When to be worried about Menstrual issues

Emobileclinic Trending Topic 

One major distinguishing factor differentiating male from female is the regular monthly shedding of blood from the lining of the uterus generally known as menstruation. In most women, menarche starts in young girls from age 8 to 15 and may usually begin as irregular cycles of bleeding.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by some hormones in the body with each playing significant role in the course of menstruation. These hormones include the following:
Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone: responsible for the release of eggs and production of estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone: responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus and important in providing nutrients to an implanted embryo. They also cause breast swelling and tenderness.

In the absence of pregnancy, the production of the hormones decrease leading to the commencement of menstrual period. In most women, menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days while it may also take 21 to 35 days in other women. Older children menstrual cycle takes between 21 to 45 days. The menstruation lasts from 3 to 7 days with severity ranging from mild, moderate to heavy or low in quantity.

Some medical conditions like polycystic ovarian disease, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis have significant negative impact on menstruation.
Premenstrual symptoms/syndrome: breast swelling and tenderness, bloating, stomach cramp, joint or muscular pain, fluid retention, headache, mood swings and changes, social withdrawal, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia.
Common menstrual cycle problems include amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, abnormal uterine bleeding.

 
When to seek  Medical Help
It is advisable to seek prompt medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Absence of menstruation at age 15
Absence of menstruation within 3 years of breast development
Absence of breast development by age 13
Absence of menstruation for over three months
Irregular bleeding
Monthly period above seven days lasting more than 7 days
Menstrual cycle below 21 days and above 35 days
Heavy menstrual flow requiring the of pad every 1-2 hours
Severe menstrual pain
Evidence of toxic shock syndrome which is a bacterial infection mostly associated with tampon use.