Menstrual Related Health Problems

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

  • Variety of symptoms that some females experience
  • Occurs before the menstrual period
  • 2 weeks – couple days before period
  • Some females never experience PMS

Symptoms

  • Nervous tension, anxiety,   irritability, Bloating, weight gain, depression/mood swings, fatigue

Causes aren’t completely understood…

  • More common in 30’s women
  • Related to hormone imbalance
  • Nutritional deficiency

Treatment

  • Change in diet & exercise
  • Serious cases
  • Consult with doctor and follow the prescriptions exactly (eg: antidepressant drugs)

Dysmenorrhea

  • Aka “menstrual cramps”
    • Painful contractions in the uterus
    • Usually mild – lasting several hours
    • More painful cramping lasting 1-2 days is normal

Treatment

  • Light exercise
  • OTC pain reliever can help (except aspirin!)
  • Warm bath/heating pad may relax muscles

* Severe or persistent cramping may be an indication that medical attention is necessary*

Amenorrhea

  • Lack of menstruation by age 16 or stopping of menstrual cycle in a female who previously menstruated
  • Cause
    • Physical defects in sex organs
    • Diseases
      • Diabetes
      • Tumors
      • Infections
      • Lack of maturation of the endocrine system
    • Excessive athletic activities
    • Emotional distress
    • Eating disorders/starvation