Violation of the menstrual cycle causes. Failure of the cycle of menstruation - causes and treatment

Violation of the menstrual cycle is considered one of the most common abnormalities in gynecology. With this at least once, but every woman faces. Random failure in this case does not cause concern and is considered a variant of the norm. An alarming signal is a systematic change in the menstrual schedule.

Many women perceive cycle failure as a banal delay in menstruation. In fact, this is far from the case.

Menstrual disorders are considered comprehensively, taking into account the duration, intensity, regularity and the presence of concomitant symptoms. Based on this, certain types of failures are distinguished.

In gynecological practice, the following classification of menstrual irregularities is used:

- absence of menstruation for more than six months.
Metrorrhagia - frequent and prolonged menstruation. The interval between them is irregular.
- the interval between periods is less than 21 days.
Algomenorrhea - critical days are accompanied by severe pain and general deterioration.
- the interval from one period to another is more than 38 days. The nature of the discharge is poor.
Menorrhagia - failures are not observed, but blood loss is more than 250 ml per menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea - menstruation may appear earlier or later than the due date.

Main symptoms

Menstrual disorders can have different symptoms. There are several signs of failure:

inconstant cycle, changing every month. A delay in the next menstruation is possible, despite the fact that the previous one was ahead of schedule;
short periods of menstruation. Monthly periods of critical days are only 1–2 days;
violation of the menstrual cycle (excessively short or long);
copious or scanty discharge;
change in the menstrual cycle and the absence of discharge for a long period;
the duration of menstruation is more than 7 days;
excessive soreness.

Any symptoms indicating a violation of the cycle should not be ignored. Unstable, scarce, abundant or - this is a reason to visit a gynecologist.

Such changes may indicate serious health problems. In the absence of proper treatment, they can lead to unwanted complications. Among the most dangerous are infertility.

Why does the cycle of menstruation go astray

Failure of the reproductive function is possible for various reasons, which are divided into the following groups:

functional - caused by the influence of external factors;
organic - a consequence of the development of a number of pathologies;
iatrogenic - the result of taking medications or carrying out therapeutic, operational measures.

Functional reasons

The explanation for why the cycle of menstruation has gone astray may be external factors. Under their influence, improper functioning of the ovaries and a change in the level of hormones are possible, and as a result, menstrual dysfunction.

In the same period, there is a change in the activity of the pituitary gland, which also provokes a failure of the menstrual cycle.

The causes of reproductive dysfunction in this case are due to etiological factors that affect the cerebral cortex. The intensity, duration of the discharge and the interval between them may vary. To solve the problem, it is enough to eliminate the influence of an external factor.

When figuring out why the menstrual cycle fails, there are several points to consider. Such changes occur against the background of a sharp climate change and stressful situations. Failure of the cycle of menstruation is possible with a strict diet and excessive physical or mental overwork. Smoking and drinking alcohol adversely affect reproductive function.

In addition, a violation of the cycle with previously normal menstruation is possible in women working in hazardous industries.

organic causes

If a woman has lost her cycle, the reasons may lie in various ailments. The most common of these is the pathology of the ovaries. This may be an oncological disease or a violation of the relationship between the organ and the pituitary gland.

Violations of the menstrual cycle are often caused by excessively active or insufficient production of gonadotropic hormones. Other causes include brain or pituitary tumors and necrosis.

The development of endometriosis also leads to the fact that the schedule of menstruation goes astray. These changes are due to hormonal imbalance. Diseases of the liver, gallbladder and diseases of the endocrine system affect the reproductive function.

Sometimes the reason for the failure of menstruation are violations in the development of the uterus, polyps on the mucous membrane and cancers. Similar changes are possible with problems with blood clotting and genetic pathologies.

Failure of the menstrual cycle can cause sexual infections that have a negative effect on the ovaries. Even infectious diseases that were transferred in early childhood can provoke a violation of menstruation.

Endometritis, chromosomal abnormalities, arterial hypertension, hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency affect the duration of the cycle.

In any case, if the cycle has gone astray, you need to conduct a full examination. Only in this way will it be possible to identify the cause of the violations and eliminate it.

iatrogenic

The reasons for the failure of menstruation may be associated with the use of hormonal or antibiotic drugs. As a rule, after their cancellation, the reproductive function is quickly restored.

Any surgical intervention, curettage or abortive measures leads to the fact that the integrity of the layers of the uterus is violated. For this reason, women note that after such procedures their menstrual cycle has gone astray. In most cases, it can be restored naturally, without medical assistance, but sometimes it is still impossible to do without drug therapy. That's why if you have any problems, you should consult a gynecologist.

