What other problems may occur with menstruation?

Women may experience amenorrhea (absent menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), or menorrhagia (heavy menstruation).

Several common menstrual problems include amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. Amenorrhea occurs when menstruation is absent, and may result from several factors, including pregnancy, menopause, malnutrition, and over-exercising.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, may result from stress, ingestion of oxytocic herbs, endometriosis, and surgery. Excessively heavy menstruation, or menorrhagia, is a common condition which affects most women at some point in their lifetimes. While not significantly harmful, menorrhagia may lead to iron-deficient anemia and considerable inconvenience.