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What is considered irregular and painful menstrual bleeding?
An irregular period refers to a menstrual cycle that differs from a typical pattern in terms of timing, duration, or flow. Although all women are different, a regular cycle is considered 23 to 35 days. If your cycle is shorter than 23 days or longer than 35 days, you should discuss it with the team at Georgia OB/GYN.
Your period is “heavy” if it’s significantly heavier or longer in duration than your usual menstrual flow. It may require changing sanitary products frequently — even during the night — and disrupt your daily activities.
A typical period lasts 2-7 days. If yours goes on for longer than a week, causes anemia, or interferes with normal activities, schedule a consultation at Georgia OB/GYN.
What are the common causes of irregular and painful periods?
Heavy periods can be a result of:
- Hormonal imbalances, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine fibroids or polyps
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
The team at Georgia OB/GYN can help identify the specific cause of your irregular and painful menstrual bleeding.
Is premenstrual syndrome (PMS) a common cause of irregular and painful periods?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause pain through hormonal fluctuations that occur in the menstrual cycle. The rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels lead to changes in the body, contributing to symptoms like abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, and headaches.
PMS is not a direct cause of irregular or painful periods. If you struggle with severe PMS, however, the team at Georgia OB/GYN can help.
How do you diagnose the cause of irregular and painful menstrual bleeding?
The team at Georgia OB/GYN first conducts a physical examination and reviews your personal and family medical history. They may also conduct tests such as blood screenings, pelvic ultrasounds, and sometimes minimally invasive procedures like hysteroscopy.
Depending on the findings, your provider may order additional screenings. In some cases, they may recommend exploratory minimally invasive surgery to look for endometriosis or other abnormalities.
How do you treat irregular and painful menstrual bleeding?
Treatment for irregular and painful menstrual bleeding depends on the underlying cause of your condition. The team at Georgia OB/GYN may recommend:
- Medication to regulate your menstrual cycle
- Hormonal therapies
- Endometrial ablation or other minimally invasive procedures
In some cases, they may perform surgery like fibroid removal or a hysterectomy.
Schedule an appointment at Georgia OB/GYN today by calling the office or through this website.