Other reasons

Among the various factors that provoke the appearance of an irregular cycle, there may be natural changes in the body. Such violations are considered the norm during menopause, when the level of hormones drops significantly, and the activity of the ovaries gradually stops. After a while, menstruation disappears, menopause occurs.

For more information about how it goes in women, we recommend reading our separate article on the website.

Another explanation for why the cycle of menstruation can go astray is pregnancy. During the period of gestation, menstruation stops and resumes some time after childbirth. The absence of secretions during lactation is also considered normal. The reason for the failure of the menstrual cycle in this case is due to the production of prolactin.

The menstrual schedule is set in the first couple of years after the onset of menarche. During this period, adolescents often notice that their periods have gone astray. Allocations may not appear for several months, have a meager or plentiful character.

As soon as the hormonal restructuring of the body is over, they will go at the same interval and in a normal amount.

Diagnosis and treatment

To find out how to establish the regularity of menstrual flow, you need to conduct a full diagnosis. Only after identifying the cause of such changes in the body, it is possible to choose an adequate treatment. The therapy is carried out in a complex manner. The following medications are prescribed:

hormonal agents;
vitamin complexes;
antibiotics.

Depending on what exactly caused the violation of menstruation, other groups of drugs can be additionally selected, but they are prescribed only by a doctor.

If the menstruation schedule has gone astray due to outside influence, it is enough to take vitamins and eliminate the factor that provokes such changes.

Reproductive disorders occur for various reasons. It is extremely important to identify and eliminate them immediately. Only thanks to timely started therapy it is possible to avoid undesirable complications.

Sometimes it is enough to adjust the diet and change lifestyle, but if a pathology is detected, serious treatment is required. At the same time, compliance with all medical recommendations is the key to restoring reproductive function.

Menstruation cycle failure is a fairly common female problem. Probably, most often it is because of cycle disorders that patients turn to gynecologists. The causes of failures can be very different, associated both with some temporary phenomena and conditions (for example, the cycle can go astray if a woman loses her job and will be very worried because of this), and with serious illnesses, and not necessarily related specifically with the reproductive system. Cycle failure is examined immediately by 2 doctors - a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

Let us make a reservation right away that by menstrual cycle disorders, we, first of all, mean a change in its duration up or down, as well as menstrual-like discharge. So, what are the causes of menstrual cycle failure usually?

1. Hormonal. The menstrual cycle is regulated by several hormones. In the first phase, when the egg matures, estrogens predominate, which contribute to the thickening of the endometrium in the uterus and other changes, without which the egg will not develop if it is fertilized. The second half of the cycle is regulated by progesterone. With its shortage, there can be no talk of any normal development of pregnancy. If conception did not occur, or for some reason the fertilized egg could not be implanted into the wall of the uterus, there is a sharp drop in hormones, and endometrial detachment begins - that is, menstruation. If some kind of failure occurred in this process, then delays, intermenstrual bleeding are possible. If the phenomenon is random, does not repeat, it is unlikely that the cause of the violation is serious, but if the violations are permanent, then it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

2. Sudden weight loss. If you are on a strict diet, then do not be surprised if your monthly cycle fails. The faster you lose weight, the more damage you do to your body. In very thin girls, periods can completely disappear. So, in patients with anorexia, the monthly cycle is not just disturbed, but absent.

3. Intermenstrual spotting This is also a serious problem. Normally, this happens only in the first three months of taking a hormonal contraceptive, or after taking an emergency contraceptive (like postinor). And in other situations, rather, it is a symptom of the disease. So, intermenstrual bleeding occurs in women with uterine fibroids, for example. With such a symptom, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor.

4. Momentary failure often observed in stressful situations, with climate change, taking certain medications and diseases not related to the female reproductive system.

In some cases, cycle disturbances are normal. Irregular menstrual cycles are normal for teenagers in the first two years after menarche (the first menstrual bleeding). During pregnancy, there is no monthly bleeding at all. And about the failure of the cycle of menstruation after childbirth, for sure, everyone also heard. Irregular bleeding usually persists until the end of breastfeeding. This period (lactation) is characterized by increased production of the hormone prolactin, which interferes with both the onset of pregnancy and the normalization of the cycle. And, finally, irregular periods are one of the manifestations of menopause, when the childbearing function fades due to a decrease in the production of the above hormones.

