For most women the menstrual cycle begins in puberty and can last for decades into their 50′s. The period of bleeding in the cycle is called menstruation and for some women there may be menstruation problems.
One example of the kinds of difficulties some women face is amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is the delayed onset of menstruation in young girls who haven’t started their periods by 16. In older women amenorrhea occurs when a woman misses her periods for three months or more. There may be one or several reasons for the occurrence of amenorrhea including pregnancy, hormone imbalances, and illness, of structural problems in the reproductive system.
Dysmenorrhea is another potential menstruation problem. This condition is characterized by severe cramping and pain during menstruation. Sometimes an excess of prostaglandin is implicated in severe periods. There may also be underlying problems such as endometriosis or fibroids. Many women find a measure of relief from severe periods using over the counter medications. Some woman use herbs and herbal formulas to help such as black cohosh and squaw vine. Frequently the use of a heating pad provides some relief. Sometimes dysmenorrhea is accompanied by abnormal uterine bleeding.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)is another menstruation problem that plagues many women. It can manifest in painful breasts, cramping, mood swings and bloating. Like other menstruation difficulties, PMS may be related to fluctuations in hormones. There is some evidence that diet may contribute to the problem. For example, fried foods, caffeine and sugar all seem to add to PMS symptoms. Many women will experience the occasional menstruation problem, however sever or prolonged symptoms may indicate the presence of a serious condition.
What Causes Pain During Periods?
- The tissues of the uterus secrete prostaglandins. Their main function is to make the uterus contract, when there is excess of prostaglandin secretion, the woman will experience more intense contractions of the uterus and more pain results due to these contractions.
- Excess of Prostaglandin may also be responsible for vomiting, headache and other associated symptoms during menstruation.
- Endometriosis can also be responsible for cramps.
- Fibroids are another causative factor in producing period pain.
- Any infection in the reproductive organs such as gonorrhea, tuberculous infection can also cause pain during periods.
- Intrauterine device can also cause pain while menstruating.
- Cyst in the ovaries can cause painful menses.
- If the opening of the cervix is small it can cause painful menses.
You will need proper investigation to find the cause of your problem. It is advisable to approach a gynecologist to treat the cause.
- Related Topics
- Menstruation Flow | Home Remedies for Abnormal Menstruation
- Menstruation Symptoms, Menstrual cramps, Premenstrual Syndrome
- Blood Clots During Periods | Clotting and Cramps During Menstruation
- Menstruation Period Time: Menstrual Bleeding
- How to Stop Heavy Menstrual Bleeding | Heavy Menstruation Bleeding Treatment
I am 51, have been getting my periods every month, lasting for about 3 or 4 days. I have recently had two periods in just 12 days. Is this normal for my age? I have recently had a pap smear which was normal.
What you are going through is the peri-menopausal phase.
Since the Pap smear is normal there is nothing to worry about. Also, visit a gynecologist every once in a while for a routine check up.
Guidelines to make menopause easier and pain free:
1. The key dietary prescription to alleviate menopausal symptoms is to increase the amount of plant food intake. A vegetarian diet supplies phyto-estrogens. These compounds have the capacity to replace some of the effect of the hormone estrogen, which is no longer being produced by the body.
2. Ensure that you consume sufficient quantities of iron rich foods to make up for the blood loss. Dates, raisins, dry figs, tomatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources.
3. Drink 200ml of beet juice daily. Not only is it loaded with iron, it also works as a super tonic for the female reproductive system.
Beware! :
Avoid resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This therapy ameliorates menopausal symptoms, but increases the chance of developing breast cancer.
I am 21 years old. My periods date was due on 1 December. And it has already been 22 days delay in my periods. Even last month I faced this problem but the delay was of about 10 days. I am scared this time. What could be the cause of this irregular menstrual cycle. I have not indulged in any kind of sexual act.
I am 22 years old. Every month I have a problem with my periods. It always exceeds 15 days since the last time I have this problem. When I saw a doctor, he tells me it could be due to stress. But its been like this for 1 year. I am scared if i have endometriosis.
There are various other causes for dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis is one of them. No need to worry about it if there is any dysblance in the H-P-O axis due to stress and other factors.
I could help you better if you told me –
How long does each cycle last? 30 days? 40 days? 50 days? or more?
Is there profuse bleeding?
Are there any blood clots?
Are you taking any medications or oral contraceptives?
Is there bleeding after sexual intercourse?
Do you experience pain during menstruation, during intercourse?
Is there any white discharge between the 2 periods?
