Secondary oligomenorrhea. What is it in women, teenage girls, causes, signs, treatment

The secondary form of oligomenorrhea is a pathological condition that occurs in patients of different ages, characterized by menstrual irregularities and the problems arising against this background from the reproductive system. This condition can cause serious complications, therefore it requires a comprehensive examination and proper treatment.

Views

The pathological condition can be uncomplicated and complicated. In the first case, only a violation of the menstrual cycle is observed, there are no other violations. In the second case, disorders are observed not only on the part of the reproductive, but also of the nervous system, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition.

In addition, doctors distinguish pathological and physiological oligomenorrhea. In the first case, the development of a violation is noted as a result of any somatic diseases, in the second the disorder acts as a temporary manifestation due to some physiological factors, for example, after childbirth.

There are also 3 forms of pathology, which are classified depending on the characteristics of its course.

Type of disease	Peculiarities
Oligomenorrhea with a prolonged period between bleeding	With such a violation, menstrual bleeding lasts a little less than usual, and the condition is rarely accompanied by other manifestations in the first few months. However, complications gradually appear associated with lengthening the periods between bleeding.
Pathology with a shortened bleeding period	With this disease, bleeding during menstruation lasts no more than 2 days. The patient's condition is almost not disturbed, but with prolonged preservation of such a manifestation, the development of complications from the reproductive system is noted
Mixed form	The most severe form in which symptoms alternate. The patient may have moderately shortened or severely shortened menstrual bleeding, and the interval between periods also increases

The severity of the manifestations of each form depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, as well as the presence or absence of other disorders.

Stages and degrees

Secondary oligomenorrhea is a condition in which the disease always proceeds in several stages, regardless of the type of disorder. At the initial stage, only a violation of the menstrual cycle is noted, but there are no other manifestations. Even with long-term persistence of such manifestations, the patient rarely seeks a doctor, because she does not consider the disorder to be serious.

At a progressive stage, one of the forms can turn into a mixed one, which aggravates the symptoms. Disorders from the uterus, ovaries, and also the nervous system appear. In this case, quite often there is a serious violation of the hormonal background, in which other problems appear on the part of the reproductive system.

The neglected stage is considered very dangerous, since at this stage there are almost always pronounced disorders of the pelvic organs, possibly of inflammatory origin.

The general condition of the patient is also deteriorating, there is a decrease in working capacity and other manifestations. The only difference in the course of different forms of pathology at different stages is the degree of severity of one or another symptom.

Symptoms

The disease in each woman proceeds with a different intensity. At the initial stage, only minor changes are present, and short menstrual bleeding becomes a kind of advantage for the patient.

However, doctors warn that short periods indicate that the inner layer of the uterus is growing. very slowly, which leads to a significant decrease in the likelihood of attachment of a fertilized eggs.

In addition, short periods indicate a decrease in estrogen production, which leads to skin problems.

One of the external manifestations of oligomenorrhea is acne, which cannot be treated with conventional means. Gradually, the woman pays attention to the fact that the bleeding does not last 1-2 days, but only a few hours. Only at this stage does the patient usually visit the doctor and begin to worry.

Another external manifestation can be excessive hair growth in atypical places, which in medicine is called hirsutism. Similar problems are observed in about 20% of women with secondary oligomenorrhea. This manifestation provokes real anxiety in a woman, so she visits a specialist.

Other manifestations include decreased libido. Outwardly, pathology is also manifested by a change in the figure of a woman. She notes an increase in body weight, distribution of adipose tissue in the upper body, while the legs remain thin. Such changes make the woman's silhouette look like a man's.

Among the general manifestations, one can single out weakness, rapid fatigability against the background of disturbed night sleep. Mental and physical performance decreases, there is a deterioration in memory and concentration. Against the background of weakness, appetite may worsen or increase. However, the increase in body weight does not depend on the amount of food consumed, which is associated with hormonal disorders.

Many women report weakening of muscles, deterioration of skin condition, irritation and rashes. In addition, the condition of the hair worsens, hair loss is observed, weakened or intense work of the sebaceous glands.

Reasons for the appearance

Secondary oligomenorrhea is a condition that always acts as a complication of some other disease or factor. It never develops on its own, as the primary form, which is sometimes diagnosed in patients with a non-normalized menstrual cycle.

