What Causes Menstrual Irregularity, How Is It Treated?

Menstrual irregularity is one of the most common problems faced by women throughout their lives. The underlying factors of menstrual irregularities, which are among the main symptoms of early menopause seen in 1 out of 10 women, differ between the ages of 20 and 40. 

While menstrual irregularity is caused by hormonal reasons in young people, it is seen that organic causes are effective in older ages. Our Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist gave information about the causes of menstrual irregularity, menstrual irregularity symptoms, and menstrual irregularity treatment.

What are Menstrual Irregularities Caused by?

Menstrual irregularity varies depending on the person. For most women, a normal menstrual cycle lasts between 24-35 days and lasts an average of 5-7 days. Considering the amount, it is considered normal to change 3-4 pad(s) per day. Everything else falls into menstrual irregularity. However, a significant proportion of women have irregular menstrual cycles. This means that the cycles are shorter or longer than usual. A menstrual cycle of fewer than 21 days is defined as "frequent menstruation", while a menstrual cycle of more than 35 days is called "infrequent menstruation". A lack of menstruation is considered a problem in itself. While menstrual irregularities occur due to hormonal reasons in women in their 20s, they can be caused by organic causes such as hyperplasia, polyps, and cancer in older ages. Underlining that menstrual irregularity is a symptom such as a cough and there is definitely a cause, the physician said that treatment methods also differ according to the underlying cause and age.

Attention To Frequent Menstruation

Stating that the main important problem is frequent menstruation due to blood loss and anemia, the physician said, "Iron deficiency is a very important factor in reducing women's productivity. The presence of a mass in the fibroids, polyps, or ovaries can be manifested by frequent menstruation. It occurs most often in women in the reproductive age and menopause group. If the underlying cause is intrauterine thickening, frequent menstrual problems may be encountered in the period close to menopause."

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Disrupting Menstrual Order

An important problem with frequent menstruation is polycystic ovary syndrome. In polycystic ovary syndrome, which occurs in 1 in 10 women with this problem, cysts disrupt menstrual patterns by secreting male hormone-like hormones. Symptoms such as hair growth, acne, acne formation, and weight gain appear in the woman. The disease is constantly deepening due to weight gain. Again, polycystic ovary-like symptoms also occur in early menopause, which occurs in 1 in 10 women. If the woman is in her 20s or 30s, which we call the reproductive age, she is likely to have polycystic ovaries or early menopause. Cyst is not caused by reasons such as fibroids. So, the problem is a hormonal disorder; either the ovarian reserve is too much, or the ovarian reserve is too little.

What Does the Amount of Menstruation Tell You?

Menstruation is also the first sign of some diseases. In case of scarcity of quantity, masses in the uterus, menopause, and diseases that reduce ovarian reserve may be the underlying causes. If the amount is excessive, it may indicate the presence of hypothyroidism, polyps, fibroids, or cysts. Menstrual irregularity has different causes at the age of reproduction and the age of menopause. Treatment methods for this also vary depending on age.