According to OB-GYN Montgomery County Dr. Rania Ibrahim, much like the waste in the toilet bowl is an indication of what’s happening in the body, your periods are also trying to send you a message, even if you aren’t paying attention.
Sometimes we get so caught up in our regular cycles or the form of birth control we’re using that we don’t recognize the characteristics that make up our monthly menstruation cycle. Well, it’s time to start noticing these subtle changes in order to determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
And while there is no such thing as the perfect period, your OB-GYN Montgomery County advises that there are factors that point to whether you are healthy. Women should expect bright red flow without mucus or clots, with little to moderate bloating, cramping, and mood swings. The characterization of a normal period will change over the course of our lives, so you have to stay alert to what’s happening with your body.
Very heavy flow: If you have to change your pad, tampon, or cup five or more times in one day, it could be a sign that something is not right internally. There may be benign tumors in your uterus called fibroids, which can make bleeding worse than normal as the uterine wall sheds itself.
It’s important to talk to your OB-GYN Montgomery County about heavy bleeding earlier rather than later because it can potentially lead to polyps, endometriosis, or severe tumors that can adversely affect your fertility down the road.
Very light flow: If you’re taking a hormonal form of birth control, that is the most obvious explanation, especially if you had heavier periods prior to contraception. But if you’re using a non-hormonal IUD – or no birth control at all – and you need nothing more than a panty liner, you might have a problem with your thyroid or pituitary hormones.
Random spotting: If you notice bleeding, unannounced and not related at all to your normal cycle, this is known as breakthrough bleeding. If you’re on the pill, don’t worry too much, as this is a normal side effect. However, if you’re not, talk with your OB-GYN Montgomery County, because it could be a sign of cervical or uterine polyps, which are an overgrowth of normal tissue due to too much estrogen.
Serious cramping: While cramping is normal, it’s not normal to regularly have to deal with pain that puts you out of action for two or more days. Intense pain could be an indication of fibroids or other related uterus issues, such as endometriosis. This disorder is the result of uterine tissue growing outside the uterus; when the uterine wall starts shedding during your period, so does the endometrial tissue, and all the blood that needs to exit doesn’t have anywhere to go.
Late period: Your initial thought might be that you’re pregnant, but if you’ve quickly ruled that out, there are a few other possibilities you should be aware of. Your OB-GYN Montgomery County warns that you might not be ovulating regularly or could have PCOS, making it harder for you to identify your fertile days.
If you are more than a few weeks late, and if your pattern is clearly off for a month or two, go see your OB-GYN so you can figure out what the issue is and what treatment options are best for you.
If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle – don’t wait – call the office of OB-GYN Montgomery County Dr. Rania Ibrahim today to schedule a consultation.