In this article, we paid attention to the violations of the cycle associated with its duration, but a sharp change in the duration of menstruation, as well as the number of discharges, can also be considered a failure. Heavy periods can be very dangerous and are often a symptom of a growth in the uterine cavity. Often, prolonged and heavy bleeding becomes a side effect of the installation of an intrauterine device.

On the contrary, a sharp decrease in the amount of discharge, the duration of menstruation, as well as a change in the color of the discharge to a very dark one, can be a sign of endometriosis. And sometimes this is observed during pregnancy - normal or ectopic. Therefore, with similar symptoms, as well as in the presence of sexual intercourse, it does not hurt to check for pregnancy. Such a failure should not be ignored.

A constant menstrual cycle is the key to women's health, and its violation signals violations in the functioning of the body. Every woman of reproductive age at least once in her life is faced with the problem of menstrual failure. After all, the female body is so sensitive that it can be influenced by internal and external negative factors.

Period failures can occur for many reasons.

What is the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a cyclical change in a woman's body that occurs at regular intervals. To determine the duration of the cycle, you need to count the number of days from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next one. The optimal cycle is 28 days, but this is only an average.

After all, each organism is individual and the cycle cannot be exactly the same for everyone. Therefore, the normal duration of the cycle is from 21 to 37 days, but taking into account the constancy.

Deviations from one to a maximum of three days are considered acceptable. The duration of the menses themselves is not less than 3 and not more than 7 days. If your cycle meets these conditions, you are healthy. But, if you notice a failure, then you should immediately visit a gynecologist. Since the causes of failure can be from harmless to dangerous for reproductive function and health in general.

Crashes in the range of three days are quite normal

Varieties of failure of the menstrual cycle

Often, a failure of the menstrual cycle is understood as a delay in menstruation. But, this opinion is erroneous. Since when analyzing the cycle of menstruation, a number of characteristics are considered: duration, regularity, intensity, accompanying symptoms. Based on this, the types of failure are distinguished.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for more than 3 months.
Polymenorrhea is a very short menstrual cycle, less than 21 days. With polymenorrhea, menstruation can go several times a month.
Oligomenorrhea is the exact opposite of polymenorrhea. The main symptoms of oligomenorrhea are as follows: a cycle duration of more than 38 days, scanty discharge during menstruation.
Menorrhagia - heavy blood loss during menstruation with a regular menstrual cycle. The norm of blood loss is no more than 50-80 ml per day and 250 ml for the entire period of menstruation. The first two days are characterized by the greatest blood loss. Every day the amount of blood released decreases. If menstruation is poured on the 5th day in the same volume as on the first day, then this is not the norm, and to determine the cause, you need to undergo an examination.
Metrorrhagia - long and frequent discharge, which can be both abundant and insignificant, with an irregular interval. Metrorrhagia, like menorrhagia, are forms of uterine bleeding.
Uterine bleeding between periods is also considered as a symptom of a menstrual cycle failure.
Dysminorrhea - feeling unwell or according to folk PMS. With dysminorrhea, the symptoms can be very different. Common symptoms include nervousness, mood swings, severe pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, and nausea. Why do women tolerate them and do not seek help to alleviate their suffering? Most people just think they're normal.

Often, discharge during menstruation can be accompanied by blood clots, which can give rise to unrest. But this is a normal phenomenon, which is explained by the fact that during heavy periods, blood accumulates in the vagina and coagulates into clots. More often this is faced by women with a spiral.

Do not rejoice if menstruation is accompanied by scant discharge. This is very convenient, but a small amount of blood released indicates a lack of estrogen in the body.

Dysmenorrhea - severe pain associated with PMS

Causes of menstrual cycle failure

A one-time unscheduled menstrual cycle may not be dangerous, but rather an exception to the rule than a pattern. But, if the failure lasts for a long time or repeats, then there are unpleasant reasons for that. Let us consider in detail what exactly causes the failure of the menstrual cycle.

