Menstruation disorders are a common problem during adolescence. These disorders may cause significant anxiety for patients and their families. Physical and psychological factors contribute to the problem. In order to treat menstruation disorders, becoming familiar with the normal menstrual cycle is important.
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is regulated by the complex surge and fluctuations in many different reproductive hormones, which work together to prepare a women’s body for pregnancy. The hypothalamus (an area in the brain) and the pituitary gland control six important hormones:
Introduction
Menstrual disorders are problems that affect a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. They include painful cramps during bleeding, abnormally heavy bleeding, or not having any bleeding.
Menstruation occurs during the years between puberty and menopause. Menstruation, also called a "period," is the monthly flow of blood from the uterus through the cervix and out through the vagina.
The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and lower intestine.
The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It has a narrow opening called the os, which connects to the vagina and allows menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus into the vagina.
The fallopian tubes connect the uterus and ovaries. Ovaries are egg-producing organs that hold 200,000 - 400,000 follicles (from folliculus, meaning "sack" in Latin). These cellular sacks contain the materials needed to produce ripened eggs, or ova. An egg develops within the follicle.
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. During pregnancy it thickens and becomes enriched with blood vessels to house and nourish the growing fetus.
If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed and a woman starts menstruating. Menstrual flow also consists of blood and mucus from the cervix and vagina.
he uterus is a hollow