The menstrual cycle is often bringing many uncomfortable symptoms that are leading to the menstrual period. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is surrounding the most common problems, such as fatigue and mild cramping but these symptoms go away when your period begins. But also there are cases when more serious problems can happen. The menstruation which is too light or too heavy or the complete absence of a cycle can suggest that there are other problems contributing to the abnormal menstrual cycle. The normal menstrual cycle means something different for every woman. The cycle which is regular for you, can be abnormal for someone else. It is very important to stay in tune with your body because if you notice some significant changes to your menstrual cycle, then you should talk with your doctor. There are different menstrual problems which you can experience.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome)

The premenstrual syndrome is happening 1 – 2 weeks before your period begins. There are some women who experience a range of emotional and physical symptoms. Other women can experience few symptoms or even none at all. PMS symptoms could lead to:

• Mild stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Feeling of stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Excessive fatigue
• Food cravings
• Acne
• Breast soreness
• Headaches
• Backaches
• Irritability
• Bloating

You can experience different symptoms every month. You should know that the severity of the symptoms can vary. The PMS is uncomfortable but in general it is not worrisome condition unless it interferes with the normal activities.

Heavy periods are common menstrual problem 

This is also a common menstrual problem. It is also known as menorrhagia. Heavy periods can cause you to bleed more than normal. Also you can have a period which is longer than the average of 5 – 7 days. In the most cases, the menorrhagia is caused by imbalances in the hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Here are other causes of irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding:

• Changes in the diet or exercise
• Noncancerous uterus tumors (fibroids)
• Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
• Inflammation of the cervix
• Vaginal infections
• Puberty

Absent periods

There are some cases when women may not get their periods. This condition is known as amenorrhea. The primary amenorrhea is happening when you do not get your first period by age of 16. It can be caused by a problem with the pituitary gland, delay in the puberty or a congenital defect of the female reproductive system. The secondary amenorrhea is happening when you stop getting your regular periods for 6 months or more. Here are the common causes of primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea in teens:

• Pregnancy
• Stopping birth control
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Ovarian cysts
• Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Anorexia

When adult women do not menstruate, then there can be different causes for this, such as

• Menopause
• Breastfeeding
• Pregnancy
• Stopping birth control
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (a reproductive infection)
• Premature ovarian failure

The missed period could mean that you are pregnant. If you think that you may be pregnant, then you should make a pregnancy test. You can take drugstore pregnancy tests because they are least expensive way to determine if you are pregnant or not. To get the most accurate results, you need to wait until you have missed your periods by at least one day before you take the test.

Painful periods

Your periods can be lighter or heavier than normal but also they can be painful. It is normal to have cramps during the PMS and they also happen when your uterus contracts as your period begins. There are some women who experience excruciating pain. This condition is also known as dysmenorrhea. The extremely painful menstruation is connected to an underlying health problem, such as

• Abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus (endometriosis)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Fibroids

You need to talk with your doctor if you have some symptoms of menstrual problems because he or she can figure out what is the cause for your menstrual problem and give you proper therapy.