Sexual infections (syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomonas, chlamydia, microplasma, etc.). They are also called pelvic infections. If your menstruation cycle has gone astray, then you need to take tests that will refute or confirm the presence of pathogens in the body. Because, analyzing all the causes, it is the infectious ones that most often lead to failures. Characteristic of these infections is that they are all sexually transmitted. Therefore, if you are sexually active, then you should take care of security measures, namely: having one permanent sexual partner, using a condom during sex. But, if you are already infected, you need to take a course of anti-inflammatory treatment.
Hormonal disbalance. Hormones are responsible for the normal functioning of the reproductive system, if a failure occurs, this will primarily affect the menstrual cycle. To understand where the failure occurred, you need to go through a series of studies (thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, pituitary gland). After 25 years, hormonal changes occur in a woman's body, which can lead to a decrease in progesterone levels.
Gynecological diseases. Among them, we highlight the following: inflammation of the ovaries and appendages, polyps, endometriosis. Moreover, in girls who suffered from inflammation in adolescence, the menstrual cycle often goes astray in adulthood.
Polycystic ovaries (PCOS). Every year, the problem of polycystic affects an increasing number of women. What should you be afraid of when faced with PCOS syndrome? With polycystic disease, the follicles do not leave the ovary, but stop developing with immature eggs. As a result, the woman does not ovulate. Clinically, polycystic manifests itself in the failure of the menstrual cycle and can lead to infertility. In addition to failures, PCOS is accompanied by the following endocrine symptoms: increased body hair growth, oily skin and hair, acne, hair loss, fat deposits in the abdomen.
Previous rubella or smallpox. These viruses are dangerous because they affect the number of follicles in the ovaries.
Weight problems. People who are overweight have problems with menstruation. Why is this happening? The answer is very simple. Adipose tissue is directly involved in the formation of hormonal levels due to the production of estrogen. At the same time, lack of weight and exhaustion of the body are no less dangerous.
Preclimax. For women aged 45-55 years, menstrual problems are the harbingers of menopause and do not require intervention from doctors, as they are the norm. The only exception is uterine bleeding.
Adolescence. In the first two years from the onset of menstruation, failures indicate the hormonal setting of the body.
Change of climatic conditions. When changing your place of residence or going on a business trip, on vacation with a change in the climate zone, get ready for the body to react unpredictably. After the acclimatization process is completed, the menstrual cycle will adjust.
Stress and physical activity. Stress is the most common and commonplace cause of all diseases. It is important to minimize the influence of negative factors on the emotional state. Heavy physical exertion during work or sports can be perceived by the body as a stressful situation and fail. Therefore, do not forget to evenly distribute the load and rest regularly.
Medications. Often, menstruation gets lost under the influence of medication or after its completion. Hormonal contraceptives have the greatest influence. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor and replace one drug with another.

The constant cycle is a key indicator of women's health and reproductive capacity.

If you have lost your menstrual cycle, then immediately contact a qualified gynecologist. After all, timely identification of the problem and its causes are the key to successful recovery.

And remember that even a healthy woman should visit a gynecologist at least once every six months. After all, many problems do not immediately make themselves felt, but appear over time.

Menstrual irregularity- a reason to seek advice from a gynecologist. Critical days are a visiting card of the state of a woman's body. Any failure of the cycle is a signal that calls you to pay attention to your health. This may be a delay in menstruation in the absence of pregnancy, scanty periods, or, conversely, too heavy menstruation. In the presence of such violations of the monthly cycle, it is imperative to be examined, to establish their cause and begin treatment. We must always remember that dangerous diseases can be hidden behind the violation of the menstrual cycle.

Violation of the menstrual cycle. First about the norm

The reproductive period in a woman's life is accompanied by menses- periodic bloody discharge from the genital tract. This is a natural process by which the body restores its readiness for pregnancy. It is cyclical; the duration of the cycle and its regularity are a mirror of a woman's intimate health. Violation of the menstrual cycle is an alarm, and in no case should it be left unattended.

Menstruation usually begins at the age of 12-14 years. Within a year after the first menstruation, there is no clear periodicity, the cycle is only being established.

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one menstruation to the first day of the next. On average, it is 28 days, but there may be individual deviations. The normal duration is from 21 to 35 days. The duration of the discharge itself is usually 3-5 days. Menstruation is often preceded by the so-called premenstrual syndrome- a period of poor health. There may be pain in the lower abdomen, swelling of the chest, increased swelling, headache.

No menses during. After childbirth, the menstrual cycle is restored. The earliest this can happen is 6 weeks after birth. When breastfeeding, menstruation returns much later; how much later depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.

In anticipation of the menstrual cycle may become unstable, and the intervals between periods increase. Such disorders at the age of 45-55 are not a pathology.

Types of menstrual irregularities:

lack of menstruation for six months or more (amenorrhea). This condition is normal during pregnancy, breastfeeding, during menopause and in girls who have not yet reached puberty. In all other cases, this is a pathology;
rare menstruation(menstrual cycle more than 35 days);
frequent menstruation(menstrual cycle less than 21 days);
violation of the duration of menstruation(too short - less than 2 days; too long - more than 7 days);
too little menstruation(blood loss less than 20 ml.) or abundant (more than 150 ml.);
periods out of cycle.

