It is known as menstrual cycle a series of changes that a woman's body experiences every month in order to prepare it for a potential pregnancy. In every cycle an ovulation is produced in which one of the ovariums frees an ovum and, at the same time, hormonal changes are produced to modify the uterus wall in case the ovum is fecunded and needs to nest. If, finally, the ovum is not fertilised, the thickened tissue that lines the uterus is removed through the vagina in the process known as menstruation.
The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of the menstruation up until the first day of the following menstruation period. It can vary amongst some normality parameters: it starts every 21-35 days and lasts between 2 to 7 days. The first years of its appearance, the cycle can be longer but they tend to regulate and shorten once the menopause is reached.
We know anormal ovulation as "ovarian failure" (9 or less menstruation cycles per year), an irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation before the menopause.
Menstruation irregularities can be caused by many reasons, the following are also included in those:
• Pregnancy or lactancy. Lack of the period can be one of the first symptoms of a pregnancy. Lactancy can block the menstrual cycles.
• Eating disorders, extreme weight loss or excessive exercise.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Premature ovary insufficiency, when the ovarian function is lost before reaching 40 years old.
Women with ovarian dysfunction, menstruation can be preceded or not by the following recurrent symptoms: mammary pain, hypogastric distension or irritation.
Diagnosis is clinical, through questioning and a gynecologic exploration. It can be confirmed measuring hormonal levels or via a gynecologic ultrasound.
Current treatment is based on ovulation induction administering hormones.
