Reproductive Health Lecture 13 - Menstruation and Menstrual Disorders

Menstruation and Menstrual Disorders

Introduction

Menstruation is a normal physiological process in reproductive-aged women, characterized by

the shedding of the uterine lining.

Menstrual disorders refer to any abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle, such as heavy

bleeding, irregular periods, or pain.

Normal menstrual cycle:

A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 24-35 days and typically lasts for 2-7 days.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormonal changes, including fluctuations in levels of

less frequently or unpredictably.

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea): characterized by painful cramping during periods.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a condition that can cause physical and emotional symptoms

in the days leading up to a woman's period.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): a severe form of PMS that can cause significant

distress and impact daily functioning.

Diagnosis and treatment:

Menstrual disorders can be diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and

laboratory tests.

Treatment options vary depending on the specific disorder and may include medications,