Polymenorrhea: causes and symptoms of the altered menstrual cycle
Polymenorrhea, among the various disorders that cause alterations in the menstrual cycle, is quite frequent and is characterized by the "shortening of the menstrual cycle itself, so that menstruation arrives early, before 24 days from the end of the previous cycle. polymenorrhea are no different from those of PMS, the causes can be different. Let's find out together! Meanwhile, here is a video on the link between the moon and the menstrual cycle:
Polymenorrhea: what it is and what are the causes that cause the alteration of the menstrual cycle
Polymenorrhea is a disorder of the menstrual cycle characterized by the "shortening of the latter": in women who suffer from polymenorrhea, in fact, the irregular cycle leads to the recurrence of menstruation in less than 24 days from the previous menstruation. Contrary to the normal menstrual cycle, if you have polymenorrhea, the bleeding will come early.
Polymenorrhea can occur sporadically and is due to contingent causes, such as a period of particular stress, or the change of season or a sudden change in diet. Causes of this type can lead to different types of alterations in the menstrual cycle: an abundant flow of long duration, a delay in menstruation or, in the case of polymenorrhea, an anticipation of them.
Polymenorrhea is not worrying even if it is caused by a simple reduction of the pre-ovulatory phase (also called "proliferative state"). If, on the other hand, the causes of polymenorrhea are linked to a decrease in the post-ovulatory phase (also called "secretory phase") there could be problems of infertility and anovulatory cycle, often linked to endometriosis (pathology of the "endometrium).
Alterations in the constitution of the endometrium, in fact, could lead to polymenorrhea, as well as hormonal and thyroid imbalances. There is also a higher incidence of polymenorrhea in women suffering from heart diseases, which therefore represent a risk factor.
Among the other possible causes of polymenorrhea we find endocrine imbalances, problems at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, polycystic ovary syndrome, taking birth control pills, the presence of tumors of the uterus (fibroids, polyps of the cervix or endometrium, myomas), alteration in progesterone production.
Furthermore, polymenorrhea can be a symptom of the imminent arrival of menopause.
See also
What are the symptoms of polymenorrhea?
Polymenorrhea - beyond the early arrival of the menstrual cycle that characterizes it - has no specific symptoms, except those of the more common premenstrual syndrome, which vary greatly among women of childbearing age. For some of them the symptoms may be more acute and painful, for others very mild and barely perceptible.
The most frequent symptoms that associate polymenorrhea with PMS (as well as other forms of irregular periods) are cramps and abdominal swelling, breast tension and pain, headache and a sense of tiredness or exhaustion, pain in muscles and bones, nausea , irritability, mood swings and water retention.
In the event that polymenorrhea is accompanied, at the time of bleeding, by an abundant and long-lasting flow, we will speak of poly-hypermenorrhea.
Polymenorrhea: when should you worry?
If polymenorrhea occurs in the first year of menarche (the first year, that is, starting with the first menstrual cycle), don't worry about it: the body of the little girl or girl needs some time to settle down after the hormonal changes. second year from the first cycle, in fact, polymenorrhea is already statistically less present (it goes from 13% to 7.5% of cases): soon menstruation will settle into a normal menstrual cycle of 24-28 days. In younger women , therefore, polymenorrhea is quite common and not of concern.
In adult women, however, as we have anticipated, polymenorrhea should not worry if it is a sporadic phenomenon. If, on the other hand, it occurs with a certain frequency, it will be good to contact your doctor to understand what could be the causes and if they are related to any pathologies. In some cases, the bleeding could also be confused with menstruation, but it is actually an abnormal uterine bleeding whose causes must be investigated immediately.
Remedies and cures for polymenorrhea
In order to diagnose any pathology underlying polymenorrhea, it is good to contact your gynecologist for a check, in order to understand if the alterations in the menstrual cycle are due to hormonal imbalances: in these cases the treatment is carried out through a therapy based on progestin. In some cases, to be evaluated from time to time, even the contraceptive pill could be useful as a remedy to bring the menstrual cycle back to regularity.
If, on the other hand, the gynecologist finds luteal insufficiency, it may be necessary to take progesterone during the menstrual cycle, so that the lack of or reduced production of this hormone can be remedied. There are also herbal remedies that can relieve symptoms naturally, but do not solve the underlying problem of polymenorrhea.
