Menstrual Disorders

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

Menstruation occurs during the years between puberty and menopause.

Menstruation, also called "menses" or a "period," is the monthly flow of blood from the uterus through the cervix and out through the vagina.

The Female Reproductive System

The organs and structures in the female reproductive system include:

The uterus is a pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and lower intestine.

The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It contains the cervical canal, which connects the uterine cavity with the vagina and allows menstrual blood to drain from the uterus into the vagina. The vaginal opening of the canal is called the external os. Pap smears are collected from the external os.

The fallopian tubes connect the uterus and ovaries. Ovaries are egg-producing organs that hold 200,000 to 400,000 follicles (from folliculus, meaning "sack" in Latin). These cellular sacks contain the materials needed to produce ripened eggs, or ova. An egg develops within the follicle.

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. During pregnancy it thickens and becomes enriched with blood vessels to house and nourish the growing fetus.

If at the end of a menstrual cycle pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is shed and the woman starts menstruating. Menstrual flow consists of blood and mucus from the cervix and vagina.