Irregular Periods

What is irregular periods?

The mucous membrane inside the uterine cavity is built up during each cycle related to that developed an egg in one of the ovaries. The cells surrounding the egg forming estrogen, and it is what makes the uterine lining to grow. Ovulation occurs about mid-cycle. If the woman does not become pregnant, the endometrium shed along with blood. It is menstruation. It is normal that there may be small lumps and threads from the menstrual bleeding that usually items 4-7 days. The mucosa is built up again during the next cycle, ie the period when a new egg grows and develops in the ovary.

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstruation and the next time menstruation begins. “Regular periods” means that every time goes roughly equal time between bleeding. A cycle lasts on average 29 days, but everything from 23 to 35 days are normal. In young girls who just got menstruation, it is normal to cycle length varies greatly.

Women will often find that their cycle is getting shorter with age. When a woman is in menopause  it is normal to go longer between bleeding.

It is the hormones are formed in the ovary in relation to ovulation, which controls the endometrial growth and rejection. Disturbances in hormonal balance appears often at irregular periods.

How common is irregular menstrual bleeding?

Irregular menstruation is a common condition. It is most common in teenagers and in women aged 40-50. Obesity increases the risk of irregular periods.

What causes irregular menstrual bleeding?

The most common cause is hormonal disturbances due to ovulation fails or comes at the wrong time. It causes the lining of the uterus grows irregularly and can be thickened because rejection does not function as it should. Bleeding may be different in terms of how much and how long one bleed, and they may also disappear completely. The reasons, for example. be  polycystic ovary syndrome , metabolic syndrome, eating disorders or stress.

Inflammation of the cervix or the uterine cavity, for example. with chlamydia , can cause irregular bleeding.

Physical changes in the cervix or uterus can mean you bleed more often and more strongly than has been done previously, or that you have spotting between periods. The cause can be polyps or fibroids, possibly. Also cell changes in the cervix or the uterine mucosa.

What are the symptoms of irregular menstrual bleeding?

Bleeding outside the normal menstruation, the cycle length varies greatly, or that the bleeding amount is very different from case to case.

What symptoms should you pay particular attention to?

Persistent irregular bleeding and bleeding after intercourse.

How is it diagnosed?

There will be a gynecological examination. Here the doctor will be able to see if there are signs of inflammation and possible. taking bacterial samples. There may also be sample of cells of the cervix to rule out cervical cancer . Blood samples can be taken to rule out anemia  and endocrine disruption. It can also be relevant with an ultrasound examination  and samples from the lining inside the uterus.

What treatment is there?

Irregular menstruation is often a completely safe condition and treatment is not necessary. But if bleeding is troublesome, there are various treatment options, depending on the cause of the bleeding.

Hormonal disorders are best treated with hormone supplements. It may be in the form of an IUS that contain gestagen. This spiral will often lead to significantly less bleeding, and many women are very satisfied with this treatment. The progestogen can be administered as tablets, for example. from 15th to 25th day of the menstrual cycle. This will often be given in three menstrual cycles in a row and can make bleeds regular, but only in the month you take them. Birth control pills  are another option. These regulate both soft meaning the amount and date.

When a polyp  or fibroids  cause bleeding, a keyhole surgery solve the problem. If this is not enough, it may be necessary to remove the womb lining (endometrial ablation) or uterus ( hysterectomy ). Both treatments are effective and provide high patient satisfaction. Although hysterectomy is associated with longer operating time, longer convalescence (the time it takes to regain strength after a period of illness or operation) and more complications after surgery, then it makes a lasting solution. Endometrial ablation is a minor interventions but short convalescence, but must in some cases be repeated.

Cell changes or cancer is usually treated with surgery.

How is long-term prospects?

Irregular vaginal bleeding around puberty are usually regular within 1-2 years. Irregular vaginal bleeding around menopause stops with  menopause . There is good effect of the treatments available.

How do I avoid or worsening irregular menstrual bleeding?

For obesity, it makes sense to try weight loss.