Menstruation or menstruation is a natural physiological process experienced by women in preparation for pregnancy. This involves expelling blood and tissue from the uterine cavity through the vagina every month for about 3-7 days. Every woman has a different menstrual cycle where a menstrual cycle can be considered normal, which is between 21-35 days, which is counted from the first day of the last menstruation. If you experience menstrual periods that don't appear for 35 days or more, then it can be said that you have delayed menstruation.
Types of Problematic Menstrual Cycles
Menstrual delay is a form of problematic menstrual cycle and if the signs are not immediately recognized, this can be an early sign of a more serious health problem.
Being more alert and alert is the first thing that needs to be done when you find out that there is a problem with your menstrual cycle. Be vigilant can start by knowing the types of problematic menstrual cycles and here are some examples:
- Amenorrhea
This condition occurs where a woman does not experience menstruation for 3 months or more in a row as she should. If it occurs in women who have not experienced puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, Amenorrhea will be considered normal.
- Oligomenorrhea
A condition in which the menstrual cycle occurs with a very rare or irregular frequency, with an interval of more than 35 days between menstruation. Simply put, a woman who has oligomenorrhea will have less than 9 menstrual cycles within 1 year.
- Menorrhagia
Menstrual conditions in which a woman has prolonged and heavy menstruation. Menorrhagia is characterized by menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days and with a larger volume of blood than usual.
- Polimenore
The condition of the menstrual cycle occurs with a frequency that is too short, namely less than 21 days.
Causes of Problematic Menstrual Cycles
In general, there are several factors that can cause menstrual cycle problems, including unhealthy eating patterns, stress, obesity, and certain diseases or medical conditions. Furthermore, here is a further explanation of the factors that cause problematic menstrual cycles.
- Hormonal Disorders
Hormonal disturbances are the most common cause of problematic menstrual cycles. Changes or imbalances in the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone can affect the process of ovulation and endometrial discharge, which in turn disrupts the menstrual cycle.
- Unhealthy diet
Consumption of unhealthy foods, such as foods that are high in sugar or fat, can cause hormonal imbalances in the body that interfere with the menstrual cycle. In detail, a diet high in sugar and fat can cause hormone fluctuations, while certain nutrient deficiencies can impair ovarian function.
- stress
Stress is another factor that can cause menstrual cycle problems. When you experience stress, the hormone cortisol in the body will increase, which can then affect reproductive hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle.
- Obesity
Obesity can be a crucial factor that increases the likelihood of problematic menstrual cycles. Obesity can cause an increase in the level of the hormone estrogen in the body and make your body experience insulin resistance and inflammation which can then affect hormonal balance.
- Certain diseases or medical conditions
Certain diseases or medical conditions can also cause menstrual cycle problems, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and uterine cancer.
Risks Due to Problems Menstrual Cycles
Troubled menstrual cycles can cause health risks that need to be watched out for. Disorders such as irregular menstrual cycles and excessive menstruation can pose a risk, namely anemia due to excessive blood loss, reproductive disorders that affect fertility, hormonal imbalances that affect the balance of the body, as well as physical and psychological disorders such as chronic pain and mood swings. In addition, these problems can also interfere with quality of life, productivity, and social interaction.
It is important for women who experience problematic menstrual cycles to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment to reduce risks and minimize the impact of problematic menstrual cycles.
Article written by dr. Puji Windarini, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).