Scanty menstruation

Underdevelopment of the uterine mucosa is the main cause of scanty menstruation. However, hypomenstrual syndrome may also be a genetic feature of women. A change in menstruation towards a reduction is considered normal if:

the cycle of the girl has not yet been established to the end (puberty).
In a woman aged 45 years and older, scanty periods indicate the approach of menopause.

It should be remembered that taking birth control pills significantly reduces the amount of menstruation.

The list of possible reasons is not exhaustive. In order to establish the cause, a medical examination is required, and in some cases a comprehensive examination.

Causes of menstrual irregularities

The reason for the failure of the menstrual cycle may be a mental trauma or mental shock. It can also be caused by severe physical pain, overheating or hypothermia of the body, climate change when moving. If this is the case, then there should not be a repeated violation of the cycle if the cause that caused it does not recur.

A number of gynecological diseases lead to a violation of the cycle:

Violation of the cycle may be the result of a surgical intervention, such as an abortion.

The menstrual cycle can also be disrupted as a result of a non-gynecological infectious disease. It can be affected by exhaustion of the body, lack of nutrition. Ill-conceived diets often lead to cycle disruption.

Among the causes, hormonal disorders occupy an important place. In this case, a violation of the menstrual cycle may be accompanied by the appearance of hair in atypical places, the appearance of an increase in oily skin.

This list of possible causes is not exhaustive. In order to establish the cause, a medical examination is required, and in some cases a comprehensive examination.

For which menstrual irregularities should you see a doctor?

Any violation of the menstrual cycle is a good reason for contacting a gynecologist. The absence of a clearly defined cycle means a violation of the reproductive function, which may affect the ability to become pregnant and bear a child. And most importantly, this is a possible sign of a serious illness.

You should definitely visit a doctor if:

a girl at the age of 15 did not start menstruating;
discharge observed during pregnancy;
menstruation is extremely painful, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen (this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy);
profuse bleeding is observed (this can occur with an ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, a malignant tumor of the uterus).

Doctors say that every representative of the fair sex at least once in her life faced a problem - a failure of menstruation. Failure of the frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle are the most common problems with which women go to the gynecologist. The problem does not always mean pathology, but for many it is an early symptom of infertility. Therefore, in case of cycle failures, it is imperative to find out the cause.

Gynecologist's appointment - 1000 rubles. Complex ultrasound of the small pelvis - 1000 rubles. Consultation on the results of diagnostics (optional) - 500 rubles.

Normal periods are like: norms for healthy women

The main characteristics of a stable menstrual cycle:

cyclicality - three phases of the menstrual cycle should change each other;
cycle length and menstruation itself within the normal range (21 - 35 days);
the total blood loss for one period of menstruation should be 50 - 150 ml;
lack of severe pain and discomfort.

Violation of at least one of these conditions indicates a malfunction of the menstrual cycle.

What should be the cycle of menstruation in duration

The frequency, duration and volume of the allocated blood are the main attributes of the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle is the period between the first days of the beginning of the past and current periods. Its normal duration should be between 20 and 45 days. The standard term is considered to be 28 days, although it is present in only 15% of women.

The duration of menstruation largely depends on age, which is explained by the peculiarities of the hormonal background. Each age category has norms regarding the duration of the cycle:

In teenage girls, the cycle usually fluctuates and can be up to 45 days. Gradually, after a year or more, it is established. Occasionally, full recovery is observed only after the first birth.
The most regular cycle of 21 to 35 days is present in women of childbearing age. The presence of cycle disorders during this period usually indicates a pathology, for example, inflammation in the uterus, hormonal failure, etc.
During the perimenopausal period, the cycle is shortened, and the menstruation themselves become unpredictable and longer. This is due to a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen in the blood and the physiological extinction of reproductive function.

It is not considered a violation of the cycle if menstruation occurs earlier or later by several days. In the case of a break between menstruation for more than 40 - 60 days, or, conversely, less than 20 - 25 days, one can argue about a serious pathology. In this case, the failure of menstruation may be associated with pregnancy - normal or , , , hormonal diseases and even .

Norms of menstrual flow

Normally, menstruation should last from 3 to 7 days. The nature of the course of this period is individual for each woman, since it depends on many factors. Normal filling of a pad or tampon should take 3 to 4 hours on the days of heaviest flow. An alarm signal - their filling in 1 - 2 hours and the impossibility of spending the night with one night pad.

In this case, one can assume , this state will end during menstruation.

