Facing Period Puzzles

Posted on November 12, 2007 in Health-Sex

Even the healthiest woman experiences occasional problems in the menstrual cycles. But how do you know if they are a regular shift or if there is something more serious? Change in the time zones or the use of steroids and other antibiotics can also affect a woman’s period. If the changes persists for more than 3 to 4 times of the period, then it is important to see a doctor.

Irregular or lack of periods hints at a much bigger health problems. In some cases, erratic menstruation can include metabolic abnormalities that raise a disease risk. Given below are the most common period problems.

Bleeding Between Periods

A sudden low in the estrogen levels can cause what is commonly called as mid cycle spotting. If this is repeated after two or three cycles then it could be a sign of an ovarian cyst, endometriosis, or a uterine polyp. Incase you are on oral contraceptives then the off cycle bleeding can be because of the low levels of estrogen content in them. If that is the case then you should ask your doctor to change the brand of the tablet.

Missing a period

Like many of the menstrual problems, skipping a period is often caused by stress. A major change in lifestyle or drastic change in weight and disrupt a schedule. Sometimes missed periods also could be a sign of premature ovarian failure (POF), a mysterious condition that is causing the ovaries to stop producing eggs and reproductive hormones, long before menopause. POF increases the risk of osteoporosis, which has to be diagnosed early.

Shortening or lengthening of the cycle

Short periods occur when the woman is not ovulating and the uterus doesn’t shed all its lining. Another explanation to it could be that the woman is in her forty’s where there are hormonal discrepancies. Lengthening of periods become a problem when the woman wants to be pregnant. This makes it difficult to calculate when the woman is ovulating. In worst of cases they have to go through hormonal testing to determine the exact date of ovulation.

Less Bleeding

A very light flow usually means that there has been some problem in building the uterine lining. This could also signify that you have not ovulated at all. If light periods become a repeated phenomenon then they could be because of fertility problems, sometimes an overactive thyroid could be the blame.

Painful Cramps

Intensely painful periods that get worse every month could be a sign of endometriosis, a disease that affects between 10 to 20 percent of the women with child bea

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