Menstrual Conditions

Menorrhagia refers to excessive menstrual bleeding. This can mean that your bleeding lasts for more than seven days, that the bleeding is very heavy, or a combination of both.

Amenorrhea is the medical term for the absence of menstruation. There are two types of amenorrhea:

• Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in someone who has not had a period by age 15.

• Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of three or more periods in a row by someone who has had periods in the past.

Oligomenorrhea can be caused by hormonal imbalances, lifestyle or various medical conditions.

The heaviness of menstruation is usually determined by how much endometrial lining has built up over the course of the month. For some women, light menstruation is normal. But for others, bleeding lightly or for only two days or less may be cause for concern.

Endometriosis is a common health problem in women in which the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, starts to grow outside the uterus. It can grow on other structures in the body, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic cavity.

Severe and frequent cramping that disrupts your daily activities are signs of painful periods and should be discussed with your doctor. Whether you’ve had painful periods since you first began menstruating or if the pain develops over time, your Hoag doctor can help you with these symptoms.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the name given to a number of symptoms related to hormonal imbalance that interferes with ovulation. The ovaries of women with PCOS may appear enlarged or surrounded by cysts, small fluid-filled sacs containing a follicle in which a single egg is readying for ovulation.

Both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are collections of physical and behavioral symptoms some women experience before their menstrual period. Fluctuations in hormones during your menstrual cycle can cause a cascade of symptoms. However, PMDD is a more severe, and sometimes disabling, form of premenstrual syndrome PMS. It is a medical condition that requires attention and treatment.