Should the stomach hurt before menstruation: signs of menstruation

Common signs of an early onset of menstruation are considered natural: breast enlargement and its soreness, a slight increase in temperature and blood pressure, pulling pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, etc. A woman can experience all these signs, but they should flow relatively comfortably.

With strong, or with , you need to immediately contact the gynecologist.

The menstrual cycle: how it happens in phases

With a change in the hormonal background in the female body, there is a change in the periods of the menstrual cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal (premenstrual).

Menstrual phase - time of critical days

The first phase is menstrual. Is the most painful of all. At this stage, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins to flake off and come out with the unfertilized egg, resulting in bleeding from the vagina. Usually, the most profuse bleeding is observed on the 2nd - 3rd day of the cycle, but for some, the highest peak may occur on the 1st day or on the 2nd and 4th days - this parameter is quite individual.

The first phase is manifested by the following symptoms:

spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region and pelvis;
cramps in the limbs;
general malaise.

Spasms can be of varying degrees. They appear as the body helps the endometrium to flake off with uterine contractions.

Follicular phase

The second phase is follicular. It is characterized by the cessation of secretions. During this period, the hormones of the pituitary and hypothalamus are intensively synthesized, thereby affecting the ovaries. Follicle-stimulating hormone is the main one. It stimulates enhanced growth and development of follicles.

There is a production of the sex hormone estrogen by the ovaries, due to which the process of building up a new endometrium is started in order to prepare for the onset of pregnancy. This stage of the cycle lasts about two weeks.

Fertile window, ovulation - days of conception

5 days of the follicular phase + 1 day of ovulation is called the fertile window - the period during which there is the highest probability of conception. It is not easy to determine it on your own, only special diagnostic methods can help in this, for example, .

Ovulation is the period during which a mature egg is released from the follicle. The process itself resembles a kind of explosion and occurs very quickly, within a few minutes. If during the day the egg met with the sperm, it passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus - pregnancy occurs.

If this does not happen, then with the onset of menstruation, the egg is excreted from the body. It is extremely rare that ovulation can occur twice a month with an interval of 1 to 2 days. Without it, pregnancy is impossible.

During ovulation, the following symptoms may occur:

minor blood discharge (daub);
drawing pain in the lower abdomen;
general malaise - weakness, fatigue;
feeling of discomfort.

Luteal phase: premenstrual period

The third phase is the luteal. The final period of the menstrual cycle, called premenstrual, lasts up to 16 days. It is characterized by the formation of a corpus luteum - a special temporary gland at the site of the follicle that the egg has left. There is a production of progesterone, which is necessary to increase the sensitivity of the endometrium, so that the fertilized egg can more easily penetrate the uterine wall.

If implantation of the ovum does not occur, the gland regresses, which leads to a sharp drop in progesterone levels. This becomes a provocation of the destruction and subsequent rejection of the endometrium. The cycle closes.

The premenstrual period is manifested by the following symptoms:

nervousness, irascibility, irritability;
spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
mood swings;
tearfulness;
aching muscle and joint pain;
the appearance of acne on the skin;
swelling and soreness of the mammary glands;
increased sensitivity of the nipples;
heaviness in the abdomen, bloating;
stool disorders;
weight gain;
general malaise - fatigue, weakness, slight chills;
headaches and dizziness, nausea, fainting (in the last days of the cycle).

Failure of menstruation is a dangerous condition.

Menstrual cycle disorders: all diseases associated with changes in critical days

Violations of the cycle occur due to a failure in the frequency and duration of menstruation, as well as due to a change in their course. These violations were divided into the corresponding groups:

The first group of violations includes:

Polymenorrhea - increased menstruation with an interval of less than 21 days with profuse prolonged blood loss;
Oligomenorrhea - the duration of menstruation is no more than 2 days, and the interval between them is about 40 days;
Amenorrhea is the complete cessation of menstruation. This state guarantees .

The second group of violations include:

Hypermenorrhea (mennorrhagia) - increased profusion of bleeding during menstruation without breaking the cycle;
Hypomenorrhea - the scarcity of bleeding during menstruation (less than 50 ml in general), while their duration may be normal or shorter;
Algodysmenorrhea - excessively painful menstruation;
Metrorrhagia - menstruation occurs repeatedly during the cycle;
Menstruation after menopause - the appearance of spotting in the postmenopausal period (from a year after menopause). At this time the woman .

Causes of the "jumping" cycle: monthly failure is dangerous

A disturbed menstrual cycle often indicates that there is a problem in a woman's body. The main reason for its occurrence is hormonal imbalance, which can be triggered by a number of factors. It is customary to distinguish between physiological, medical and pathological causes of the disturbed cycle.

