Menstrual disorders are problems that affect a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. They include painful cramps during bleeding, abnormally heavy bleeding, or not having any bleeding.

Menstruation occurs during the years between puberty and menopause. Menstruation, also called a “period,” is the monthly flow of blood from the uterus through the cervix and out through the vagina.

Menstrual disorders include:

Painful cramps (Dysmenorrhea) during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by menstruation itself. Secondary dysmenorrhea is triggered by another condition, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.Heavy bleeding (Menorrhagia) includes prolonged menstrual periods or excessive bleeding.Absence of menstruation (Amenorrhea). Primary amenorrhea is considered when a girl does not begin to menstruate by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when periods that were previously regular stop for at least 3 months.Light or infrequent menstruation (Oligomenorrhea) refers to menstrual periods that occur more than 35 days apart. It usually is not a cause for concern, except if periods occur more than 3 months apart.