Types of Menstrual Disorders:

1. Amenorrhea:

   • Definition: The absence of menstruation.

   • Types:

     • Primary Amenorrhea: When a young woman has not started menstruating by age 15.

     • Secondary Amenorrhea: When a woman who previously had regular periods stops menstruating for three months or more.

   • Causes:

     • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low estrogen levels, thyroid disorders).

     • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

     • Excessive exercise or eating disorders (such as anorexia).

     • Stress or significant weight loss.

     • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

   • Symptoms: Lack of menstrual periods, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like weight changes, hair growth, or hot flashes (depending on the underlying cause).

2. Dysmenorrhea:

   • Definition: Painful menstruation, which can cause severe cramps or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

   • Types:

     • Primary Dysmenorrhea: Common menstrual cramps not caused by other medical conditions, often beginning soon after menarche (first menstruation) and recurring with each cycle.

     • Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual pain caused by underlying reproductive health issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

   • Causes:

     • Overproduction of prostaglandins (chemicals that cause uterine contractions).

     • Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or infections in the reproductive organs.

   • Symptoms: Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back or thighs, nausea, diarrhea, or headaches during menstruation.

3. Menorrhagia:

   • Definition: Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

   • Causes:

     • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., low progesterone).

     • Uterine fibroids or polyps.

     • Blood clotting disorders.

     • Certain medications (like anticoagulants).

     • Endometriosis or adenomyosis.

     • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception.

   • Symptoms:

     • Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.

     • Periods lasting more than seven days.

     • Passing large blood clots.

     • Fatigue or shortness of breath due to anemia (low red blood cell count) from heavy bleeding.

4. Oligomenorrhea:

   • Definition: Infrequent or irregular periods, usually defined as having fewer than six to eight periods per year.

   • Causes:

     • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

     • Thyroid disorders.

     • Significant weight loss or gain.

     • Stress or excessive exercise.

     • Use of hormonal contraceptives or other medications.

   • Symptoms: Irregular cycles, with intervals between periods that may extend beyond 35 days.

5. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

   • Definition: A group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation), typically 1 to 2 weeks before the period begins.

   • Causes: Exact cause is unknown, but fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are thought to play a role. Neurochemical changes in the brain, such as serotonin, may also contribute.

   • Symptoms:

     • Physical: Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, fatigue, food cravings, acne.

     • Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression.

     • Behavioral: Difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances.

6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

   • Definition: A severe form of PMS that significantly interferes with daily life, involving extreme mood swings, depression, or anxiety.

   • Causes: Like PMS, PMDD is associated with hormonal fluctuations and changes in brain chemicals such as serotonin.

   • Symptoms:

     • Severe mood swings, depression, or irritability.

     • Panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed.

     • Physical symptoms similar to PMS, but often more intense.