I shall provide you with certain guidelines that will regularize the cycle:
- Ensure that the diet that you eat is healthy and wholesome. Stay away from junk and refined foods. Processed foods have been known to cause menstrual disturbances.
- Beet root is a wonderful food that tones up the entire female genital tract. 100 ml of juice is advocated daily for 1 month. You could even have it grated or boiled.
- Importantly, stress management is a critical part of normal and regular menstruation. Practice 20 minutes of meditation or any stress busting technique that appeals to you. Exercise is also a wonderful way to fight stress.
Incorporate these changes and watch for a month. Thereafter a visit to a gynecologist would be favorable. Investigations will reveal any abnormality immediately.
Am 32 years old, My period comes before the due date and is not flowing normal and it flows for just 2 days. Is a little bit scanty and so reddish as if I had injury. In January it came on the 25th and February on 19th. What could be the cause. I am scared what could be going on with my menstrual system .
I am 31 years and unmarried. My period time is only for two days (many years). From the last 4-5 month my periods are lesser. I am a hypo thyroid person (6. something) & rhuemetoid arthritis (18. something). I have used M2 TONE for one month, but the first period day dry, second like black powder. After some time starts bleeding but less bleeding. Is this a serious problem.
my age is 46.from last 8 month i have irregular menses.recently after 2.5 month menses come and last 13days bleeding is continue in excess. in my sonography report every thing is normal. in blood test Hb.is 11.63.please tell me medicine or home treatment.THANKAS A LOT.
You are in the menopausal age group where there are lot of hormonal changes occurring in the body, the hormones are estrogens and progesterone
Irregular vaginal bleeding or menses can occur to many females in this age group, some may experience more, while others may be experiencing less. Other symptoms are like dryness of vagina, recurrent urinary tract infection, hot flushes, night sweats, memory disturbance, mood changes can also occur.
Your Hemoglobin is slightly less which can be modified by taking some haematinics. You can eat green leafy vegetables; mango bark is useful during heavy bleeding the juice of mango bark in small quantity with water can be given frequently.
Ashoka tree bark is used frequently for excessive menses bleeding. The herb Rough chaff is also used for excessive bleeding.
I am 26 years old; I had my last period during the end of December, after this for two months I did not get menstruate. These two months I had stomach problem. After my lunch something like a liquid vomiting trouble, and I have morning dysentery problem.
Do I have a stomach problem? How Do I cure and treat this?
You are suffering from two problems at the same time, one related to menses which may be due to hormonal imbalance, or due to iron deficiency, the other of gastritis with colitis that is swelling of the inner lining of the intestine due to bacterial infection or protozoal infection. And yes, if you are married kindly check your pregnancy status? Well meanwhile you can have buttermilk, carrot soup, ginger with honey, pomegranate with light food and no milk for few days. You can also take lime juice frequently.
My menses changes. Sometimes I have swollen and painful breasts, sometimes constipated and bloated, feel feverish and I crave before the due date. I feel so sick for about three days but this time it came out normal as usual. But is over two weeks. I have seen my GP and he wrote a prescription for me to get that it will stop the bleeding. I have done smear test about twice and ultrasound about a year ago. But is alright. So what do I do now. Should I go for a check up or take the medication?
You have not given your age. Some time in menopausal age such symptoms do occur. You can take medication prescribed by your GP, but simultaneously you can do sonography to look for some abnormality. Fatigue can be due to anemia so kindly check for that. If you are of middle age your menstrual problem may be due to hormonal imbalance.
I am 46 years old and started having premenopauseal symptoms 6 years ago after my mother died. (This was very stressful for me.)
My worse symptoms are violent mood swings and menstrual flooding. I have had fibroids for years. Over the last 2 years one has grown to the size of a grapefruit.
I went on bc pills in an attempt to balance my hormones and lighten my flow.
The pills stopped the mood swings and I feel much better emotionally since starting them. However, my periods are just as heavy as ever and my blood pressure has risen. I never had high blood pressure before starting bc pills.
A month ago I heard about ashoka bark and started taking that. I have also been taking Lugol’s iodine and my energy level has increased since doing so.
This month, my period is heavier than ever. I had severe cramps and passed a HUGE clot. Once I passed the clot, the cramps stopped. This was about 8 hours ago. Since then I have continued to flood and am passing small clots but lots of them. More than ever before.
My question is, could the ashoka be the cause of this? It’s the only new supplement I’ve added to my regimen and I don’t know much about it.
Thanks for reading this.
Every woman has to pass through the menopausal cycle in their mid life, for some it may be uneventful, for others it may not. It signifies the reproductive end of female reproductive cycle which begins in the teens.
