Menstrual disorders
“Too little, too much, too often, not often enough, there, not there……” the list goes on!All women experience alterations in their menstrual pattern throughout their lives. Even after menopause, it can return to haunt them. the type of menstrual problems I deal with include
- Heavy periods
- Irregular periods
- Loss of periods
- Painful periods
- Delay in commencemnt of periods
- Premature menopause
There are many causes for this and they will vary depending on the age of the woman. Typically they range from:
- Variation or poor ovarian function especially in young teenage girls and those approaching menopause
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Polyps in the womb
- Polycystic ovaries
Emotional issues can also play havoc with a woman’s periods at any stage of their lives. If the menstrual disorders are significant, they can led to problems like infertility, anaemia, tiredness, lethargy, disruption to normal life, sexual difficulties and debilitating pelvic pain to name a few.
Before considering therapy options, the cause will need to be ascertained. One may need to undertake ultrasound screening, blood testing to exclude iron deficiency, various hormonal disorders and laparoscopy to assess the pelvis.
Depending on the cause, management options will vary and include
- Hormones like the Pill through to injections like depoprovera
- Mirena IUD
- Anti inflammatory drugs like Ponstan or naprogesic
- Blood clotting altering agents like Tranxemic acid
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
A desire for ongoing fertility may limit options of treatment. Hormonal treatments are commonly utilised and prove very effective. Where surgery is required, then I advocate the use of minimally invasive techniques. For most, simple treatments can vastly improve symptoms allowing a return to normal life. I would be happy to discuss these with you if your periods are causing difficulties.