For a woman who does not have problems with the reproductive system, the menstrual cycle normally lasts from 21 to 35 days. The duration of the cycle is individual. Typically, fluctuations are possible between one and five days. Bleeding lasts from 2 to 7 days. Often a number of factors, both external and internal, can provoke deviations from normal indicators. In this article we will look at one of the menstrual cycle disorders, namely polymenorrhea .
What is polymenorrhea?
Polymenorrhea is a menstrual disorder in which menstrual cycles are shorter than 21 days. Polymenorrhea should be distinguished from metrorrhagia - menstrual bleeding between two menstruation. Polymenorrhea is the opposite of oligomenorrhea , a condition in which the menstrual cycle lasts more than 35 days. It is important to note that the menstrual cycle typical for polymenorrhea is quite regular, although more frequent than normal.
What are the causes of polymenorrhea?
Polymenorrhea can be caused by lack of ovulation, a short luteal phase, or a short follicular phase. The condition often occurs during adolescence due to immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Shorter menstrual cycles are also possible during early perimenopause , the phase preceding menopause during which the length of menstrual cycles decreases.
In parallel with paraphysiological causes, real endocrine disorders can also be identified, such as:
• uterine fibroids;
• hyperprolactinemia ;
• hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism;
• Cushing's syndrome ;
• endometriosis .
A common cause of changes in the menstrual cycle are stressful events (moving, illness, death, etc.). Whatever the cause, the body responds to stress with hormonal changes, including an increase in circulating cortisol levels. The stress hormone, acting directly on the hypothalamus, affects the activity of one of the key factors responsible for the regulation of the hormonal system. As a result, ovulation is blocked, the production of progesterone in the second part of the cycle decreases, and if the production of progesterone is insufficient, then menstruation appears.
Is it possible to get pregnant with polymenorrhea?
A menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days is usually incompatible with pregnancy, so polymenorrhea is a common cause of infertility. However, in cases where this is due to insufficient production of progesterone (with a short luteal phase), the situation can be corrected by using progesterone preparations - tablets or vaginal balls.
What are the complications of polymenorrhea?
Polymenorrhea can cause iron deficiency anemia due to excessive menstrual frequency. The most common symptoms include: fatigue, difficulty with memory and concentration, pallor, hypoxia. Polymenorrhea , caused by too short a luteal phase and therefore progesterone deficiency, is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
What to do?
If you have had to deal with polymenorrhea , you should not postpone a visit to the gynecologist to avoid possible complications. You can seek help from the specialists of the Bogolyuby MC to receive highly qualified advice . It happens that polymenorrhea tends to resolve spontaneously. However, if there is a significant risk of complications, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs based on progesterone. They should be taken in the second half of the menstrual cycle - during the luteal phase. Anemia can be corrected through diet and iron supplementation. When polymenorrhea is a manifestation of an underlying pathology, it is obvious that treatment is aimed at eliminating the main cause.