At the time of menopause all the glands of the body are affected specially thyroid, pituitary and the ovaries. They are the hormone regulators of the body. Hormonal changes can lead to menorrhagia i.e. excessive bleeding.
But in your case the excessive bleeding may be due to a fibroid which may have increased in size in the last two years
As for Asoka bark, in fact it is a well known home treatment or remedy given for conditions such as excessive bleeding. It is said to be woman’s tonic. A proper and fresh concoction should be prepared every time for consumption. It has to be consumed from the 4th day of menses till the bleeding has stopped. Maybe you should have a detailed consultation and examination with your doctor before you try anything.
I gave birth to a boy in july 2009 by C-sec. My periods started after 3 months. From there after I am having periods after every 10 days which continue for 3-4 days. This time they continued for 15 days. Quantity varies everytime. Some times very less some times heavy bleeding.
My hormones tests are normal. My Gynae says it takes 1 year for periods to get normal. I am very worried. Please suggest the possible reasons
The medical term for excessive menstruation or prolonged menstruation is called menorrhagia. It is essentially a symptom and not a disease.
It is an abnormal bleeding that interferes with normal day to day activity.
Following may be some of the causes;
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Infection, tumors, polyps in the pelvic cavity.
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Bleeding or platelet disorder.
- Hormonal imbalance.
As you have been examined by a gynecologist, and your hormonal assays are normal, and the above causes must have been considered and excluded.
If you are exposed to the environmental tension, like nursing your child, looking after the domestic needs, this if stressful can be the cause of your excessive bleeding. So relax yourself meditation will help in such anxiety.
I am 51 years old. I am going through menopause. Twice I had 7 month spells, where I had no period, just a few spots. I am coming off one of those seven month spots and having my second heavy period in about a months time. Should I be concerned? I recently had a check up, no results of the pap yet. My NMW seems to chalk everything up to “that’s just how it is”. I also have about 5 small fibroid s.
You are in a menopausal phase; hormonal imbalance may be the cause of your heavy periods. The second cause is fibroid s; they may be playing a vital role in excessive bleeding.
A sonogram of pelvis will determine the size of the fibroid s, if enlarged they are the cause of the excessive flow.
Let me know the P.A.P smear result.
Beet juice as a home remedy taken 2 times in a day is found useful in menopausal syndrome.
Licorices contain hormone estrogen, which is diminished in menopause, and to some extent it compensates estrogen.
Include fresh fruits and vegetable juices in your diet, as it contain rich source of vitamins and minerals.
My menses have become irregular lately, for this month it has become very weird altogether. There’s only slight bleeding mixed with a lot of white discharge and its really ‘thin’ almost invisible. I am really worried as it has been going on for almost a week.
Irregular menses occurs in almost every woman in their life time, a serious note has to be taken if it occurs regularly for every cycle.
There are many causes for irregular menses
- Pregnancy is one cause of missed period,
- Stress, weight loss or weight gain, increased exercise more common in athletes.
- Hormonal changes.
- Menarche or menopause.
- Certain medications like steroid, tranquilizers.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
Preventive measures like avoiding fat food, causing increase in weight.
Learn relaxing exercise like yoga, meditation to cope up stress.
Correct iron deficiency if present.
Test for thyroid hormone. Ultrasonography, of the uterus.
I am 32yrs married lady having a child of 5 yrs.My periods are normal in time without pain but for the last four months I am experiencing clots and heavy bleeding on the second day of the periods which lasts for 5-6 hrs only then I bleed normally.But during these 5-6 hrs my condition is so worse as no pad holds the flow. I had ovarian cyst when I was 22yrs old, my one ovary has been removed.please help me and suggest some remedy.
Irregular menses, delayed menses, or painful menses occurs in many females in her period of fertility, they are of short duration, they can be due to the hormonal changes, but it is alarming if it occurs in every cycle or regularly.
In your case, a sonography of uterus is suggested, to rule out any fibroid. Since fibroids are known to cause heavy bleeding and dysmenorrhea(painful menses).
The herb hermal is useful in regulating menstrual period. It is especially useful in painful and difficult menses. Boil two table spoon of seeds in half a liter of water. Take this decoction in 15 to 30 ml dose twice in a day.
Herbal tea of chamomile, mint, can be tried.
My period started 15th of March.Unlike other periods it’s still continuing. My symptoms are I’m feeling weak, feeling blue, severe pain in my abdomen & a dizziness in my head.
