Why are more young women experiencing period problems?

Young women are more aware of menstrual complications and are relating issues like irregularity, pains, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, weariness and mood changes. It is important to understand the difference between an increase of menstrual problems or merely getting better recognition and refer to the symptoms of such problems. There are menstrual health issues today due to the lifestyle of modern people, and the symptoms should not be ignored. Menstrual health is the result of a complicated interaction between hormones, nutrition, metabolism, the reproductive system and psychological stress.Key Reasons Behind Period ProblemsHormonal Imbalances and PCOSPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent disorder that leads to hormonal dysfunction resulting in menstrual irregularities in women with elevated androgen concentration. The hallmark features of PCOS are irregular or absent menstruation and possible presence of acne and hair growth in women. Hormonal disorders in PCOS may also contribute to insulin insensitivity in some, yet not all, of the patients.PCOS cannot be diagnosed simply based on an irregularity in cycles. The early stages of puberty are sometimes mistaken for PCOS, and therefore age-appropriate diagnostic standards must be used.Stress, Sleep and Energy ImbalanceThe HPO axis that produces reproductive hormones can be hampered by factors like chronic stress, inadequate caloric intake, excessive exercise, and rapid weight change. When the body has less reproductive hormone, symptoms include irregular ovulation and missed periods.Young women, who undergo high academic loads and hard work and need to follow a low-calorie diet, as well as undergo severe physical strain, may miss their periods one time or another. Yet, this reason should not be the only one for the missed periods.Painful Periods and EndometriosisA lot of young women face the issue of painful periods known in medicine as dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea happens when prostaglandin levels in the body become too high. Prostaglandin is a chemical that contracts the uterus during this period of time and triggers inflammation.However, extreme cases of menstrual pain should not be ignored. Endometriosis is also an example of secondary dysmenorrhea that may affect teenagers. This condition occurs when tissues similar to the lining of the uterus develop in abnormal areas outside the uterus. If the pain affects a person’s daily life and causes problems while carrying out normal activities like going to school, work, and even sleeping, then it should be evaluated by an expert gynaecologist.Nutritional Deficiencies and Heavy BleedingMenorrhagia, which refers to excessive blood loss during menstruation, may result in iron deficiency, leading to the onset of anaemia, characterized by weakness, tiredness, and an inability to focus. At the same time, unhealthy eating habits may interfere with the hormonal balance and the period regularity.Taking iron supplements may be extremely dangerous for young females suffering from menorrhagia without identifying the underlying reason for the symptoms. The hormonal imbalance, absence of ovulation and some blood disorders may increase the risk of excess blood loss during menstruation.When Should a Woman Consult a Gynaecologist?It is crucial to evaluate the problems of menstruation in young females from the view of hormonal well-being, nutrition and lifestyle and try to understand whether any medications or substances have been taken in cases where menstruation is problematic, characterized by irregularities, heaviness or pain. If a woman doesn’t have her menstrual cycle for more than 90 days in a row in cases when the first menstrual cycle didn’t happen recently, she should go through medical evaluation. Next, it is important to state that severe pain may require further medical examination for possible diseases like endometriosis.Period problems in females should be seen as disorders originating from hormonal background, nutrition and lifestyle factors, but the problems may also depend on medications which were previously taken.(Dr Kajal Singh, Professor, Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS), College & Hospital, Greater Noida)Get the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates. Download the TOI App.