Understanding Menstrual Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Whether or not a woman becomes pregnant in her life, she may develop problems due to her menstrual cycle until she eventually reaches menopause. Luckily, if the situation describes you, you have caring and experienced professional help. If you think you have a menstrual disorder in Dothan, AL, the team at Women’s Medical Center is the one to call. 

What Are Menstrual Disorders and Their Symptoms?

 The average healthy period should occur every month and last anywhere from a few days to a week, as long as a woman has not become pregnant or reached the end of menopause. During that time, a woman may have any type of menstrual disorder that may cause pain and mood issues.

PMS

 Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be the most common menstrual disorder. It occurs before a woman begins her period. It can show up in weird food cravings, tiredness, poor mood swings, and extreme bloating. 

PMDD

 If PMS is more severe, a woman is now in a state of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In that case, all the above symptoms are intense enough to disrupt daily life during this time. It can become so bad that a woman may be depressed or anxious during that time.

Dysmenorrhea

 While it can be natural to have cramps during the first couple of days of the menstrual cycle, it can be extreme in some cases. When a woman has severe cramps, she has dysmenorrhea. These cramps may be so bad they may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

How Can a Doctor Help Me?

 When you seek help for a menstrual disorder in Dothan, AL, expect a consultation with one of the caring staff so they can understand your symptoms and potential causes. Doctors may guide and suggest various lifestyle changes. Something as simple as regular exercise or adding carbohydrates in protein to your diet may help. Most professionals also suggest cutting down on stimulant or depressant types of food, such as caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, as they can exacerbate symptoms.

They may also provide hormonal therapy, sometimes by way of birth control prescriptions to stop ovulation and relieve symptoms. Diuretics can help prevent water retention so you can avoid bloating. In the case of PMDD, some doctors may also prescribe antidepressants or serotonin inhibitors, which can help with depressive or anxious symptoms.

The Women’s Medical Center team is here for you throughout your menstrual issues. When you need help with your menstrual disorder in Dothan, AL, we can assist you. Call us at 334 793-3900 for an appointment today.