Patient's question:
What is the reason for increased menstrual flow as menopause approaches?Doctor's answer:
Menopausal women may experience an increase in menstrual flow due to the following reasons:1. Neuroendocrine dysfunction: This is primarily caused by instability or defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is known as menstrual disorders.
2. Ovarian issues: In women of reproductive age, menstrual irregularities are often due to poor luteal function of the ovaries. This is commonly having cycles, but with shorter cycles or excessive menstrual bleeding.
3. Organic lesions or medication: This includes local inflammation, tumors, and developmental abnormalities of the reproductive organs; malnutrition; intracranial disorders; other endocrine dysfunctions, such as thyroid or adrenal cortex dysfunction, diabetes, Sheehan's disease, etc.; liver diseases; blood disorders, etc. The use of psychiatric medications; endocrine preparations; or the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception may also lead to menstrual irregularities. Certain occupations, such as long-distance runners, are prone to amenorrhea. Additionally, some abnormal bleeding during pregnancy is often misinterpreted as menstrual disorders.
In clinical diagnosis of neuroendocrine dysfunction-related menstrual disorders, it is necessary to rule out the above organic causes.
4. Obesity: Obesity occurs when calorie intake exceeds the body's energy expenditure. Long-term obesity in women can lead to endocrine and metabolic disorders, resulting in menstrual irregularities, infrequent menstruation, amenorrhea, and functional uterine bleeding. Clinically, obese patients often exhibit histological changes in their ovaries similar to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). After weight loss, menstrual cycles return to normal, and ovarian changes disappear. Modern medicine has confirmed that obesity can cause menstrual disorders.
Therefore, if menstrual flow is excessive, it is necessary to undergo a thorough gynecological examination in a regular hospital before receiving symptomatic treatment.