What causes vagina itchiness during menstruation?

Vaginal itching can be very unpleasant, and hopefully you will be able to get these symptoms under control soon. The best thing to do is to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist about this issue.

There are many different things that can cause this kind of itching, but one of the most likely is a vaginal yeast infection. If you have recently taken antibiotics you can be at risk for a yeast infection, but anything that increases moisture in the genital area can also make your more likely to develop this kin of infection. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection but is rather an overgrowth of the yeast that live on the skin. Unfortunately, they can be very very uncomfortable. The good news is that they are very easily treated with either topical or systemic anti-fungal medication (or even both). You should see your primary care doctor or gynecologist right away for a brief pelvic exam to make sure there are no signs of anything else. However, a yeast infection has a very specific appearance on exam so it is quite easy to diagnose. Depending upon your preference and other health concerns, you can get a prescription for either an oral anti-fungal medication or use a topical application. In either case, a vaginal cream can also be used to help with the itching.

continuous menstruation

Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is also termed as ‘abnormal uterine bleeding’. We sometimes use this general term to describe bleeding that does not follow a normal pattern, such as spotting between periods. This sometimes used to be referred to as menorrhagia, but this term is no longer used medically.


Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is also called abnormal uterine bleeding. We sometimes use this general term to describe bleeding that does not follow a normal pattern, such as spotting between periods. This sometimes used to be referred to as menorrhagia, but this term is no longer used medically.

On average, a typical woman passes around 40 ml of blood during her menstrual period, which lasts around four to seven days. For some women, however, bleeding may be excessively heavy or go on for longer than normal.

A woman may have ‘chronic’ heavy or prolonged bleeding (for more than six months) or it may be ‘acute’ (sudden and severe). In most cases, the causes of disturbed menstrual bleeding are unknown. See your doctor about any abnormal menstrual bleeding.

Symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding

Symptoms include:

    heavy (more than 80 ml) or prolonged (more than eight days) blood loss during the menstrual period. If you think you may be experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, you may find it useful to keep a pictorial blood loss assessment chart
    bleeding or spotting between periods (intermenstrual bleeding)
    cramping and pain in the lower abdomen
    fatigue.

Causes of abnormal uterine bleeding

While in many cases, it is not possible to determine the exact cause, there are a number of reasons a woman may experience abnormal uterine bleeding. Some of the known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include:

    abortion – includes either spontaneous (miscarriage) or induced
    ectopic pregnancy – lodgement of the fertilised egg in the slender fallopian tube instead of the uterine lining
    hormonal disorders – conditions such as hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroxine), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hyperprolactinemia can disrupt the menstrual cycle
    ovulatory dysfunction – this is when the ovary does not release an egg each month. Most commonly, this occurs at either end of a woman’s reproductive years, either during puberty or at menopause
    endometriosis – the cells lining the uterus (endometrial cells) can travel to, attach and grow elsewhere in the body, most commonly within the peritoneal cavity, (including on the outside of the uterus or on the ovarian surface
    infection – including chlamydia or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
    medications – may include anticoagulants, which hinder the clotting ability of the blood, phenothiazides, which are antipsychotic tranquilisers, and tricyclic antidepressants, which affect serotonin uptake
    intrauterine device (IUD) – is a contraceptive device that acts as a foreign body inside the uterus and prompts heavier periods
    hormonal contraceptives – may include the combined oral contraceptive pill, injections of a long-acting synthetic progesterone, a rod containing slow-release progesterone (implanted in the upper arm), or intrauterine system devices (progesterone-releasing contraceptive devices inserted into the uterus). The progesterone-only treatments commonly cause spotting
    hormone replacement therapy – is used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms
    fibroids – benign tumours that develop inside the uterus
    polyps – small, stalk-like projections that grow out of the uterus lining (endometrium). Polyps may be associated with fibroids
    bleeding disorders – may include leukaemia and Von Willebrand’s disease
    cancer – most uterine cancers develop in the lining of the uterus, though some cancers grow in the muscle layers of the uterus. They are most common after menopause.

Research into abnormal uterine bleeding

In most cases, the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is unknown, although research into abnormal uterine bleeding is ongoing.

Diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding

The diagnosis and identification of potential causes of abnormal uterine bleeding involves a number of tests including:

    general examination
    medical history
    menstrual history
    physical examination
    pap test
    blood tests
    vaginal ultrasound
    endometrial biopsy.

Treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding

Treatment will depend on the cause, but may include:

    medication – such as prostaglandin inhibitors, hormone replacement therapy or antibiotics
    dilatation and curettage (D&C) – involving dilation and gentle scraping of the cervix and the lining of the uterus
    change of contraception – it may be necessary to explore methods of contraception other than the IUD or hormones
    surgery – to remove tumours, polyps or fibroids or to treat ectopic pregnancy
    treatment of underlying disorders – such as hypothyroidism or a bleeding disorder
    hysterectomy – the removal of the entire uterus is a drastic last resort, generally only considered in cases where treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding, unless serious disease, such as cancer, is also present.

Self-help suggestions for managing abnormal uterine bleeding

Suggestions for managing abnormal uterine bleeding include:

    Get plenty of rest.
    Avoid aspirin, since this is an anticoagulant and may contribute to excessive bleeding.
    Eat a well-balanced diet.
    Take iron supplements to prevent anaemia.


Things to remember

    Abnormal uterine bleeding is excessive menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
    In most cases, the cause is not known.
    Known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include polyps, fibroids, endometriosis, medications, infection and some forms of contraception.
    Treatment can include medications, or dilatation and curettage (D&C) to remove the uterine lining.

Common Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycles

• Women’s bodies are forever changing, and from time to time, every woman suspects that her menstrual cycle is abnormal for one reason or another.
• Periods are often irregular during the first couple of years of menstruation. This is because the body is still balancing hormone levels. The other most common cause of an irregular
  menstruation or missed period is pregnancy.
• If for any reason your period is irregular, you should contact your health care provider.

Women’s bodies are forever changing. From time to time, every woman suspects that her menstrual cycle is abnormal for one reason or another. It’s important to remember that each woman’s cycle is different, so your “normal cycle” may not be the same as your best friend’s “normal cycle.” There are, however, some common reasons for a period to be irregular.
“Because each woman’s cycle is different, and because there are so many factors that cause an ‘irregular’ cycle, it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint an exact reason for the irregularity,” says Thomas J. Bader, M.D., chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Crozer-Chester Medical Center. “Periods are often irregular during the first couple of years of menstruation. This is because the body is still developing the delicate hormonal balance that leads to a regular cycle. Another common cause of an irregular or missed period is pregnancy.”
If you are not pregnant, WebMD lists these other common causes of an irregular period:

• Excessive weight loss or gain: although low body weight is a common cause of missed or irregular periods, obesity also can cause menstrual problems
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
• Increased exercise: missed periods are common in endurance athletes.
• Emotional stress
• Illness
• Travel
• Medicines such as birth control methods, which may cause lighter, less frequent, more frequent, or skipped periods or no periods at all
• Hormone problems: this may cause a change in the levels of the hormones that the body needs to support menstruation
• Illegal drug use
• Problems with the pelvic organs , such as imperforate hymen, polycystic ovary syndrome, or Asherman’s syndrome
• Breastfeeding: many women do not resume regular periods until they have completed breastfeeding. 

“If, for any reason, your period is irregular, you should contact your health care provider,” says Rebecca Choitz, CNM, director of Midwifery Services for Crozer-Keystone Health System. “It’s always best to be proactive when it comes to your health, something women can often forget when running their busy lives. Getting something checked out can help to prevent serious health conditions later on down the road.”         
So, if your cycle is irregular, how can you tell when you're about to get your period? Below are some clues your body may give you, according to the National Institutes of Health:

• Back cramps or stiffness
• Heavier breasts or breast soreness
• Headaches
• Acne breakouts
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Mood swings
• Bloating 

“Women may also find that their menstruation cycle is changing before menopause,” says Joseph G. Grover, M.D., chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. “Women can experience age-related menstrual changes as early as their 30s.”
According the Mayo Clinic, a woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for one year. Some of the changes that women can experience include:

• A change in periods - shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Trouble focusing
• Less hair on head, more on face. 

thank you for reading cause irregular menstruation

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Many women (up to 90%) have menstrual cramps. Most are simply due to menstruation itself and don't indicate any underlying gynecological problems. The medical term for this is Primary Dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is from Latin words meaning "bad menstruation" (no joke!).

PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA (MENSTRUAL CRAMPS) CHARACTERISTICS
Menstrual cramps start a day or so before actual menses. They are felt in the lower or middle abdomen. They can radiate (spread) to the hips, thighs, and back. They are decribed as a "colicky" type of pain. That means the pain rises to a peak and falls, and starts over again. This reflects the contractions of the uterus that underlie the cramps.

The severity of cramps varies widely from woman to woman and even between the same woman's periods. Some have cramps that are barely noticable. Some have crampes that are excruitating. They may also have weakness, chills, and dizziness. Gasto-intestinal symptoms are also common with severe cramps: nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. Spasms of the leg and abdominal muscles occurs with severe cramps.

