Irregular menstruation can be associated with several serious health conditions.
These include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, and mental health conditions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as cited by The Guardian, the condition affects up to 13 percent of women of reproductive age.
At the same time, the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), according to The Guardian, believes that the condition often goes undiagnosed and that treatment varies.
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New recommendations
NICE proposes that people suspected of having the condition should undergo blood tests to assess hormone levels.
In some cases, an ultrasound scan may also be necessary, according to the draft guidelines reported by The Guardian.
The guidelines also recommend an annual health check following a diagnosis.
This should include ongoing assessments of the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health conditions.
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Earlier diagnosis
The new recommendations are based on international guidelines developed by Monash University and are already being used in more than 100 countries, according to The Guardian.
The most significant change is that people with irregular menstruation should, in the future, be assessed for polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The aim is to diagnose the condition earlier and ensure that more people receive the same standard of care.
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