12/01/2004

Reproductive Health issues of Women


Women are prone to many problems and experience more health issues because of the menstrual troubles or troubles related to reproductive systems. Depression and women issues during menses require careful analysis.

Menstrual Problems
� Dysmenorrhoea is related to extreme pain during and around the time of their periods. The pain can be debilitating, and in some circumstances it is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, head aches and even constipation or diarrhoea. Constant low back ache is a congestive dysmenorrhoea where as cramping constricting pains is spasmodic dysmenorrhoea.
� Menstrual cycles can vary from 23 days to 35 days. It is regular if your periods occur at regular intervals. Minor irregularities like a the period for a menstrual cycle varying from 25 days to 35 days the next cycle occurs are common. Large gaps and no periods, spotting as well as continuous bleeding for a few weeks when periods occur, warrant a visit to the doctor. This can find out if you have other complication like polycystic ovary syndrome.
� Menorrhagia is excessive flow during periods. The average amount is usually around 35 ml over the course of the entire period. The easiest way to gauge for excessive flow is if you need to change your tampon or pad more frequently during the day.
� Periods do not occur during pregnancy and breast feeding this is a natural reason. If the absence of periods for more than six months without natural causes then it is diagnosed as Amenorrhoea. Missed periods also occur at the beginning of puberty or toward menopause. Drugs too can be the cause of missed periods. Consult a doctor as amenorrhoea increases the risk of osteoporosis.
� PMS or Premenstrual symptoms describe the symptoms that occur after ovulation and are absent during menses. There is an enormous list of symptoms nearly over 150 that cause confusion in its diagnosis. Depression, mood swings, food cravings, weight gain, headaches, constipation, bloating etc. are a few common symptoms. To make it easier PMS is categorized under types (type A, Type C etc.)

Womb and Uterine troubles
� Fibroids are non cancerous growths in or on the walls of the uterus. They are also called myomas. These vary in size from a small pea to the size of a seven month old foetus. Depending on where they grow (inside or outside the womb or within the uterine wall) they are classified as submucosal, intramural, subserol and penduculated fibroids. These are the cause of heavy periods and intense pain in some cases. Many menstrual troubles are related to growth of fibroids.
� Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb. It can grow in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis, bowels or bladder. The endometrium is sensitive to hormonal changes and bleeds during the menses. Since there is not outlet it causes scars, cysts inflammation etc. This condition can result in extremely painful periods and painful sex.
� Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and is rarely performed except to save lives. The most common being heavy periods. It may also be suggested in cases of fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, cancer or other pelvic inflammatory diseases.
� Infertility or barrenness from a medical point of vies is caused by many factors. Ovulatory failure (may be due to polycystic ovary syndrome), Damage to fallopian tube, endometriosis as well as other problems cause infertility. Lifestyle factors, nutrition deficiencies and emotional elements may also be causes for infertility.

Though Hair Loss is less in women other issues like Anorexia Symptoms, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Ovarian Cancer Symptoms do occur in some case. Identification and timely treatment of these lead to a healthier life.

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