Menstrual disorders

Menstrual disorders include symptoms that mostly occur during a woman's period as part of the normal hormone cycle.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Menstrual disorders include symptoms that mostly occur during a woman's period as part of the normal hormone cycle. The typical cramping pain in the lower abdomen (dysmenorrhoea) is caused by womb contractions. Heating pads, sport and relaxation can help to relieve symptoms. Related topics include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

Cycle-related cramping pains in the lower abdomen (dysmenorrhoea, period pains)
- Radiating to the back

Other symptoms (see also "PMS")

Skin changes (pimples), skin redness
Headaches, dizziness
Nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders
Mood swings
Sleeplessness

Causes and treatment

Causes

Monthly hormone changes (menstrual cycle)
Contraction of the muscular wall of the womb (lining detaches and is expelled along with blood)

Various factors play a role

Smoking
Very young women who start their periods early
Very slim women (BMI < 20)
Strain, stress
Endometriosis, myomas, cysts
Problems with a contraceptive coil

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Gynaecological examination
Blood test
Ultrasound

Possible therapies

Contraceptive pill
Painkillers such as ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Antispasmodic medication such as Buscopan
Measures applied by alternative medicine

What can I do myself?

Keep a period diary
Heating pads, hot-water bottle or warm potato poultice (to relax tummy and back)
Sport (in particular endurance sport) and exercise
There’s no need to avoid intercourse (use a condom)
Relaxation exercises (yoga, autogenic training)
Household remedies (list is not exhaustive)
- Chasteberry
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile flowers
- Evening primrose oil, stinging nettle