Physiological causes of menstrual irregularities

Physiological causes are the least dangerous and easier to eliminate than others. These include:

stress and nervous strain, lack of sleep, chronic fatigue;
severe physical overload;
violation of body weight (obesity and malnutrition);
abrupt climate change;
activation or absence of sexual activity;
strict diet, alcohol, tobacco, drug use, excessive caffeine intake;
postpartum period and lactation period;
various cleanings, ;
radiation and poisoning.

All of these factors lead to a shock state of the body. Stress hormones (adrenaline, prolactin, or cortisol) are released. It blocks the ovaries, i.e. interferes with the production of female sex hormones, and thus disrupts the menstrual cycle.

Violation of body weight can lead not only to the failure of the cycle, but even to its temporary absence. This is due to the production of the male hormone androgen in the adipose tissue, and the more this tissue, the more the hormone is released.

Pathological causes of problems with menstruation: urgently see a gynecologist!

Pathological causes are more dangerous and can lead to serious complications in case of delayed diagnosis and treatment. These include the following main diseases:

tumor and , various "ohms" - for example, that violate the proper functioning of the reproductive system;
ovarian pathology (cyst, polycystic, dysfunction);
infectious and inflammatory processes in the genital area;
endometrial hyperplasia;
thyroid disease;
other diseases of the "non-sexual" sphere, causing hormonal imbalance (blood diseases, diabetes mellitus, etc.);
hereditary predisposition.

The number of such provocative diseases is wide: from a mild cold of the genital organs to oncology. This can also include missed pregnancy, miscarriage and complications after an abortion. Often, the pathology is asymptomatic, the general condition is satisfactory, but the menstrual cycle is irregular. In this case, a special examination will be required to confirm or refute the fact of the presence of pathology.

Medical causes of menstrual irregularities

Medical causes include taking medications. Almost any drug that enters the body affects all organs and systems, especially the reproductive one. The following drugs may disrupt the cycle:

Antidepressants - cause a delay in menstruation and reduce the abundance of discharge;
Anticoagulants and blood thinners - increase the intensity of bleeding;
oral contraceptives - long-term use of hormonal drugs shortens the duration of menstruation and makes them scarce, and the wrong selection can drastically change the cycle. Cancellation of oral contraceptives often also leads to a violation of the cycle, but this does not pose a danger to the body. Full recovery in such cases occurs after 2 to 3 months of the cycle;
Hemostatic drugs - reduce the amount of discharge;
Antiulcer drugs - cause a delay in menstruation;
Intrauterine spiral - the body perceives its installation as a stressful situation, therefore, even if it is performed correctly, small failures occur cycle.

Incorrect location of the intrauterine device or illiterate installation often provoke uterine bleeding or serious cycle disorders. His stabilization should normally occur in 3-4 cycles.

Examination of a patient with an irregular menstrual cycle

Irregular menstrual cycle - a strong argument immediately . The cause may be serious pathologies, which you may not even suspect. Therefore, it is important not to self-medicate, only aggravating the situation.

To determine the cause of the failure, the doctor will conduct an examination of the woman, which will include:

visual and internal examination of the genital organs;
and ;
hysteroscopy - examination of the uterine cavity and its cervix using a special device - a hysteroscope inserted into the cervical channel. Using the method, one can not only assess the state of an organ under a large magnification, but also to aim biopsy.

It is also necessary to undergo an examination by a hematologist, including:

- a blood test for the state of homeostasis (blood clotting);
clinical and (to determine serum iron, bilirubin, liver enzymes, platelet count);
determination of the level of progesterone and others .

To clarify the diagnosis, doctors may also need information about the duration and profusion of menstruation since adolescence, the regularity of cases of bleeding from the nose, gums, how often bruises appear on the body, etc.

Why treat a failure of menstruation: what will happen with an irregular menstrual cycle

A disturbed menstrual cycle is considered normal in adolescence, in the postpartum period, and in women over 50 years old. In these cases, the cycle stabilizes without outside help and does not require treatment.

An irregular cycle as an independent deviation does not pose a health hazard. But in women outside the above list, it is often a sign of hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by various reasons, including serious pathologies of the genital organs (uterine cancer, endometriosis, polycystosis, endometrial hyperplasia, etc.).

That is why it is extremely important not to ignore the violations of the cycle, but to undergo the necessary examinations in the clinic. Timely diagnosis and treatment will successfully get rid of the problem.

