Oligomenorrhea
Also known as: Menstrual Disorder
What is it?
The term menstrual disorders refers to any of a number of conditions that are related to the menstrual cycle. Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) each month, also referred to as the menstrual period. Menstrual periods usually last for five to seven days. Oligomenorrhea is the term used to describe infrequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods.
Who gets it?
Any woman with regularly established periods can develop
oligomenorrhea.
What causes it?
Oligomenorrhea usually occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries become filled with small cysts. Women with PCOS have slightly higher levels of male hormones, called androgens, which causes oligomenorrhea. Oligomenorrhea can also be caused by emotional and physical stress, chronic illnesses, tumors that secrete estrogen, poor nutrition, and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Serious female athletes often develop oligomenorrhea because of their strict diets and intense physical activity. Female athletes who use anabolic steroid drugs to enhance their performance are also at risk of developing oligomenorrhea, as well as many other health problems. Oligomenorrhea can be caused by a hormonal imbalance. The start of menstruation during puberty and the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones produced in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus, as well as by the pituitary and adrenal glands. In is very common and normal for the hormone
messages sent by these glands to be out of synch in teenagers who have just begun getting their periods.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of oligomenorrhea include menstrual periods that occur at intervals of greater than 35
days, with only four to nine periods in a year. Some women with oligomenorrhea may have difficulty becoming pregnant. If low estrogen levels are contributing to the problem, the woman may be at risk for bone loss, called osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Women who do not have regular periods also have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose oligomenorrhea, your doctor will take a complete medical history and will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic, or internal, exam. This doctor would most likely be your gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health. He or she will ask questions about your lifestyle, diet, sexual activity, and any medications you are taking. If you are sexually active and have had a normal period before your symptoms began, the doctor will order a pregnancy test. A blood sample will reveal if estrogen or the hormones produced by the pituitary, adrenal, or thyroid glands are at abnormal levels. Tumors of the ovaries, as well as cysts, can be detected by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound scans of the abdomen.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of oligomenorrhea depends on the cause. Oligomenorrhea in teenagers and women
near menopause requires no treatment at all. Serious athletes may need to vary their training routine and improve their eating habits in order to resume a regular menstrual cycle. Oligomenorrhea is often treated with birth control
pills to improve the woman's hormonal balance. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome also are treated with hormones. Anorexia nervosa is a complicated eating disorder that affects the patient's physical and mental health. If an eating disorder is causing the symptoms, the disorder must be addressed through a combination of medical treatment and psychotherapy. If symptoms are caused by a tumor, the tumor may need to be surgically removed. Alternative treatments for oligomenorrhea include natural hormone replacement therapy, glandular therapy, acupuncture, herbal therapy, and meditation. Your doctor can help find the right combination of treatments for you. Most women who follow a treatment plan that results in more frequent periods find that they are able to conceive a child when they are ready.
Self-care tips
Always check with your doctor if you miss more than one menstrual period, especially if you are sexually active and have not used birth control. If you are overweight, avoid extreme diets that deprive you of the calories you need to stay active and maintain a normal energy level. If you have an irregular cycle, try keeping a record of when your period starts and stops each month. This information will be helpful if you need to see your doctor about your symptoms. Avoid cigarette smoking, recreational drugs, and excessive use of alcohol. Also avoid situations that you know cause extreme stress. If you are involved in strenuous physical activity, you may need to cut back on your program to help your periods become regular again.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
