Retrograde menstruation is a common condition where menstrual blood flows backward, but usually has no symptoms. It may be a potential cause of endometriosis, which can cause pain, irregular periods, and affect fertility. Doctors suggest informing them of any severe pelvic pain or changes in menstrual cycle behavior.
There are usually no recognizable symptoms of retrograde menstruation for most women. Also, this condition is common and occurs often. This condition is simply described as a backward flow of some of the menstrual blood. Instead of leaving the uterus and vagina, blood travels up the fallopian tubes and deposits in the abdomen. This is usually harmless, but doctors think it could be a potential cause of endometriosis in a small percentage of women.
If there are symptoms of retrograde menstruation, they could include decreased menstrual flow and shorter periods. Alternatively, the absence of bleeding with normal period signs, such as cramping, irritability, swelling, and skin changes, could suggest the condition. In most cases, forward and backward flow are simultaneous and no retrograde flow can be observed.
Some women who pay close attention to their menstrual cycle behavior see a slightly lower flow or may have a slightly shorter period. This could be especially noticed if women perform inverted and twisted yoga poses during menstruation, which can cause reflux. On the other hand, most women have at least some retrograde menstruation and most of them don’t practice yoga.
When people ask about the symptoms of retrograde menstruation, they really might be inquiring about the symptoms of endometriosis. This is a condition that causes endothelial cells, which make up the lining of the uterus, to migrate to other parts of the body and spread. Because menstrual blood contains these cells, when they settle in the abdomen instead of the vagina, it could cause endothelial tissue to grow outside the uterus.
Symptoms of endometriosis, which aren’t always obvious at first, can include pain in the pelvis, lower back, and lower abdomen, and irregular, heavy periods. Some women suffer from diarrhea or constipation. Due to the scarring that cells can create as they spread, fertility can also be affected.
It cannot be assumed, however, that endometriosis is a complication or even one of the symptoms of retrograde menstruation. This may still be an area worthy of investigation, especially for women with endometriosis. Some doctors have suggested that minor surgical corrections to the fallopian tubes can reduce the amount of endothelial cells lodged in the abdomen.
Most women shouldn’t worry if they currently experience or will develop this condition. However, it makes sense to inform doctors of severe pelvic pain, repeated missed periods, or significant changes in menstrual cycle behavior. These can also indicate other conditions, such as pregnancy, STDs, vaginal infections, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
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