get checked as well. Too often pain is dismissed as just being a part of it and while it's true that a little bit of discomfort might be normal for some, more often pain is actually an indicator that there is a problem. Severe pain needs to be treated seriously.

Very little makes me more angry than doctors who will ignore pain because they think someone is exaggerating it or it's just part of normal menstrual cycle problems. It's not normal and there are usually measures that can be taken to change it.

KoiwiGal

@Ana1234 - It's all to do with what is normal for you though. If you have always had very long menstrual cycles that might just be the way you are. That doesn't mean that it won't have repercussions for your fertility at some point, but it might not indicate that there is a health problem otherwise.

Sudden changes are what should be checked. If you have always been completely regular and suddenly you aren't any longer and there is no other change in your life (like new medication, or weight loss or gain, or severe stress) then you really do need to check on that, particularly if your cycle is much heavier or lighter than normal. It could indicate a lot of different things.

The other thing you should be doing is having regular pap smears, regardless of how you feel or how regular you think your cycle happens to be.

Ana1234

I find it very hard to make myself care when I don't get my period regularly because it's such a pain when it does arrive. But I once told my doctor I hadn't had one in three months (with no chance I was pregnant) and he was shocked that I didn't think that was worth reporting.

And there did turn out to be a problem. So if you notice any problems at all, including ones that don't seem like problems at the time, you should probably at least take note of them and report them to your doctor the next time you visit.

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    • A diagram of the female reproductive system.
      By: isyste
      A diagram of the female reproductive system.
    • Bloating can be a menstrual cycle problem.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Bloating can be a menstrual cycle problem.
    • A woman with irregular menstruation should see her gynecologist.
      By: Africa Studio
      A woman with irregular menstruation should see her gynecologist.
    • Gynecologists are fully qualified medical doctors who specialize in women's reproductive system health.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      Gynecologists are fully qualified medical doctors who specialize in women's reproductive system health.
    • A gynecologist is usually the best specialist for patients who are experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles.
      By: JackF
      A gynecologist is usually the best specialist for patients who are experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles.
    • Hormonal changes can cause side effects during menstruation.
      By: designua
      Hormonal changes can cause side effects during menstruation.
    • Severe menstrual cycle pain can sometimes be caused by uterine fibroids.
      By: rob3000
      Severe menstrual cycle pain can sometimes be caused by uterine fibroids.
    • Although most women experience a menstrual cycle of approximately 28 days, some women may experience a very abnormal menstrual cycle.
      By: reineg
      Although most women experience a menstrual cycle of approximately 28 days, some women may experience a very abnormal menstrual cycle.