What is Polymenorrhea?

Polymenorrhea is a cycle of fewer than 21 days with regards to menstruation more than once in 21 days. This differs from the normal 21-35 day cycle since in polymenorrhea it is possible for some women to experience periods of 14-20 days or even fewer. Polymenorrhea vs oligomenorrhea is, however, very distinct from oligomenorrhea when cycles are more than 35 days, with stress on having to be adapted to polymenorrhea in comparison to oligomenorrhea upon diagnosis.

The condition can occur in women at any age, but polymenorrhea in teenagers will typically involve pubertal hormonal variation, while polymenorrhea in adults can be a sign of other conditions that would cause physicians to take action.

Causes of Polymenorrhea


Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance and polymenorrhea is associated with polymenorrhea, and most of the hormonal imbalances lead to menses frequently.

  • Estrogen-Progesterone Disturbance: Decreased in the luteal phase from excess production of estrogen or progesterone secretion failure
  • Thyroid Dysfunctions: Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism can influence normal menstrual timing
  • Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia can be capable of stopping normal ovulatory cycles

Medical Disorders

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Polymenorrhea and PCOS pathophysiology is multifactorial, wherein PCOS will result in infrequent and frequent menses
  • Endometriosis: Can result in irregular cycle menstruation and decreased cycles
  • Uterine Fibroids: May lead to more frequent intermenstrual intervals
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Infection may interfere with normal menstrual cycles

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Polymenorrhea risk factors include stress, weight change, hyperphysical activities, drugs, and environmental toxins interfering with endocrine regulation.

Signs and Symptoms of Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea causes symptoms outside the frequency pattern of menses and may be:

Primary Symptoms

  • Each 14-20 day cycle of menses
  • Normal bleeding patterns but shorter
  • Heavy to normal menstrual flow per cycle

Secondary Symptoms

  • Weakness secondary to chronic blood loss
  • Weakness and pallor secondary to iron deficiency anemia
  • Endocrine changes with the occurrence of mood swings
  • Breast tenderness with frequent occurrence
  • Menstruation with cramping and bloating

Complications involving

  • Chronic weakness due to recurrent blood loss
  • Social and occupational disorders due to frequent menses
  • Emotional distress and worry due to unpredictable bleeding

Read More: 7 Important Things You Should Avoid During Periods


Complications of Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea complications are likely to have a significant impact on the quality of life and well-being of the woman:

Physical Complications

  • Iron Deficiency Anemia: Bleeding repeatedly causes continuous blood loss and iron loss
  • Chronic Fatigue: Continuous drowsiness impacting functioning and productivity
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Besides iron, other substances get lost

Effects on Reproductive Health

Polymenorrhea and fertility are intricately related. Some women with polymenorrhea continue to ovulate normally, while other women experience:

  • Shorter luteal phases during implantation
  • Irregular ovulation cycles
  • Complicated coordination of conception attempts
  • Risk of pregnancy complications with uncontrolled disease

Psychological Consequences

  • Paranoia regarding irregular menstruation
  • Chronic symptom depression
  • Isolation because of regular period maintenance

Diagnosis of Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea diagnosis is made after meticulous evaluation:

Medical History and Physical Examination

Doctors will evaluate:

  • Detailed menstrual history and observation of the cycle
  • Menstrual family history
  • Current lifestyle and medications
  • General and pelvic examination

Laboratory Tests

  • Complete Blood Count for anemia screening
  • Hormonal tests like FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone
  • Functions of the thyroid
  • Prolactin test
  • Pregnancy test to exclude complications

Imaging Studies

  • Ultrasound of the pelvis to scan the reproductive organs
  • MRI in case of suspected complicated pathology
  • Hysteroscopy to visualize inside the uterine cavity directly

Treatment Options of Polymenorrhea

Polymenorrhea treatment regimens depend on the underlying etiology and conditions specific to the patient:

Hormonal Therapies

  • Combined Oral Contraceptives: Suppresses cycles, decreases frequency of menstruation
  • Progesterone Therapy: Ideal in luteal phase defects
  • GnRH Agonists: Reserved in end-stage with disseminated underlying disease

Medical Management

  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Blanks cramping and menstruation
  • Iron Supplementation: Prevention and treatment of anemia due to deficiency
  • Thyroid Medications: In the event of thyroid disease diagnosis

Surgical Procedures

Reserved in structural abnormal conditions:

  • Debulking of fibroids or polyps
  • Endometrial ablation in refractory cases
  • Hysterectomy as last resort in refractory cases

Prevention and Management of Polymenorrhea


Lifestyle Change

Polymenorrhea prevention is achieved with practice of good body weight, daily regular physical activity, coping behavior against stress, and adequate sleep habits.

Natural Treatment Options

Polymenorrhea natural remedies can be provided in the form of herbal supplements such as vitex, anti-inflammatory dietary consumption, omega-3 fatty acid, acupuncture, and coping behavior against stress.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Treatment policy modification, early response to standard menstrual cycles, regular blood testing, and increased health care contact are essential for optimal control.

Conclusion

Polymenorrhea is a simple condition to treat with proper medical evaluation and treatment for the individual patient. The distinction between polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea avoids unwarranted treatment. Citing adolescents undergoing hormonal maturation or adults with regular medical conditions, prompt diagnosis and treatment will rule out complications as well as improve quality of life.

The association between polymenorrhea and fertility is variable but with treatment does not abrogate pregnancy. To the normally menstruating female, medical evaluation is to be performed for cause detection and imposition of required treatment modalities, which in turn may be through natural product treatment and living adjustment.

Please book an appointment with the Best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.