The physical changes during puberty especially among woman can be uncomfortable when she faces problems like irregular periods or premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Menstrual cycle problems are very common during adolescence.
Lets get to know about the various problems that are prevalent among the teens.
* Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): The PMS symptoms occur one to two weeks before menstruation starts.
It can affect menstruating women of any age, however, the effect is different for each woman.
PMS includes both physical and emotional symptoms that many females get right before their periods, such as acne, bloating, fatigue, backaches, sore breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, food cravings, depression or feeling blue, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, difficulty handling stress and feeling tense or anxious.
* Dysmenorrhea (painful periods): It is again a common complaint.
This is the result of irregular contractions of the uterine muscle.
They are of three types, first is Mechanical Dysmenorrhea which is caused due to uterine malfunction. Second is Congestive Dysmenorrhea caused due to jamming in the pelvic organs. Lastly, Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea which is the result of contraction of the uterine muscle.
* Heavy periods (menorrhagia): Heavy periods is the passage of more than 80ml of blood each in period, basically a functional uterine bleeding.
Periods are considered heavy when a woman bleeds for more than 8 to 10 days, especially if this is repeated month after month and the woman becomes anaemic.
* Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is caused by a number of changes in the organs, glands, and hormones involved in menstruation. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy. Other causes of amenorrhea include problems with the reproductive organs or with the glands that help regulate hormone levels. If you have any of the symptoms of menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhea and Amenorrhea then it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible. However, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be controlled by regular exercise and a good diet.