Related Menstrual Diseases and
Disorders
Endometriosis
a condition where the uterine lining builds up excessively and fragments are present on the
outside of the uterus. As a result, the lining is introduced into cavities like the abdominal cavity
or ovarian cavity, resulting in excruciating pain and other symptoms.
Symptoms:
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- dehydration
- (extreme) malaise
- excessive perspiration
- frequent periods
- heavy periods
The problem with endometriosis is that the displaced fragments go through the normal monthly
cycle along with the normal uterine lining. As the resulting blood cannot escape, clots form, and
may rupture, resulting in intense pain.
Until recently, little was widely known about the disorder. As recently as fifteen years ago,
doctors were still telling women that it was "all in your head" or other similar biased comments.
Diagnosis
Endometriosis is diagnosed by a laparoscopy, a procedure done under local anesthetic, in which
a small incision is made in the vicinity of the navel, and carbon dioxide is pumped into the
abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity is then examined. If endometriosis is present, it will be
obvious as uterine lining will be noticeable as large growths.
Treatment
Endometriosis always disappears after a woman bears a child, and also following menopause.
Unfortunately, infertility frequently accompanies endometriosis. A new procedure involves a
laser, used to burn away the growths. Once removed, the growths seldom return.
Endometritis
is an inflammation of the uterine lining, caused by bacterial infection, which may spread to the
rest of the uterus and other tissues. The infection is usually caused by:
- cervical infection
- sexually transmitted disease
- a gynelogical operation
- menopause (due to lower resistance to infection)
Symptoms
- fever
- low backache
- abdominal pain
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- painful periods
Treatment
Usually treatment is antibiotic drugs. If you believe you have this problem, do not hesitate to
seek medical help.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
This is a rare disease caused by a strain of staphylcoccus, a bacteria. It appears in people of all
ages and both sexes, but is most common in women of childbearing age who use tampons. The
risk is highest for menstruating women under the age of 30.
TSS has flu-mimicking symptoms, and can quickly progress to a serious, potentially fatal illness.
Symptoms:
- sudden high fever (38.8C+)
- muscle aches
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- sunburn-mimicking rash
- dizziness
- fainting, or near fainting when standing
If you suspect you have TSS, see your doctor immediately.
If you have been using tampons, say so. Be sure to say you think you have TSS.
Common Menstrual Problems
| Menstrual Problem |
Associated Symptoms |
Possible Cause(s) |
| Amenorrhea |
|
- pregnancy
- menopause
- anemia
- emotional disturbance
|
|
Dysmenorrhea |
|
- obstructed cervix
- endometriosis
- endometritis
|
|
Ectopic pregnancy |
- missed period, followed
by intense pain
- ruptured Fallopian tube
- internal hemorrhage
|
An egg which becomes
fertilized in the Fallopian
tube. |
| Metrorrhagia |
|
- possible uterine fibroids
- possible uterine cancer
|
|
Vicarious menstruation
|
- bleeding occurs from
places other than the
vagina
|
|
| Menorrhagia |
|
- uterine fibroids
- pelvic congestion
- hormonal imbalance (this
is common in girls
menstruating for the first
time)
|
If you suspect you have any of these problems, seek medical help as quickly as possible.
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Last Updated March 7, 1999 by
dyna9@geocities.com