What problems can I experience with my period/menses?

 

Period problems are many. Some are more common than others. Some can also be concerning.

 

Some of the period problems we women encounter include:

 

• Heavy periods

• Painful periods

• Irregular periods

 

 

Heavy periods

 

Some women naturally have heavier periods than others, but if your periods are so heavy that they
impact your life, there is help available.

 

Women with heavy period can have anaemia (low blood count)> Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients
to your whole body.

 

If your blood count is low, this can affect your health in a major way. You may need treatment to control
your menstrual flow to ensure you do not lose too much blood every time you have your period.

 

Talk to your doctor about your bleeding, including how often you have to change your period products
(pads, tampons, period pants or menstrual cup).

 

Your doctor can investigate why you're experiencing heavy bleeding. These investigations may include a
physical examination, blood tests or scans.

 

 

Painful periods

 

Pain during periods is common. It's usually caused by the womb contracting to push out the blood.

 

Painful period can be due to:

 

• Physiological period pain – There is no concerning reason for the pain.

• Ovulation pain

• A condition called endometriosis

• Pain caused by other organs in the pelvis such as your ovary, the bowel or the bladder.

 

If you period pain is affecting your daily life, further test or treatment may be required.

 

 

Irregular period/vaginal bleeding

 

An irregular period can be becaseu it affects:

 

• The time between your periods (they may arrive early or late)

• The amount of blood you lose (periods may be heavy or light)

• The number of days the period lasts

 

Read more about irregular periods, including what causes them and when treatment may be necessary
here.

 

 

Stopped or missed periods

 

There are many reasons why you may miss your period, but the most common cause is pregnancy. Please
do a pregnancy test if you have missed your period.

 

Other common reasons for missing period if your pregnancy test is negative are:

 

• Stress

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

• Overexercising

• Reaching the menopause

• Some hormonal conditions e.g Polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid disorder, pituitary gland disorder

• Certain medications you are currently taking

 

If your periods stop and you're concerned, you can book an appointment with Dr. Ida by clicking here.

 

 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

 

PMS is thought to be linked to changing levels of hormones throughout your natural menstrual cycle.

 

Not all women will get PMS. If you do, the range and severity of symptoms can vary.

 

Some of the symptoms of PMS that has been reported include:

 

• Mood swings

• Feeling depressed or irritable

• Headaches

• Tiredness

• Bloating

• Breast tenderness

 

Symptoms usually start and can intensify in the 2 weeks before your period, and then ease and disappear
after your period starts.

 

Some women PMS symptoms can be debilitating and affect their daily activities. These symptoms can be
controlled to ensure you get a better quality of life.

 

If you feel your PMS symptoms are affecting your life, you can book an appointment with Dr. Ida to
discuss how to manage your symptoms by clicking here.

 

 

Endometriosis

 

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows in
other places outside the womb, such as in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or around the pelvis area. These
tissues also will become reactive in response to the natural menstrual hormone fluctuations during your
menstrual cycle.

 

Endometriosis can be a debilitating condition. The main symptoms women with endometriosis report is
painful and/or heavy periods.

 

Women with endometriosis can also experience:

 

• Irregular periods

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Pain during or after sex

• Pain or discomfort when going to the toilet

• Blood in your pee or when you pass motion

• Endometriotic cyst (Chocolate cyst)

• Difficulty to fall pregnant naturally in future (subfertility/infertility)

 

If you think you have endometriosis, you can book an appointment with

Dr. Ida to discuss how to manage your symptoms by clicking here.

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When should I see the doctor for my period problems?

Book an appointment with Dr. Ida if you would like
further advice regarding your period problems.