Menstrual Disorders  

A menstrual disorder is a problem that occurs alongside or impacts a woman’s menstrual cycle.   

Menstrual disorders—or irregularities associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle—are among the most common reasons why women visit their gynecologist. There are several types of menstrual disorders, including but not limited to:  

• Amenorrhea – The absence of a period. There are two forms of this disorder: Primary amenorrhea, which is diagnosed in 16-year-old girls who haven’t begun menstruation, and secondary amenorrhea, which occurs when periods abruptly stop for more than three months at a time.  
• Dysmenorrhea – Frequent and particularly intense menstrual cramps.  
• Menorrhea – Periods that are especially heavy or long lasting.  
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) – A term used to describe the dozens of physical and emotional changes that may occur alongside menstruation.  
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – A form of PMS, PMDD is characterized by especially intense menstrual symptoms.  

Menstrual Disorder Causes      

Abnormal menstruation is linked to a wide array of factors, such as:  

• Hormonal imbalances 
• Ovarian cysts  
• Genetic factors   
• Uterine fibroids  
• Blood clotting disorders  
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)   
• Stress  

Menstrual Disorder Symptoms 

The signs and symptoms of a menstrual disorder will vary according to its type:  

Amenorrhea   

• No menstrual cycle  
• Milky discharge from the nipples  
• Changes in vision  
• Hair loss  

Dysmenorrhea   

• Lower abdominal pain and cramping  
• Low back pain  
• Pain that travels to the legs  
• Nausea  

Menorrhagia   

• Bleeding that lasts longer than one week  
• Needing to change your pad or tampon every hour or so  
• Passing large blood clots  
• Fatigue   

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  

• Mood swings  
• Anxiety or depression  
• Changes in appetite  
• Bloating  

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) 

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks   
• Severe depression or suicidal thoughts  
• Intense fatigue   
• Irritability  

Menstrual Disorder Diagnosis   

Women who experience changes in their normal menstrual cycle should consult with a gynecologist. This physician will evaluate the patient’s medical history, family history and symptoms and may perform one or more of the following tests to make a diagnosis:   

• Ultrasound imaging  
• Hysteroscopy  
• Endometrial biopsy  
• Blood and/or urine tests  

Menstrual Disorder Treatments 

 Tampa General Hospital’s Women’s Institute is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts who routinely evaluate and treat menstrual disorders. Individual care plans vary, but some common treatment approaches for menstrual disorders include:  

• Healthy lifestyle changes to help control symptoms 
• Birth control pills to regulate or lighten periods   
• Surgery to remove cysts, fibroids or the uterine lining