Irregular periods are an obstacle to the normal onset of ovulation. And this means that the conception of a child for a woman will cause significant difficulties. In some cases, a disturbed cycle can lead to a serious complication - infertility. Therefore, the doctor should recommend to the woman.

Treatment of irregular menstrual cycle

A “jumping” menstrual cycle is not a pathological process, but only a symptom of various disorders. That is why the methods of its treatment can radically differ depending on the provocative cause.

Problematic periods can be stabilized with:

changes in lifestyle and habits;
diagnosis and treatment of the underlying pathology;
taking hormonal drugs );
change in the method of contraception.

Changing lifestyle and habits

If the violation of the cycle is associated with a woman’s lifestyle and her addictions, then to stabilize it, you just need to change it: give up excessive use of caffeine, get rid of bad habits, do not overload the body physically, get enough sleep, protect yourself from nervous overstrain, eat right etc.

Identification and treatment of the underlying pathology

Treatment can be carried out medically with the help of the following symptomatic drugs:

analgesic and antispasmodic - to relieve pain;
hemostatic;
pro-inflammatory agents;
hormonal (oral contraception) - to normalize the activity of the endocrine system.

Vitamin and physiotherapy are also often prescribed for polycystic disease.

If medical treatment was unsuccessful, then curettage of the uterine cavity is prescribed. It is also possible to eliminate the problem by surgical intervention, for example, if a tumor, polycystic disease or thyroid disease is detected.

The appointment of hormonal drugs

A widespread way to stabilize a disturbed menstrual cycle is combined oral contraceptives. They apply even to those who do not live sexually, or, conversely, . Hormone therapy duration of six months stabilizes the cycle. After its termination, the likelihood of pregnancy increases significantly.

Changing your contraceptive method

The reaction of the body to a certain method of contraception can be unpredictable due to the characteristics of the body itself. If, for example, as a result of taking contraceptives, there is a sharp violation of the menstrual cycle, then it is recommended to change the drug to another one with a higher dosage or composition. It is necessary that the doctor assess the situation and adjust the means of protection.

If the reason for the failure of menstruation is an intrauterine device, and menstruation does not normalize within an acceptable period, then the only solution is to remove the device and choose another .

Herbal treatment

Restoration of the cycle is possible if folk methods of treating menstruation failure are added to the main methods. It is not excluded that medicinal plants, if used incorrectly, can harm the body, therefore, before use, it is imperative to consult a doctor and identify the main cause of the violations.

Medicinal fees for heavy menstruation:

You will need: horsetail (100 g), mountaineer pepper (20 g), chamomile (150 g), shepherd's purse (50 g), yarrow (150 g), lungwort (50 g), acorn (50 g). Decoction for one reception is prepared as follows: 1 tsp. collection is boiled in 200 ml of water. Drink 1 time per day before bed. Duration of the course - from 3 weeks;
You will need: shepherd's bag (1 dl), yarrow (1 tbsp), oak bark (1 dl). Pour the collection of 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes under the lid. After straining, drink in 2 doses (in the morning and before bedtime).

Medicinal herbs for painful periods:

Highlander pepper. Pour 1 tbsp. crushed plant 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Take a decoction 3 times a day, 1 tablespoon;
Chamomile, mint and valerian root (3:3:4). Brew 1 tbsp. collection in 200 ml of boiling water. Take during menstruation several times a day;
Leaves raspberries. Pour 1.5 tbsp. raw materials 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 15 minutes. A day to carry out several receptions of infusion in a small amount.

Medicinal herbs to stabilize the cycle:

flowers cornflower. Pour 1 tbsp. plants 200 ml boiling water and let it brew for 60 - 80 minutes. Drink a decoction 3 times a day for 1/3 cup. The course of therapy is at least 3 weeks;
seeds parsley. Pour 1 tsp. crushed raw materials 0.5 l of warm water for 8 hours. Drink infusion 4 times a day for half a glass without filtering;
Sagebrush. Pour 1 tbsp. herbs 300 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 4-5 hours, then strain. Drink infusion 3-4 times a day for a quarter cup.

Where to go for menstrual irregularities in St. Petersburg, prices

The main specialization of the clinic. We treat irregular periods and any menstrual irregularities. In our medical center, you can undergo an ultrasound scan using one of the best expert ultrasound machines, take tests for hormones, undergo a gynecological examination with colposcopy, etc.

The cost of treating critical days disorders depends on the underlying cause of the condition, but in any case it is inexpensive. For example. a comprehensive ultrasound of the pelvic organs, including an examination of the uterus, costs 1000 rubles, a consultation with a gynecologist based on the results of the diagnosis - only 500 rubles.