PRIMARY (NORMAL) VS. SECONDARY (UNDERLYING PROBLEMS): WHO GETS WHICH
Secondary dysmenorrhea is when cramps are due to an actual disease, such as endometriosis. The severity is NOT a clue as to whether or not the cramps are due to a disease that needs to be treated.

Primary dysmenorrhea is more likely in women whose first period was early in life and those who have heavier flow. It is common in the first year or so of a girl's menstruation, no matter when she starts. Secondary is more likely when the problem starts after the age of 25, or when there are other symptoms. Still, the only way to know is to be looked at by a doctor.

THE GOOD NEWS
Menstrual cramps are closely tied to ovulatory cycles. So, that means women who have them are showing an important sign of their potential for fertility.

MECHANISM: HOW MENSTRUAL CRAMPS HAPPEN
A substance called prostagladins are the cause of most symptoms with dysmenorrhea. These are produced by the body and found in the uterine lining. When the lining starts to shed with menstruation, they are released. They cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself.

They also cause vasodilation of the circulatory system. In other words, the arteries and veins expand, so they pool blood instead of circulating it. This can cause pelvic congestion (blood pooling in the pelvis) and this itself causes discomfort and heaviness. It can drops the woman's blood pressure and therefore, the reason she might feel cold, clammy and lightheaded (the blood is diverted). In some women, it also causes contraction and spasm of the smooth muscle of the gastro-intestinal tract. This leads to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The flow itself is part of the problem. Heavy flow or clots in the menstruation have to squeeze out through the small opening of the cervix. This stretching is believed to cause pain as well. This is believed to be the the reason some women's cramps subside or disappear after their first baby. The cervical opening has widened.

SELF TREATMENT FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Medications
The main treatment for menstrual cramps are a class of drugs called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for short. These are drugs every woman knows: ibuprofen (Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve). They work by stopping the body from making prostagladins. They also work by preventing blood clotting.

They are not aspirin-related. So allergies or reactions to aspirin don't matter. They are safe for girls too. In spite of their pain-relieving properties, they are not narcotic. So, there is absolutely no reason to avoid them for women who don't want to be drowsy or have their thinking ability affected. They are not addicting either.

NSAIDs should be avoided if there are any kind of bleeding problems including stomach ulcers. They are a bit irritating to any woman's stomach, and should be taken with food. NSAIDs should be avoided if a woman suspects pregnancy.

How to Take Them
Prostagladins are produced but quickly degraded in the body, in about a half hour. So, if a woman gets the NSAIDS on board before the cramps get going, she can short-circuit the whole process. If a woman is regular (if she knows approximately when, not the exact day), she can take the pill of her choice a few days before she starts. She can also gauge the start based on PMS symptoms or the first twinges of cramps. After the start is OK too.

There are scores of different medications and brands to choose from. Different formulations work well on different women. This is becauese prostagladin production is a whole series of events. Different drugs in the NSAID category work on different stages of this process. There are individual differences as to which level of intervention works best. There is no way to predict which drug will work best on a particular woman.

She should simply try one and then a different one, if it doesn't work. Check the back of the bottle for the generic chemical name to make sure the medication is not another brand name for the same drug. She should ask the pharmacist for help to find an NSAID that is subtantially different than the last one she tried.

Generic ibuprofen is a good place to start, as it is the cheapest. Enteric coated are a better starting place for those with weak stomaches. Long-acting or once-a-days may be the first choice for teens whose schools restrict bringing pills to schoo or women who get infrequent breaks during the day. Also, remember to take one of the ones that lasts at least 12 hours when using them overnight. This is important as cramps are more likely when the period starts overnight and the blood pools and clots while lying down.

Other Self-Treaments
Exercise in general has also been shown to help alleviate dysmennorhea. It is not known to help the severe cramping (like those women could get up a jog anyway). A number of herbal, natural, and alternative medicine treatments claim to help. None has substantial scientific evidence, yet.

WHEN SELF TREATMENT IS NOT ENOUGH
If none of the over-the-counter types work, there are also a number of prescription NSAIDs available. The longer acting ones tend to be prescription only. This means the woman will need to visit the doctor. This can be a good time to make sure the cramps are primary and not secondary.

If prescription NSAIDs don't work, birth control pills can lessen the menstrual flow and solve the problems of dysmenorrhea for many women. In resistent cases narcotic pain relievers can also be used.