I’m afraid if this is due to Dysmenorrhea or endometriosis. I’m running 27.
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation. Do you have this complaint for the first time?
A painful menstruation in any condition is called Dysmenorrhea, it can be present in endometriosis.
If this symptom persists for repeated cycles then you have to get investigated by a gynecologist.
Sonography of pelvis will help in finding some pathology if it is present.
Sonography lower abdomen was done. A 63*60*62mm(Vol=122ml)sized completely cystic mass is seen in the right adnexal region. Without any internal septum, solid component or vascularity on power doppler.
Right adnexal cystic mass with?Torsion likely of Right Ovarian origin.
Laproscopy recomended by gynecologist without delay.
I am 25 yrs old. I never had regular menses. There is almost a gap of one month or two. The flow alternates scanty to heavy and some times I have to change the pads for 8 times.
For past two times I am facing the problem of prolonged bleeding. For past 4 days I am passing heavy clots and bleeding a lot. I am not involved in any sexual activity. What should I do now?
I am 23 years old and I have this menstruation for 18 days now. And its heavier than my usual period but I do not feel pain every time I am urinating. I usually have a regular period and I wonder why this happened to me. I researched a bit and I learned that if a person is experiencing too much stress could experience what I am experiencing now.
I am 16 years old, I have experienced long period of menstruation since March 16 up to now April 8 2010 with moderate to scanty bleeding. I do not have any difficulties or dysmenorrhea. My menarche is 12 years old with irregular bleeding. What is your advice?
I am 24 years old and have had 2 children. My periods have always been normal. But I have been on my period since 3/21/10 and its gotten heavy and really dark with light headedness. Wont be able to see doctor for like 2 weeks.
I am 21yrs old. A few months ago, I had severe abdominal pains which started from the right side of my abdomen before it spread around the whole abdomen. My periods last between 5-7 days. And I get clots when I bleed. I experience pain during intercourse. And I vomit no matter what I eat. The pain’s not frequent and not as severe all the time. Can you tell me what is wrong with me?
In order to understand the causes of possible right stomach pain, we will consider which organs are there in our body on the right side of the abdomen in brief.
Disease, infection or irritation of any organ of this side will cause pain in right side of abdomen.
1. Liver, gall bladder.
2. Right kidney, right ureter, right adrenals.
3. The right part of large intestine, appendix.
4. Right fallopian tubes, right ovary.
You will have to do some investigation of blood, stool, and urine, X-ray, and sonography to find the cause.
- Sonography of abdomen and pelvis will be helpful to detect gall bladder stone, kidney stone.
Ovarian cysts, Appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy are other causes to be looked for.
- Stool examination will reveal if any ova of the worms if present, or ameba.
- Urine examination will show if there is any infection in urinary tract.
- Routine blood investigation is helpful to rule out any acute infection.
- Barium X-ray is helpful to detect appendicitis.
Do the following investigation and follow up with your medical attendant.
Also let me know the result of the investigation.
Hi, I’m 23 years old. I’m having a continuous menstrual period since April 4 and up to now, April 21 I’m still bleeding. Quantity varies every time. Some times very less some times not. I’m scared. Should I have to consult to a doctor which concern about this?
I am 30 years and a mother of one. It has been two years since I delivered my boy. Since then am having menstrual problem. My problem is, the bleeding stays only for one day but stomach starts swelling 10 days before and reduces or becomes zero when I start bleeding. My doctor told me it is hormonal imbalance. But I am really worried if there treatment for this.
I had sex with my boy friend and got my periods on the 19th. Usually on time, but it went on for 4 to 5 days. The bleeding was high and had lot of pain and then everything stopped for about a week or so and again it started to bleed a lot with stomach pain and the bleeding was more and it was there for 8 days and now it has come down. I am worried.
I am 34 years and mother of 2 children. I have a thyroid problem after the birth of my 1st son since 12 years. Both my deliveries were normal. Since 3 to 4 years I get very less bleeding just name sake. I do not need to take the sanitary pad also. What should I do?
I am 21 years old and my menstruation period started on 12th June and for first 3 days it was only very light bleeding but after that it was regular flow and till now, 22nd June. I still have my regular flow of menstruation though it is 10 days now, is this normal. This is the first time that my period has lasted for more than a week. What should I do to stop menstrual bleeding. Do I need to take a Birth control pills to stop this.
I am 20 years old and I had not menstruation from last three months now. I have a little bit of spotting which looks pinkish. All pregnancy tests are negative. I had irregular menstrual problems earlier, but it was fine now before three months. I also have some lower cramps. What can be reason for this and what I should do?
