Menstrual disorders in middle-aged women

Article written by MSc Nguyen Thi Le - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Danang International Hospital

Menstrual disorders in women are common problems, especially those in middle age. So what are its manifestations, what causes it and what should you do when you have menstrual disorders?

A menstrual cycle (one menstrual cycle) is conventionally extended from the first day of menstruation of the previous cycle to the first day of menstruation of the following period. A woman's menstrual cycle usually ranges from 22 to 35 days, but is most common from 28 to 32 days.
Unstable problems with the duration of a menstrual cycle or the amount of menstrual blood secreted in the cycle more or less are considered menstrual disorders.
Symptoms of menstrual disorders in middle-aged or perimenopausal women:
Thick or sparse menstrual period: When your menstrual cycle is shorter than 22 days (thick menstruation) or longer than 35 days (menstrual cycle) sir). Abnormally heavy bleeding (hypermenorrhoea, menorrhagia): When the menstrual blood volume is > 80ml/period. At this time, heavy menstrual bleeding caused the patient to change the dressing constantly. In addition, the blood may clot and be accompanied by menorrhagia. Menorrhagia: The number of days of menstruation > 7 days. Unlike hypermenorrhoea, the amount of blood in menorrhagia is normal. Menstrual cycle disappears (amenorrhea): Describes the condition of women who have missed their period at least 3 times in a row Other signs: Back pain, lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness... are extremely important signs. common. These symptoms are normal as long as they do not interfere too much with your daily life.

In women, the brain - pituitary - ovary axis is the executive system that produces the three important female hormones including Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone, which are decisive for the balance of the menstrual cycle. . The decrease in the activity of the axis system leading to the ups and downs of the trio of female hormones is the root cause of menstrual disorders in women.
According to experts, factors affecting the operation of the axis system can be mentioned including: Natural aging process, unbalanced nutrition, insomnia, stress, pregnancy... in which age is the main cause, science has proven that from the age of 30, the "golden" axis system of a woman begins to weaken, leading to lack of rhythmic activity. Women from the age of "hash", the age of perimenopause often have menstrual disorders.
In addition, menstrual disorders can also be caused by a number of other causes such as:
Mental pressure, stress. unscientific eating, too much salt, refined sugar, caffeine... and lack of carbohydrates will negatively affect the menstrual cycle. Excessive physical activity. Side effects of some drugs such as birth control pills, Emergency contraception after intercourse Unstable weight index.

Diet and healthy lifestyle Lifestyle and activities greatly affect both the health and menstrual cycle of women. Therefore, women should adjust to a balanced diet, supplementing with all groups of nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals), increasing the intake of green vegetables and fresh fruits. foods rich in vitamin B such as eggs, milk, liver, beef... At the same time, you also need to avoid staying up late or not getting enough sleep, combined with exercising for about 30 minutes/day to improve your health. menstrual problems.
Keep calm, stable If you are stressed, your menstrual cycle may be thicker or lighter. Your period may even stop altogether or your menstrual cramps may get worse. The reason is that when stress affects the adrenal glands, the body increases the secretion of the hormone Cortisol, which is a hormone that affects the production of female hormones. Hormonal disorders are the main cause of menstrual irregularities. Therefore, try to keep your mind stable so that your menstrual cycle can take place comfortably.
Effective weight control In the case of sudden weight loss or changes in lifestyle, women may fall into a state of delay in menstruation, even loss of menstruation. This is because the body will not produce enough estrogen needed for menstruation. Therefore, even if you lose weight, you still need to follow the correct process and should consult a nutritionist.
Limit the use of stimulants Many stimulants have a negative effect on the menstrual cycle, a typical example can be mentioned is caffeine. According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who consume caffeine are more likely to experience impaired menstrual flow. The reason is that caffeine reduces blood flow to the uterus, leading to irregular changes in the menstrual cycle.
Therefore, women should limit the use of stimulants. Instead, drink enough water, supplement with vitamins and minerals to promote health as well as prevent menstruation.
The consequences of prolonged menstrual disorders should not be underestimated. When the Brain - Pituitary - Ovarian axis system declines in activity, the trio of female hormones Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone drop erratically, causing menstrual cycle disturbances, which will greatly affect women.
To treat menstrual disorders in middle-aged women, you need to maintain a healthy, scientific lifestyle. When seeing symptoms of prolonged menstrual disorders, it is necessary to visit a fully qualified medical facility for examination and timely treatment, to avoid the disease affecting the body.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. examination and treatment of menstrual disorders at the Hospital.
Gynecological examination service at Vinmec with outstanding advantages.
Specialist doctors are trained and have experience working in professional environments. Separate examination space, meeting 5-star standards, ensuring privacy and security. And especially, Vinmec International General Hospital applies the medical examination and treatment model of one doctor - one patient. Therefore, all medical information will be meticulously analyzed and evaluated by the doctor to come to the most accurate conclusion under the confidentiality of the patient's privacy. For more information, please contact the hospitals and clinics of Vinmec health system nationwide.