The main reasons for the violation are as follows:

• Hormonal disorders on the background of neurological or mental pathologies.
• Frequent diagnostic curettage of the uterus or artificial termination of pregnancy.
• Propensity for similar violations.
• Ovarian cyst or polycystic disease affecting two ovaries at once.
• Hypoplasia of the uterus, in which the inner layer does not grow well as a result of various factors.
• Diagnosing endometritis or endometriosis.
• Endocrine pathologies with disorders of the thyroid or pancreas, as well as the adrenal glands.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions, exposure to the body of toxic substances on an ongoing basis.
• Reducing the amount of vitamins and mineral components in the body, identifying chronic vitamin deficiency.
• Unbalanced diet.
• Obesity or anorexia, bulimia.
• Physical exhaustion of the body.
• Nervous tension, stress, severe mental disorders.
• Pituitary gland pathologies.
• Climate change.
• Improper uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs.
• Injuries to the pelvic organs.
• Infectious pathologies of the genital organs.

In addition, constant heavy physical exertion and emotional fatigue can become the cause. Experts note that women who are professionally involved in sports and have a minimum amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue are at risk.

This is due to the fact that sex hormones are deposited in large quantities in adipose tissue. If its amount is insufficient, various disorders develop.

Diagnostics

The disease is considered serious and therefore requires correct diagnosis in order to obtain adequate treatment.

The most commonly used methods are:

• General examination and questioning of the patient is carried out free of charge in each clinic and involves identifying the possible cause of the pathology, as well as the time of manifestation and related conditions. To do this, the doctor needs to know the time of the onset of the first menstruation and the nature of their course before the normalization of the cycle.
• Blood test to detect the level of sex hormones carried out in special diagnostic laboratories, the cost is approximately 600-800 rubles. at the same time, blood is taken from the patient from a vein, examined and the amount of the most important hormones is determined. Based on the results of the study, the appropriateness of using other methods is determined.
• Blood test to determine the amount of thyroid hormones indicated in case of signs of endocrine disorders
• Vaginal swab to detect the presence of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases, it is taken during a routine gynecological examination. The study is carried out in each clinic, it is considered effective, the price is about 300 rubles. The result helps to confirm or refute the infectious theory of the origin of oligomenorrhea.
• Salpinghysteroscopy is an instrumental diagnostic method in which, with the help of a special device, it examines the inner layer of the uterus, as well as the patency of the fallopian tubes. The result helps to establish concomitant disorders or to identify the true cause of the disorder. The cost of the examination is approximately 800 rubles. Diagnostics is carried out in public and private clinics.
• Ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, as well as other organs of the small pelvis is considered the most effective diagnostic method, it is carried out in special rooms in different clinics, the cost is from 300 rubles. During the study, you can see various deviations on the part of the organs.
• Endometrial biopsy carried out in every clinic, but only according to indications when hypoplasia or the presence of tumors is suspected. The research price is 500-900 rubles. The result allows you to confirm or disprove the assumption.
• MRI of the pituitary gland in order to clarify or refute the presence of a tumor, it is also not always carried out, but in the case of signs of a violation from the pituitary gland. Price - from 1500 rubles. Research is carried out in clinics that have the appropriate equipment. The method is very effective, it helps to detect even deviations at the initial stage.

The most effective method is considered to be ultrasound and salpingo-hysteroscopy. But with a different course and the presence of complications, additional diagnostics may be required, therefore the examination scheme is different in each case.

When to see a doctor

The secondary form of oligomenorrhea is considered a reason for visiting a doctor, even if the initial stage of the disease is detected and there are no complications. This disease is treated by a gynecologist.

However, during therapy, consultation of an endocrinologist, as well as a neurologist and a psychotherapist, is almost always required.

Prophylaxis

To prevent the development of pathology, several rules should be observed that can significantly reduce the risk of a violation. Women should abandon strict diets that involve long-term consumption of a certain set of foods. This leads to a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, imbalance of hormones.

Meals should be varied and balanced. Especially dangerous are mono-diets, which involve the use of one product for a certain period. This leads to the development of complications. In addition, with exhaustion and the development of anorexia, it is important to consult a specialist who will help normalize the condition.

Taking hormonal drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination and identification of the cause of the disorders. If it is necessary to use hormonal contraceptives, the appointment should also be made by the gynecologist. Self-administration provokes severe complications.

If a woman notices the first signs of oligomenorrhea, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. This increases the likelihood of a complete cure within a short period.

Treatment methods

For the therapy of patients, medicines, physiotherapy methods and some folk remedies are used. In each case, the scheme may differ depending on the degree of neglect of the condition.

Medications

Secondary oligomenorrhea is a condition that, at the initial and progressive stage, is quite successfully treated with medications. The treatment regimen always involves the alternation of progesterone drugs with contraceptives, but sometimes includes drugs from other groups.

