Obstetrics and gynecology

women can experience many different gynaecologic issues relating to their monthly cycle. The gynaecologists at Timothy Lim Clinic treat or manage menstrual disorders based on the cause and the symptoms being experienced.

TYPES OF MENSTRUAL DISORDERS

These include:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – PMS is any unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during your cycle that may temporarily disturb normal functioning. These symptoms may last from a few hours to many days, and the types and intensity of symptoms can vary in individuals.

Amemorrhea – This is the absence of periods. Amenorrhea occurs when a female does not experience a period by age 16, or when a woman does not get her period for at least three months.

Oligomenorrhea – this term refers to infrequent menstrual periods.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding – This is heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting/bleeding that occurs between periods.

Dysmenorrhea – This refers to painful periods, including severe menstrual cramps. Dysmenorrhea may cause other symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting and lower back pain.

Menorrhagia – This is a heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Many women have this type of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can be related to a number of conditions including problems with the uterus, hormone problems, or other conditions.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name for a group of symptoms that you may experience up to 14 days before your period (menstruation). The symptoms usually stop soon after your period starts.

Most women feel some mild discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can’t cope at home or at work. Some of the symptoms of PMS are listed below. Your symptoms may be worse some months and better others.

AMENORRHEA

Amenorrhea is characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles. There are two types of amenorrhea:

Primary amenorrhea: Menstruation does not begin at puberty.

Secondary amenorrhea: Normal and regular menstrual periods that become increasingly abnormal and irregular or absent. This may be due to a physical cause typically of later onset.

If at least three consecutive menstrual periods are missed or if you’ve never had a menstrual period and are 16 years or older, it is important to see a healthcare professional. As with any condition, early diagnosis and treatment is very important.

OLIGOMENORRHEA

Irregular periods, also called oligomenorrhea, can occur if there is a change in contraception method, a hormone imbalance, hormonal changes around the time of the menopause, and endurance exercises.

Treatment for irregular periods during puberty and around the menopause is not usually necessary, but if irregular periods occur during the reproductive years, medical advice may be necessary.

ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING

Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus (through your vagina). It can occur at any time during your monthly cycle, including during your normal menstrual period.

Vaginal bleeding between periods is one symptom of abnormal uterine bleeding. Having extremely heavy bleeding during your period can also be considered abnormal uterine bleeding. Very heavy bleeding during a period and/or bleeding that lasts more than 7 days is called menorrhagia. For example, women may bleed enough to soak through 1 or more tampons or sanitary pads every hour.