Women may experience some gynaecological issues due to hormonal changes. They can manage some issues on their own but others may indicate some serious health problems.

The most common gynaecological issues are menstrual disorders, infections, and hormonal imbalances, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments.

You should take the timely medication, if needed, to prevent other complications.

If you are also looking for the treatment of some common gynaecological problems, then this blog is perfect for you.

Karetrip is here for you to guide some of the common gynaecological problems experienced by women and how you can treat them, so that you deal with your issue well on time and work for your overall health in a better way.

Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea)

Menstrual pain or Dysmenorrhea is basically of two types, Primary Dysmenorrhea and Secondary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs without any medical issue. It usually starts in adolescence, shortly after the onset of menstruation. The pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen and may radiate to the lower back and thighs. It lasts for 1 to 3 days.

Women may experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. You can apply a heating pad or take a warm bath, which can relax the muscles and reduce cramping. Increase your blood flow by light physical exercise. You can also take birth control pills.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain caused by a reproductive health issue. It tends to occur later in life and often worsens over time. Symptoms may be severe pain (after 25 years old), pain that lasts longer than normal menstrual cramps, and pain that worsens over time. There may be heavy or irregular bleeding. In severe cases surgery may be needed.

Irregular Periods (Menstrual Irregularities)

Irregular periods, or menstrual irregularities, are a common gynaecological issue that can affect women of all ages. You should understand the causes of your irregular period.

Some of the common causes are discussed below

• Changes in hormones can cause irregular periods.

• Stress, noticeable weight loss or gain, excessive exercise, or poor diet can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

• A common condition where the ovaries produce too many male hormones, leading to irregular periods.

• Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause irregular periods.

• Certain issues such as diabetes, or kidney disease may also affect your menstrual cycle.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Some women may experience excessive bleeding during their menstrual cycle, or their periods may last longer than 7 days. If bleeding is very severe, then you should take medical advice.

Some of the common causes of heavy menstrual bleeding are discussed below

• There is a non-cancerous growth in the uterus, especially in women in their 30s and 40s.

• Small growths on the lining of the uterus may cause heavy bleeding.

• A condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, thus leading to heavy and painful periods.

• A condition in which the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding and pain.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, affecting the ovaries' ability to function properly. PCOS can cause infertility in a number of ways.

Some of the common ways are discussed below

• In women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances often lead to irregular ovulation. Without regular ovulation, it becomes difficult to conceive because there is no egg to fertilise.

• Because of PCOS, sometimes the ovaries do not release eggs at all during some cycles. This makes it impossible to conceive naturally during those cycles.

• The hormonal imbalance interferes with the development and release of eggs, impacting fertility.

• Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to higher levels of insulin in the body. This contributes to the overproduction of male hormones, which disrupt normal ovulation.

Vaginal Infections

Some women may experience yeast Infections, or Bacterial Vaginosis due to vaginal infections. There may be a fishy odour and thin, grey discharge. They may also experience redness and itching in the area. The infection may also be transmitted sexually.

If you experience unusual discharge, itching, or odour, or if symptoms last despite the treatments, then you should take medical advice.

Fibroids

Fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are non-cancerous tumours that grow in the uterus. There are various types of fibroids. Intramural Fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pain. Subserosal Fibroids cause pressure on other organs. There may be Submucosal Fibroids, which cause heavy bleeding and fertility issues or Pedunculated Fibroids: , which can be either subserosal or submucosal.

Fibroids generally do not cause any symptoms, but when they do, they show in the form of the following common signs

• Too heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic region.

• Pressure on the bladder leading to frequent urination.

• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.

• Women may experience back Pain, which depends on the fibroid's location and size.

• Fibroids can affect fertility and pregnancy.

Fibroids can be diagnosed through various methods. Common ones are Pelvic Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and detect fibroids, Saline Infusion Sonography, where a saline solution is injected into the uterus to improve imaging.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an issue, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This can cause pain, irregular bleeding, and affect fertility. There may be pelvic Pain, Menstrual Irregularities, Pain during or after sex.

The exact cause of endometriosis is not well known, but some of the common assumptions about the causes are as follows

• Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body.

• Issues with the immune system might make the body unable to recognize endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.

• It may be diagnosed via laparoscopy, where a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to view and biopsy endometrial tissue.

Women may take ibuprofen, birth control pills, for pain management. In severe cases, the uterus may be removed, if other treatments haven’t worked and if fertility is not a concern.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are both conditions related to the menstrual cycle, but they vary in severity and impact.

PMS involves a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (generally the two weeks before menstruation).

There may be emotional symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, irritability etc., or a physical symptom such as bloating, breast tenderness, or fatigue etc.

Women should follow regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques. They can take anti-depressants, if needed.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause. It usually begins in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier. There may be changes in menstrual cycle length, flow, or frequency or sudden feelings of warmth, night Sweats, or fatigue. Blood tests is done to measure hormone levels

Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and usually occurs around age 51. Menopause symptoms are hot Flashes, night Sweats, Vaginal Dryness, Continuing changes in sexual desire, Bone Density Loss etc.

Menopause is typically diagnosed based on the absence of menstruation for 12 months. You can take medications for managing specific symptoms like hot flashes or mood changes.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.