Understanding Common Menstrual Disorders: What Every Woman Should Know

Crappy periods are often brushed off as “just part of being a woman.” But painful cramps, mood swings, or abnormal bleeding that disrupt daily life aren’t something to ignore. These symptoms can point to menstrual disorders, conditions that affect millions of women worldwide but are often underdiagnosed or misunderstood.

From basic PMS to conditions like PMDD, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and menorrhagia, awareness is the first step to finding relief.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Up to 75% of menstruating women report some degree of PMS symptoms during their reproductive years.

Common Symptoms:

• Mood swings, irritability, or sadness
  
  
• Bloating and water retention
  
  
• Breast tenderness
  
  
• Headaches
  
  
• Food cravings
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Tracking cycles to notice patterns
  
  
• Reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol before periods
  
  
• Regular exercise and stress management
  
  
• Magnesium, B vitamins, and calcium support
  
  

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD affects about 3 to 8% of women of reproductive age. Unlike PMS, PMDD severely disrupts work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Common Symptoms:

• Severe mood swings, irritability, or anger
  
  
• Depression or hopelessness
  
  
• Anxiety or panic attacks
  
  
• Extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating
  
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
  
• Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Cycle tracking + lifestyle support
  
  
• Nutritional changes, stress reduction
  
  
• Supplements such as Omega-3s and magnesium
  
  
• Professional care including therapy and sometimes prescription support
  
  

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic condition, affecting over 50% of menstruating women at some point, with 10 to 15% experiencing severe pain that limits daily activities.

Common Symptoms:

• Intense cramping in the lower abdomen or back
  
  
• Pain radiating down the legs
  
  
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  
  
• Headaches, fatigue
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Heat therapy (heating pad, warm bath)
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory foods and hydration
  
  
• Magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids
  
  
• Gentle movement or yoga
  
  
• Pain management or medical treatments in severe cases
  
  

Amenorrhea (Absent Periods)

Amenorrhea affects about 3 to 5% of women during their reproductive years.

Common Causes:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  
  
• Stress or extreme exercise
  
  
• Significant weight loss or eating disorders
  
  
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  
  
• Hormonal imbalances or thyroid conditions
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Identifying the underlying cause with a provider
  
  
• Balanced nutrition and healthy weight support
  
  
• Stress reduction and lifestyle adjustments
  
  
• Medical evaluation for thyroid, pituitary, or ovarian health
  
  

Endometriosis

Endometriosis impacts an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (around 190 million worldwide). On average, women wait 7–10 years for a diagnosis.

Common Symptoms:

• Painful, heavy periods
  
  
• Pain during or after sex
  
  
• Painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation
  
  
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle
  
  
• Heat therapy, gentle movement
  
  
• Pain management with herbs or medications
  
  
• Surgical or hormonal treatments, if needed
  
  

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is estimated to affect 20 to 35% of women, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. Like endo, diagnosis is often delayed until symptoms become severe.

Common Symptoms:

• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
  
  
• Severe cramping
  
  
• Pain during intercourse
  
  
• Fatigue and anemia from blood loss
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Heat therapy, rest, and supportive nutrition
  
  
• Iron supplementation if anemia develops
  
  
• Medical treatments, including hormonal therapy or surgery for severe cases
  
  

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects 6 to 12% of women of reproductive age in the United States. It’s one of the most common causes of infertility, but also one of the most treatable with the right support.

Common Symptoms:

• Irregular or absent periods
  
  
• Ovarian cysts
  
  
• Acne, oily skin, or excess hair growth
  
  
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  
  
• Insulin resistance, prediabetes
  
  
• Infertility concerns
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Blood sugar balancing with nutrition + movement
  
  
• Supplements such as Inositol or vitamin D (guided by provider)
  
  
• Stress management and consistent routines
  
  
• Medical treatments for fertility or symptom management
  
  

Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

Menorrhagia affects up to 30% of women during their reproductive years and is one of the leading reasons for gynecology referrals.

Common Symptoms:

• Soaking through pads/tampons every hour
  
  
• Passing large clots
  
  
• Periods lasting longer than 7 days
  
  
• Needing double protection at night
  
  
• Fatigue, dizziness, anemia
  
  

Supportive Steps:

• Tracking cycles to share with a provider
  
  
• Iron supplementation and nutrient-rich foods
  
  
• Medical evaluation for fibroids, thyroid issues, or clotting disorders
  
  

When to Seek Care from a Trusted Provider

While some period discomfort is common, you should reach out to a provider if you notice any of the following:

• Pain that interferes with school, work, or daily life
  
  
• Periods that are consistently heavy (soaking a pad/tampon every hour)
  
  
• Passing large clots
  
  
• Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
  
  
• Missing periods for 3 months or more (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
  
  
• Severe mood changes before your cycle (anxiety, depression, anger)
  
  
• Symptoms of anemia (extreme fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath)
  
  
• Difficulty conceiving after 6–12 months of trying
  
  

Your symptoms are valid. You don’t need to “just deal with it.” Partnering with a trusted provider, whether that’s your midwife, OB/GYN, or another women’s health professional, can help you find answers, relief, and the right treatment plan for your unique needs.

Caring for Yourself Naturally

While medical care is essential, self-care can ease symptoms:

• Herbal teas like Iron Boost or N.O.R.A. blends for nourishment
  
  
• Relaxing Bath Salts for cramp relief and relaxation
  
  
• Gentle essential oil blends like Happy Mama for emotional balance
  
  
• The upcoming Calm Womb Oil for comfort during painful or heavy cycles
  
  

Closing

Every woman’s cycle is different, but pain, heavy bleeding, or skipped periods are not things to ignore. If your menstrual symptoms are disrupting your life, seek guidance and know that support exists. By combining professional care with natural self-care, you can reclaim balance and feel empowered in your body.

Be well,
Carley

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – PMS
   
   
2. National Institutes of Health – PMDD Prevalence
   
   
3. American Academy of Family Physicians – Dysmenorrhea
   
   
4. Cleveland Clinic – Amenorrhea Overview
   
   
5. World Health Organization (WHO) – Endometriosis Fact Sheet
   
   
6. Endometriosis Foundation of America – Diagnosis Delay
   
   
7. National Library of Medicine – Adenomyosis Prevalence
   
   
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – PCOS
   
   
9. Mayo Clinic – Menorrhagia