Menstrual Irregularities

What are Menstrual Irregularities?

Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. It refers to the age of onset of period/menstruation to a young girl. It is a subset of puberty and last to come – however mostly used synonymously. Normal age of menarche is 11-14 years, however it can be delayed or precocious.


Menustral Irregularities

  • Normal Menustral Cycle
    – Length of menustral cycle from 1st day of the 1st period to the 1st day of the next period
    – 28 – 40 days is perfectly normal
    – Normal duration of blood loss is for 3-5 days, requiring 2-3 pads per day
    – Normal to have slight discomfort in abdomen, buttocks and thighs, headache and backache, breast pain.

  • Any deviation for above pattern is abnormal
    – Inter menstrual bleeding – most alarming and can be a cause of genital tract cancer
    – Delayed periods (>40 days). Early periods(<21 days) – most important cause of sub-fertility
    – More blood loss (menorrhagia) – causes are fibroid, endometriosis, pelvic infection, diabetes
    – Severe pain (dysmenorrhoea) – causes are fibroid, endometriosis, pelvic infection

  • Consult your doctor, they will advice battery of tests ( including blood test, pap smear and sonography), take appropriate treatment – will depend on the type of menstrual irregularity and its cause.