I am 33 years old. My menstrual cycle is always on 28th day from the 2nd day. For first three days there is regular flow and then for next 10 days only few drops of bleeding and irritation in the vaginal area. Is it is normal for my age? If not what are the causes of abnormal bleeding?
I am 47 years old and every time I have menstruation period I also have a migraine. I am worried about this menstruation and migraines problem. I have also been having a very dark discharge before my periods. This month menstruation is still going for last 10 days.
I’m 20, soon to be 21. My period has always been bad. By bad I mean severe cramps that get so bad all I can do is get in the fetal position and cry and heavy, heavy blood flow.
It’s gotten so bad sometimes those painkillers don’t work, I throw up, and end up just going to sleep. Recently, I have been experiencing all the symptoms of PMS, sensitive breasts, to the point where just lightly touching hurt, bloating, severe cramps that leave me in tears, mood swings, lack of appetite, severe nausea.
What really worries me are these huge clots. My blood flow is now super low, well for me, and I am getting these huge clots. In the beginning I didn’t even notice till I happened to look down and was like, what!!!!! But now it’s getting painful to pass these clots. I can feel it in my back and legs even. Help!!!!. How do I fix this????
I am 21 years of age. I am facing a problem of irregular periods from the time I got my first period. And nowadays before 6-7 days I get my periods, my breast becomes heavy and pains a lot . I face swelling in my breast and also feel feverish.
Is this normal? I went to a doctor and she said its normal but its really difficult to bear that pain.
I’m a 22 year old woman and I have always menstruated abnormally. It has always been a month or more never less than that. There was a time when I menstruated for three months non stop but no-matter how long it takes I never get any pains or cramps. Earlier, I had to change pads after every thirty minutes because my period was too heavy liver-like stuff came out in huge quantities. Even though it’s better now I just want this problem solved please help me.
I am 27 years old woman and married. I did not have my menstrual cycle for two months. I took home pregnancy test and it shows that I am not pregnant. I tried the other type thinking that maybe that other one was faulty but still the same results. I also have period pains and also pain on the womb. Can you please help me
I am 39 and a MVR patient. I take 4 mg anticoagulant tablet every day. Since the last two months I have prolonged mensuration cycle for 22 days. As I am a post MVR (mitral valve replace) I cannot try different medicines. What are your suggestions.
I am 29 years married woman and no kids. I have been married 1.5 years back. My periods were always regular before marriage, since last 3-6 months I am experiencing 2-3 days delays every time my periods starts and it starts to bleed (spotting) 2-3 days before periods and then nothing at all. Last month after my periods stopped it bled after 7 days (spotting) and this month it was due on 8/29, I had spots of bleeding yesterday and now today again nothing at all. I am not thinking of getting pregnant and we use withdrawal method. Please help me why I have such issues of bleeding 2-3 days before periods.
I am 16 years old and as off the start of August this year, I hadn’t had my period for three months. I then noticed red spots about two weeks ago, but it was only continued by brown stuff and no blood. This continued for a about week. It stopped for about three days. Then I started noticing blood again. Is this really menstruation or something else?
I am 19 old yrs, I am not getting my periods regularly so I visited a Gynocologist and he told me to have Deviry tablets every month I have to start taking these tablet on the 25th and stop on the 3th that is 10 days before my periods start. In short I get periods only if I have the tablet. Should I continue taking the tablets or NO.
What should I do?
I’m 46 years old. I have my period every first week of the month. My problem is that I just noticed that I’ve been spotting for several days after my period is supposed to end. I wonder why this is happening. I have not been to the doctor. I feel foolish asking my doctor such personal questions even though my doctor is a woman. What should I do?
My age is 23 (I am engaged). My problem is during the menstruation period. There is bleeding only for 1-2 days. After that there is no bleeding. And the quantity of bleeding is very low. Due to this my body is becoming fatty. This thing is happening since last 4 months. My weight has increased from 47Kg to 53 Kg. What could be the cause of scanty bleeding during menstruation.
This problem of yours could be due to hormonal imbalance, hemoglobin deficiency, or if you are breastfeeding there may be delayed menses. Some debilitating diseases like tuberculosis, displacement of womb. Fright, grief can also cause such episodes.
You are having abnormal bleeding since March 10, and as you mentioned of precancerous cells 11 years ago, it is always advisable to do a PAP smear test of the cervix to detect cancer cells.
A pelvic sonography will be helpful to detect fibroid, or some abnormality in the uterus.
Ashoka is a home remedy useful in menorrhagia.