Womens Menstruation – All About Menopause

“A very important regular cycle in women’s life commonly known as Menstruation, Also known as Menopause which is related to Amenorrhoea | Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCO) which is detailed below..”

So What is Menstruation ?

Menstruation is the outflow of blood from the uterus when the endonetrium (lining of the uterus) is shed off. When a girl enters puberty, her ovaries start functioning (initially, they may produce ova irregularly) and producing oestrogen, a female hormone which builds up the lining of the uterus. After ovulation, there is formation of corpus luteum in the ovary which in turn produces the progesterone hormone. When the level of oestrogen and progesterone falls, there is onset of menstruation.

The first menstrual period is a time of rapid physical, emotional and psychological development and the young girl needs a lot of support and understanding.

If periods do not come on time, it is a cause of concern and parents should seek medical help and guidance for their daughter. or more, it is called secondary amenorrhoea.

Menopause and Causes of Amenorrhoea

It is not uncommon that a young girl who is anaemic, weak and undernourished, experiences a delay in the onset of menstrual periods. Also in cases of tuberculosis, where the uterine lining gets infected, there is absence of menstruation or scanty periods. Anxiety and stress can also cause primary or secondary amenorrhoea.

Anatomical problems :  When the hymen is imperf orated menstrual blood collects in the vagina, which causes amenorrhoea. If undiagnosed, blood can even collect in the uterus. There can  also be an obstruction in the vagina or cervix, or even complete absence of uterus. It is extremely  important to guide parents and daughters when there are congenital abnormalities. They need not only treatment, but counseling as well.

Growth and development during puberty are influenced by multiple factors, like hormonal (endocrinal) changes, which bring on normal cyclical menstrual bleeding. These include the pituitary hormone sex steroids, growth hormone, thyroid and adrenal hormone.

If a woman has had regular menstrual periods and then stops getting them, logically, pregnancy should first be ruled out. Prolonged breastfeeding can also cause amenorrhoea.

Systematic diseases such as hypo or hyper thyrodism, renal failure, hepatic disorder, severe diabetes and congenital adernal hpyerplasia (excessive functioning of the adernal glands) can also lead to amenorrhoea. And so can the increase in prolactin, a hormone from the pituitary gland, which influences gonadotrophin hormone.

Certain drugs (anti hypertensives, anti emetics and psychotropics) can also cause amenorrhoea.

Some women experience premature menopause, when their ovaries stop functioning earlier than normal (45 to 55 years of age). They stop ovulating and producing estrogens to prepare the endometrial lining. Therefore there would be no bleeding. These women will also experience infertility and other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and genito-urinary problems.

Certain ovarian and adernal tumors which produce male hormones can also lead to amenorrhoea. It is therefore essential to do a thorough clinical examination, including a sonography, and laboratory tests to measure hormones and other biochemical parameters. Sometimes even a CT scan or a MRI is necessary. Evaluation of the condition should be systematic and treatment depends on the cause , the age of the patient and her desire for procreation.

Mensuration & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCO)

It is a major cause of delayed menstruation periods. Signs to watch out for are obesity, acne, difficulties to conceive, excess facial and abdominal hair (hirsutism), caused by excess production of androgen (male hormone). Follicles presents in ovaries increase their volume, and ovulation becomes irregular or stops completely.

Continuous estrogen production leads to thickening of the wndometrium, and irregular heavy bleeding after a period of amenorrhoea. This problem certainly needs investigation, treatment with anti androgenic drugs, as well as oral contraceptives which tend to regularize the menstrual period. If the sufferer desires to get pregnant. she will need ovulation induction through drugs, under close monitoring.

PCO patients also are at higher risk of spontaneous abortion. And as they develop insulin resistance, diabetic drugs such as metformin are also prescribed. These women need to be monitored even after their 40s, as they are at greater risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular problems and also endometrical carcinoma. Amenorrhoea needs careful evaluation and proper treatment.

IMP : Please take above details as general information, we recommend you to seek doctors for any help.

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