Period · 5 min read
Difference between amenorrhoea and hypermenorrhoea - what do these medical terms mean?
Cycle phases
We have our periods for between 30 and 40 years of our lives. It goes without saying that fluctuations can occur during this time – even the smallest hormonal deviations can lead to cycle anomalies, though this doesn't have to mean anything serious. The menstrual cycle is very complex and can be roughly divided into two phases. In the first phase, which starts right at the beginning of the period, oestrogen and FSH levels are very high (FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone). In the second phase, progesterone and LH are higher (LH = luteinising hormone).
The first half of the cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts around 12-14 days.
The second half of the cycle begins with ovulation and lasts around 13-15 days.
In total, the menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days.
Cycle disorder: different types of period?
Cycle disorders: are there different types of period?
On average, every menstruating person loses 40 to 80 millilitres of blood during their period – most of it in the first two days. Blood loss of more than 80 millilitres is referred to as a heavy period, also known as hypermenorrhoea. If blood loss stays below 25 millilitres, this is referred to as a light period.
What is hypermenorrhoea and what causes it?
The triggers can be many and varied, but in most cases they're nothing to worry about – even if the comparatively high blood loss might give you a fright. Heavy periods are more common in young menstruating people during puberty, but also around the menopause, due to hormonal fluctuations. Stress or non-gynaecological conditions can also be the cause. If you have a very heavy period over several cycles, you should make an appointment with a doctor to be on the safe side and have the causes properly investigated. Because of the high blood loss, those affected often also find that they suffer from tiredness, exhaustion or circulation problems.
Possible causes of hypermenorrhoea
- Endometriosis – a benign condition of the uterine lining that often causes severe symptoms in the form of intense, long-lasting pain and bleeding
- Polyps – these are not shed during menstruation and can cause hypermenorrhoea
- Inflammation of the uterine lining (endometritis) – pathogens such as chlamydia can cause very heavy bleeding and/or bleeding between periods
- Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) – bacterial infections can lead to heavier and longer bleeding
- Thyroid dysfunction – an over- or underactive thyroid can encourage a heavier or longer period
- Coil (IUD) – bleeding can become heavier, especially after a copper coil is fitted (with a hormonal coil, on the other hand, bleeding can even stop altogether)
What is amenorrhoea and what causes it?
When a period doesn't come, many people first think of a possible pregnancy. And anyone of a more advanced age will probably suspect the menopause. In both cases, amenorrhoea – the absence of a period – is completely normal. But there are other reasons for a missing period, too.
Two forms of amenorrhoea can be distinguished:
Primary amenorrhoea: No menstrual bleeding has started by the age of 16.
Secondary amenorrhoea: Menstruation stops for at least three months, although the menstruating person previously had their period.
Possible causes of amenorrhoea
Primary amenorrhoea
- Chromosomal disorders (e.g. Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Swyer syndrome)
- Ovaries that have not fully developed
- A blocked cervix
- A completely closed hymen
- Hormonal disorders (e.g. an underactive thyroid)
- In rare cases, as an accompanying effect of illnesses such as cancer or diabetes
Secondary amenorrhoea
- Often psychological in origin – typical triggers are stress & burnout
- Severe weight fluctuations
- Being underweight
- Excessive exercise or other extreme situations
- Medication (e.g. after coming off the contraceptive pill, antidepressants, blood-sugar-lowering drugs, chemotherapy)
- Pathological changes to the uterus (e.g. endometriosis, a hormone-producing tumour of the ovaries or pituitary gland)
Alongside the absence of a period, the following symptoms can occasionally occur with amenorrhoea:
- Changes in breast size
- Milky discharge from the breasts
- Weight fluctuations
- Acne
- Increased facial hair growth
- Hair loss
- Headaches or vision problems
- Vaginal dryness
- A deeper voice
And what does dysmenorrhoea mean?
While the terms amenorrhoea and hypermenorrhoea refer to the heaviness of menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhoea describes pain during menstruation. In some cases it restricts those affected so severely that they can't fully manage their everyday lives. In our article What helps against period pain you'll find tips for easing your period pain.
Dysmenorrhoea can be divided into:
Primary dysmenorrhoea: Mainly affects younger menstruating people up to around the age of 25. Here the uterine lining produces too many prostaglandins, which can cause pain and cramps in the lower abdomen.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea: Those affected are often over 25 and didn't have these symptoms before.
If you struggle with severe pain during your period, you may well find tampons uncomfortable. That's why we recommend our period underwear – very comfortable to wear, just like normal underwear. You can find out more in our guide Period underwear for heavy flow.
Empfohlene Produkte
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Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
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