Menstrual Cycle

Both estrogen and progesterone levels swing dramatically across a female's menstrual cycle. Menstrual bleeding occurs after estrogen and progesterone levels drop in response to corpus luteum disintegration. The endometrial tissue shrinks in response to decreasing levels of steroids during the premenstrual phase and this shrinkage results in increased coiling and constriction of the spiral arteries and arterioles. After constriction the vessels dilate, fill with blood and burst resulting in menstruation. As much as three-fourths of the endometrial tissue can be resorbed by the body during the menstrual phase; the remainin tissue is cleared out of the uteral cavity by the menstrual blood. Menstrual blood contains many leukocytes and enough complement to destroy parasites in vivo.

The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by initial rise in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in response to the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropic releasing hormone (GnRH) by hypothalamus. FSH and LH stimulate the production of estrogen by the developing follicles so the estrogen levels increase rapidly during the follicular phase of the cycle. Estrogen levels are correlated with increased immune system responses and decreased eating behavior.

The follicular phase ends with ovulation. Prior to ovulation estrogen levels plummet but LH and FSH levels surge causing expulsion of the Graafian follicles, the maturing ovum. If sperm are present in the fallopian tubes, fertilization can occur at this time. Under the influence of estrogen, the mucus secreted by the endocervical glands becomes more elastic, its water content increases and it becomes more alkaline. Therefore, at the time of ovulation, the vaginal and cervical environments are less hostile to both sperm and potential pathogens. The fact that most females produce antisperm antibodies which are then neutralized by her antiidiotypic antibodies indicate the presence of adaptations to insure that sperm are not destroyed by the female's immune system. Uteral protein levels also peak at ovulation providing an environment conducive to sperm metabolism. For fertilization to occur, a female's sexual activity should increase when she is ovulatory.

Two to three days after ovulation the corpus luteum begins producing progesterone and estrogen. Estrogenic effects differ in the presence of progesterone because progesterone decreases the number of estrogen receptors in the endometrium and activates an enzyme that converts estradiol to less active forms of estrogen. Progesterone is correlated with decreased immune system responses and increased eating behavior.

If fertilization occurs, implantation follows about 8 to 10 days after ovulation and the corpus luteum is maintained by the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In contrast, if fertilization does not occur the hCG is not produced, the corpus luteum begins to break down about days 8 to 10 and is usually completely regressed by day 14 after ovulation. Estrogen and progesterone levels both drop at this time, initiating menstrual bleeding. Prior to menstruation, during the pre-menstrual phase an infiltration of leukocytes to the endometrium occurs and the vaginal epithelium regresses allowing the escape of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Causes of irregular periods

Causes of irregular periods

Your menstrual cycle can be disturbed if you change your method of contraception or you have an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

It is not unusual to have a hormone imbalance for a few years after puberty and before the menopause. This can cause your menstrual cycle to become longer or shorter. Your periods may also become lighter or heavier.

If your irregular periods are caused by these age-related factors, you will not usually need to see your GP.
Lifestyle

The following lifestyle factors can also upset your balance of hormones and cause irregular bleeding:

    extreme weight loss or weight gain
    excessive exercise
    stress

Contraceptives

An intrauterine system (IUS) or contraceptive pill may cause spotting between periods.

An intrauterine device (IUD) doesn't cause irregular periods, but can cause heavy bleeding or painful bleeding.

Small bleeds, known as breakthrough bleeds, are common when the contraceptive pill is first used. They are usually lighter and shorter than normal periods, and usually stop within the first few months.
Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when very small cysts (small, fluid-filled sacs) develop in the ovaries.

The usual symptoms of PCOS are irregular or light periods, or no periods at all. This is because, in women with PCOS, ovulation (the release of an egg) may not take place as often as normal. Also, the production of hormones may be unbalanced, and you could have higher levels of testosterone than normal (this is a male hormone that women normally have a small amount of).

Read more about polycystic ovary syndrome.
Gynaecological problems

Irregular bleeding can also be due to unsuspected pregnancy, early miscarriage or problems with the womb or ovaries. Your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist (specialist in diseases of the female reproductive system) if further investigation and treatment are needed.
Thyroid disorders

A thyroid disorder is another possible but rare cause of irregular periods (the thyroid gland, found in the neck, produces hormones that maintain the body's metabolism). Your GP may test for a thyroid problem by taking a blood test to check levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.

