Abnormal Periods Specialist

What causes abnormal periods?

During the transition to menopause, you may notice your periods begin to change. Often, your period occurs less regularly than it used to or may not last as many days as it once did. Eventually, your periods stop as you reach menopause, the natural phase of life when your periods are gone for 12 consecutive months.

However, women may experience changes in their periods well before menopause due to a number of potential causes, such as:

• Cancer
• Benign tumors or polyps
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Lack of ovulation
• Hormone imbalance
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

You may also have underlying medical issues, including a bleeding disorder, which interferes with your blood’s clotting ability or a thyroid condition.

When should I seek treatment for irregular periods?

Every woman has a unique menstrual cycle with many variations in the length of the cycle and the amount of blood they produce. Generally, a normal cycle ranges from 24 to 34 days, lasting for 5-7 days each month.

When you notice irregular cycles, like periods lasting longer than usual, your periods become heavy enough to soak through your tampon or pad within an hour, or you miss a period altogether, you should schedule an evaluation.

Additionally, you should seek a diagnosis if you experience symptoms like

• Dizziness
• Paleness
• Chronic fatigue
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms can indicate that you’re losing enough blood to become anemic, a condition where your natural red blood cell count declines.

You should also schedule a checkup if you have bleeding in between your regular period, while you’re pregnant, or after you reach menopause.

How are abnormal periods diagnosed?

The medical team at Complete Healthcare for Women offers several on-site testing options to evaluate the cause of your abnormal periods. These tests may include:

• Pap smear
• Blood work
• Ultrasound

A biopsy of your endometrial tissue that lines your uterus may be necessary to rule out cancer or confirm the cause of your diagnosis.

What treatments are available for abnormal periods?

Depending on your health history and age, you may benefit from birth control pills to regulate your menstrual cycle. Over-the-counter medications can also be useful for reducing any discomfort or cramping you’re experiencing.

If your abnormal periods is related to endometriosis, the excessive growth of endometrial tissue outside of your uterus, this tissue may need to be removed with the use of the laparoscope.  Your Complete Healthcare for Women physician may recommend an endometrial ablation procedure, which removes the lining of your uterus to stop heavy bleeding.

Surgery is typically the last option for treating irregular periods and is only recommended if you’re finished having children.

Schedule your consultation for irregular periods today using the online booking feature or by calling Complete Healthcare for Women.