The menstrual cycle - a mechanism that ensures the normal functioning of the body of women of childbearing age. On how to properly operate the menstrual cycle, it depends not only on the ability to have a child, but also the general condition of the woman, her performance and mood.

How "works" menstrual cycle

Proper functioning of the menstrual cycle allow the central nervous system and a number of hormones. In the first place - is sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone), which are produced by the ovaries. The direct connection of the number of sex hormones produced by gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland (the main endocrine glands, which "team" the rest of the glands and stimulate or slow down their work) if female hormones produced by small, the increased production of pituitary hormones that stimulate their production, and vice versa.

The pituitary gland produces three HCG affecting the menstrual cycle: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH - stimulates egg maturation in the ovaries in the first half of the menstrual cycle), luteinizing (LH - stimulates the release of an egg from the ovary and production of the female sex hormone progesterone Progesterone - norm and pathology   in the second half of pregnancy) and Prolactin - stimulates the production of breast milk after birth.

In turn, the pituitary gland is under the influence of the central nervous system, which is called the hypothalamus and adjusts the work of the endocrine system. The hypothalamus produces hormones, stimulating and inhibiting the production of pituitary gonadotropins. But the most important "team" is the cerebral cortex.

Why strays menstrual cycle

The causes of menstrual disorders are severe infectious diseases, malnutrition, lack of dietary vitamins and minerals, various intoxications (smoking, alcohol, drugs, industrial hazards), severe cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the blood, liver and kidneys.

Menstrual disorders of the central (cortico-hypothalamic) origin can arise from trauma, nervous strain, bruises and concussion of the brain. Disorders of the menstrual cycle are also the manifestation of various endocrine diseases (diabetes, disorders of the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands), diseases of the pituitary gland (eg, tumors).

Finally, the cause of menstrual disorders may be inflammatory diseases of the uterus and its appendages, as well as damage to the uterus associated with intrauterine manipulations.

Types of disorders of the menstrual cycle

When menstrual disorders of central origin arising, for example, after stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis Primarily suffers cyclic pituitary luteinizing hormone secretion, causing oocyte matures, but not released from the ovary (ovulation does not occur).

With the defeat hypothalamic disorders of ovarian function may have a different character. Violation release of pituitary gonadotropins leads to the fact that in the ovaries decreases estrogen production ceases and the maturation of oocytes. Primary ovarian failure may be different from the functional failure to fibrosis (proliferation of connective tissue in the ovary tissue instead of ovaries) and a sharp decrease in the number of follicles, ready to mature during the menstrual cycle (as we know, these follicles are laid in utero).

How manifest failures of the menstrual cycle

Menstrual disorder manifested in two basic forms - amenorrhea The absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) - ambiguous symptom   (absence of menstruation), and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (outside menses).

The following are typical symptoms:

• changes in the amount of blood released during menstruation: heavy (menorrhagia) or scanty (gipomenoreya) menstruation and scanty and short (opsooligomenoreya) menstruation;
• violation of the duration of menstruation: prolonged (more than 6-7 days - polimenoreya) or short (1-2 days - oligomenorrhea) menstruation;
• dysrhythmia: frequent (more than 21 days - proymenoreya) and rare (less than 35 days, and sometimes up to 3 months - opsomenoreya).

Gipomenoreya often combined with oligomenorrhea Oligomenorrhea - too short menstruation   and opsomenoreey - this is called hypomenstrual syndrome. The reason for it is to reduce the function of the pituitary gland and the ovaries (including sclerotic ovaries).

Menorrhagia called menstruation, characterized by significant blood loss, up to 12 days. Menorrhagia often seen in adolescence and menopause, as well as on the background of chronic wasting disease (chronic inflammatory diseases of the uterus, fibroids and polyps of the uterus). Dysmenorrhea (algomenorrhea) - a disorder of menstruation and complications, which are accompanied by pain.

In all disorders of the menstrual cycle is necessary to identify their causes and appropriate treatment. Therefore, when such violations should be treated as early as possible to the gynecologist.

Galina Romanenko

  The duration of a typical menstrual cycle is 21 - 35 days. Violation of the cycle - a very common problem faced by more than 20% of women. Violations of the cycle may be long or short. To restore cycle, determine causes of irregular menstruation. Fatigue, anxiety and stress can occasionally cause a short-term disruption of the menstrual cycle.

In some cases, cycle disorders can be caused by a polyp, fibroid, infection or damage to the cervix. Diseases and disorders of the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries can also cause menstrual irregularities. Polycystic ovarian syndrome - another common cause of irregular periods.

Causes of menstrual disorders

• Stress
• Rapid weight loss or weight gain
• Too intense exercise or physical overload
• Compliance with the strict low-calorie diet
• Smoking
• Drug abuse and certain medications
• Eating Disorders
• Some treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Pathology of the uterus, including fibroids, cysts, polyps, endometriosis
• Trauma
• Serious illness

Sometimes, irregular periods heralds the beginning of pre-menopausal period. The reduction or increase of the menstrual cycle with heavy bleeding may indicate that a woman approaching menopause. Menstrual cycle and can cause certain medications, such as anticoagulants or drugs that interrupt the function of the corpus luteum. Abuse of alcohol or caffeine, like smoking, a negative effect on the menstrual cycle. In some cases, a violation of the cycle due to inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Symptoms and Treatment .

Treatment of menstrual disorders

Irregular periods are often accompanied by painful sensations, or profuse bleeding. The gynecologist should examine your medical history and conduct a survey to determine the cause of cycle disorders. Blood tests, ultrasound and biopsy - that's the most common methods of determining the causes of the violation.

Treatment of menstrual cycle depends on its cause. Hormonal imbalance can often be corrected by appropriate medication or hormone therapy. We can not exclude the possibility of surgical removal of polyps or fibroids. Treatment also depends on the age of the woman, her way of life and the desire to have children in the future. Hormonal contraceptives or supplements are widely used for the normalization of the menstrual cycle. The combination of estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health   and progesterone helps to maintain hormonal balance.

In addition, to restore menstrual cycles a woman would have to quit and to reduce the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. It is important to stick to a healthy diet regime, without any strict diets and calorie counting. Reduce Stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   Relaxation helps Relaxation and stress - calm, not panic!   and other similar techniques, such as yoga or fitness.