what causes menstrual pain

Most women experience some menstrual pain, For up to 15 percent, it is severe enough to interfere with work and other activities for one or more days every month.1 Sometimes the paindiminishes after childbirth, but for many women it continues.2 In the 1960s, it became evident that chemicals called prostaglandins are a central part of the problem. These chemicals are made from the traces of fat stored in cell membranes, and they promote inflammation. They are also involved in muscle contractions, blood vessel constriction, blood clotting, and pain. Shortly before a period begins, the endometrial cells that form the lining of the uterus make large amounts of prostaglandins. When these cells break down during menstruation, the prostaglandins are released. They constrict the blood vessels in the uterus and make its muscle layer contract, causing painful cramps. Some of the prostaglandins also enter the bloodstream, causing headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.2 Researchers have measured the amount of prostaglandins produced by the endometrial cells and found that it is higher in women with menstrual pain than for women who have little or no pain. This helps explain why nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work for menstrual pain. Ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins. NSAIDs have been found to decrease menstrual flow, which may reduce menstrual pain.3 Using Foods Against Pain There may be a more fundamental approach. Rather than focus on the prostaglandins themselves, it may help to focus on the cellular “factories” that make them. Oral contraceptives lower the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the growth of the endometrial cell layer. As a result, 90 percent of women who take oral contraceptives experience reduced menstrual pain.4 However, diet changes may be able to accomplish much the same thing. In every monthly menstrual cycle, the amount of estrogens in a woman’s body rises and falls. Estrogens are female sex hormones, a sort of hormonal fertilizer that makes the cells of the body grow. Estrogens are responsible for breast development at puberty, and each month they cause the lining of the uterus to thicken in anticipation of pregnancy. A measurement of the amount of estrogens in a woman’s bloodstream as her period ends and a new cycle begins finds that estrogen is gradually rising. For about two weeks, it rises toward a peak and then falls quickly around the time of ovulation. It rises again in the second half of the month and then falls just before her next period. The uterus sheds its lining in a menstrual flow, accompanied by crampy pain. How Foods Change Hormones The amount of estrogen in a woman’s blood is constantly being readjusted. A low-fat, high-fiber diet can significantly reduce estrogen levels.5 Cancer researchers have taken a great interest in this phenomenon, because lowering the level of estrogen in the blood helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.6 Less estrogen means less stimulation for cancer cell growth. If a woman eating a Western diet cuts her fat intake in half, her estrogen level will be about 20 percent lower.7 If the amount of fat is cut even more, the estrogen level will drop further, which is a good change because a lower hormone level will have less effect on the uterine cells. In addition to lowering estrogen, a low-fat diet may also be beneficial because high-fiber vegetables, beans, fruits, and whole grains help the body eliminate estrogens. Estrogen is normally pulled from the bloodstream by the liver, which sends it through a small tube, called the bile duct, into the intestinal tract. There, fiber soaks it up like a sponge and carries it out with other waste. The more fiber there is in the diet, the better the natural “estrogen disposal system” works. Animal products do not contain fiber. When an individual’s diet consists predominantly of animal products such as chicken, fish, or yogurt, daily fiber needs may not be met. The result can be disastrous. The waste estrogens, which should bind to fiber and leave the body, pass back into the bloodstream. This hormone “recycling” increases the amount of estrogen in the blood. However, the reabsorption of estrogens can be blocked with the fiber found in grains, vegetables, beans, and other plant foods. So, by avoiding animal products and added oils, estrogen production is reduced. And by replacing chicken, skim milk, and other non-fiber foods with grains, beans, and vegetables, estrogen elimination is increased. In a research study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in February 2000,8 a low-fat, vegan diet significantly reduced pain and PMS for many women. The diet change was designed to do two things. First, it eliminated all animal fats and nearly all vegetable oils. Second, its emphasis on plant-based foods means that there was more fiber in the diet. Putting Foods to Work The key to success is to follow the diet strictly, so that the beneficial effects it has are evident after a cycle or two. Have plenty of: • whole grains: brown rice, whole-grain bread, oatmeal, etc. • vegetables: broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, etc. • legumes: beans, peas, lentils • fruits Avoid completely: • animal products: fish, poultry, meats, eggs, and dairy products • added vegetable oils: salad dressings, margarine, and all cooking oils • fatty foods: doughnuts, French fries, potato chips, peanut butter, etc. This sounds like a significant change, and it is. However, while everyone feels a bit at sea for the first several days, virtually everyone makes the change in about two weeks. Those who have the best time with it are those who experiment with new foods and new food products and who enlist the support of their friends or partners at home. As the benefits kick in—reduced menstrual cramps, weight loss, and increased energy—most women find the diet change is so rewarding that they wish they had tried it sooner. It is important to avoid animal products and oily foods completely. Even seemingly modest amounts of them during the course of the month can cause more symptoms at the end of the month.8 Be sure to choose foods in as natural a state as possible, brown rice instead of white rice and whole-grain bread instead of white bread, in order to preserve their fiber. Give this experiment a careful try for just one or two cycles, and see what it can do. The power of foods will be demonstrated in a very different way. read  MENSTRUAL CRAMPS