The most effective remedies:

• Clomid - a drug that is used to restore the normal ovulation process in the body. The tool helps to quickly restore reproductive function and eliminates the manifestations accompanying this violation, it is considered very effective. Tablets are taken orally 1 piece for 5 days, starting from the fifth day of the cycle. After this, a break is taken until the next menstruation and, if necessary, a second course is prescribed. No dosage increase is required. It is worth remembering that the remedy is not used for oligomenorrhea provoked by a pituitary tumor. Price - from 750 rubles.
• Clomiphene - the drug, which is available in the form of tablets, is effective and helps to normalize the maturation of the egg in the ovary. It is prescribed according to the scheme, take 1 tablet for 5 days in a row, starting from the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. It is allowed to repeat the cruise up to 3 times in a row if there is no effect. Price - from 600 rubles.
• Utrozhestan - an effective drug based on progesterone, which is used for 3-6 weeks in order to normalize hormonal levels. The patient takes the drug 1-2 capsules per day. If necessary, the course is repeated after 2-3 months of a break. Usually, the medicine is used when the disorder was triggered by polycystic disease. Price - from 500 rubles.
• Novinet - effective birth control pills, which are usually alternated with progesterone drugs in order to restore the menstrual cycle. Take the remedy from the first day of the cycle, 1 tablet at the same time for 3 weeks. After that, a break is taken for 1 week and the course is repeated. Possibly up to 3-4 reps. The price of the product is from 400 rubles.
• Ibuprofen Is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used when menstruation is accompanied by severe pain, cramps, or inflammation. The patient takes 2 tablets of the drug per day, the treatment lasts 5 days. Usually the remedy is prescribed in the acute period, it is effective and quickly eliminates the symptoms of the disorder. Price - from 70 rubles.

In each case, the doctor determines the appropriateness of the use of a particular medication. Sometimes it is enough to use one remedy, in some cases it is necessary to take several medications.

Traditional methods

Pathology cannot be cured with folk remedies, but many women believe that some medicinal plants have therapeutic properties.

A decoction based on cherry leaves has a positive effect on the organs of the reproductive system. It should be prepared from 10 g of crushed leaves and 300 ml of water, cook for 4-5 minutes. After that, leave for 2 hours to infuse. Take the finished filtered product in small portions throughout the day. The course of treatment lasts 10-14 days.

Taking aloe juice is considered a good way to improve overall health and eliminate inflammation in the body. It is recommended daily in the morning and in the evening to take 10 ml of juice squeezed from the leaves of a plant that is at least 3 years old. Repeat the treatment for 2 weeks. It is worth remembering that the juice is squeezed out immediately before taking it.

Oatmeal broth is a general tonic for women of any age. For 1 liter of water, you should take 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal, cook until tender. After that, filter the composition, separating the finished flakes, and use the broth in 150 ml 2 times a day. The treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. This method is not suitable for patients with acute intestinal diseases.

It is important to remember that folk recipes cannot be the only method of therapy, since they do not help to normalize hormonal levels and do not treat concomitant pathologies. Their use must always be agreed with a doctor.

Other methods

Secondary oligomenorrhea is a disorder in which ancillary treatments can be used. After the elimination of acute symptoms, it is allowed to use physiotherapy methods that affect the patient's nervous system and improve the general condition, which has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system.

Ultrasound therapy is used when oligomenorrhea is the result of pathologies of the reproductive system. The pelvic organs are exposed to ultrasound, which improves tissue nutrition and normalizes blood circulation. After 10-15 sessions, the patient feels better. They are carried out at intervals of 2-3 days, last 20-40 minutes.

Another additional method of treatment is surgery, which is indicated in the case of advanced polycystic disease or progression of endometriosis and the detection of multiple foci. The essence of the operation is to remove lesions using endoscopic instruments or open intervention. In this case, general anesthesia is used.

After the operation, the patient recovers in a hospital within 1-3 weeks, depending on the chosen method. At home, rehabilitation continues for 2-4 weeks after discharge. As a rule, rehabilitation involves taking antibacterial, hormonal and anti-inflammatory medications.

Possible complications

Complications occur in patients who do not consult a doctor for a long period.

The most common ones are:

• Aggravation of the symptoms of the underlying disease.
• The development of infertility.
• Irreversible changes in the uterus and appendages requiring surgical intervention.
• Inflammatory processes of the uterus and appendages.
• Rupture of the ovarian cyst and the development of inflammation in the peritoneum.

Such complications do not occur so often, only with an untimely visit to the doctor. However, experts draw the attention of patients to the fact that about 40% of cases of female infertility are associated with oligomenorrhea.

With a timely visit to the doctor, the prognosis for the patient is favorable, and the disease is treated for several months.

The secondary form of oligomenorrhea is a fairly common disorder in which menstrual irregularities and other symptoms are observed. This condition can be successfully treated by consulting a doctor at the initial stage, so it is recommended not to ignore the symptoms. In the case of progression of the pathology, the development of irreversible changes in the organs of the reproductive system is possible.

Video about oligomenorrhea

Causes of menstrual irregularities: