Causes
Menstrual disorders can be triggered by a number of different factors, such as hormone imbalances, genetic factors, clotting disorders, and pelvic diseases.
Dysmenorrhea
- Contraction-Causing Chemicals. Powerful chemicals known as prostaglandins and arachidonic acid can induce uterine muscle contractions. Prostaglandins also play a large role in the heavy bleeding that causes dysmenorrhea.
- Abnormal Nervous System Response. Some women with primary dysmenorrhea may have autonomic nervous systems that are overly sensitive to menstrual cycle changes. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure, and it contains the pain receptors in nerve fibers in the uterus and pelvic area. As a result, women with autonomic nervous system abnormalities may have a more intense response to pain.
- Abnormalities in the Arteries in the Uterus.Impaired blood flow through the arteries in the uterus may cause severe dysmenorrhea for some women.
- Genetic Factors. Genetic factors may play an important role in over half of primary dysmenorrhea cases.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a chronic and often progressive disease that develops when the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows onto other areas, such as the ovaries, bowels, or bladder. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #74: Endometriosis].
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| Endometriosis is the condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows on other areas of the body causing pain and irregular bleeding. |
- Uterine Fibroids. Fibroids are noncancerous growths that grow on the walls of the uterus. They can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation and cramping pain. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #73: Uterine Fibroids.]
- Other Causes. Pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy. The intrauterine device (IUD) contraceptive can also cause dysmenorrhea.
Menorrhagia
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