For the most part, the menstrual cycle occurs predictably and without problems. However, when things don’t go right -- when you experience heavy or excessive bleeding, when your period doesn’t occur when expected, when you have physical or emotional symptoms during the weeks before you menstruation, or when you experience painful periods or other symptoms -- you may have a menstrual cycle disorder.

Menstrual disorders include several types of abnormal uterine bleeding, PMS, PMDD, and cramps or dysmenorrhea. Most girls and women experience the symptoms of menstrual disorders at some point during their reproductive years. Whether you have basic questions about menstruation, or are experiencing abnormal bleeding, PMS, or cramps, you can find the answers you're seeking on my new About.com Menstrual Disorders site.

More:
Diagnosis of Menstrual Cycle Disorders
Treatments for Menstrual Cycle Disorders