SERVICES MENSTRUAL ABNORMALITIES
Menstrual abnormalities are common abnormalities of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Irregular menstruation includes different kinds of conditions where your periods are irregular, heavy, and painful, or do not occur at all.
Menstrual abnormalities causes range from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions such as:
Stress and lifestyle factors :
such as weight gain or loss, illness, dieting and changes in exercise routine may have an impact on your menstrual cycle.
Birth control pills:
These pills help prevent pregnancy by prohibiting the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Uterine polyps:
these are small benign (noncancerous) growths which develop in the lining of the uterus.
Uterine fibroids:
These are tumours that attach to the uterus wall, which may cause heavy bleeding and pain during periods.
Endometriosis:
this occurs when the endometrial tissue which lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This may cause abnormal menstrual bleeding, cramps and pain before or during periods and sexual intercourse.
Pelvic inflammatory disease:
this is a bacterial infection that affects the female’s reproductive system. This occurs when bacteria enters the vagina through sexual contact and then spreads to the uterus and upper genital tract.
Polycystic ovary syndrome:
this is a hormonal disorder where your ovaries develop numerous small collections of fluid called follicles, which prevents the ovaries from regularly releasing eggs. This may result in you having infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels.
Premature ovarian insufficiency:
this is a medical condition that occurs where your ovaries stop functioning normally, causing your menstrual cycle to stop. This normally occurs in women who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment of menstrual abnormalities depends entirely on the underlying cause. Dr Victor will recommend the following:
Hysteroscopy:
A hysteroscopy is a procedure where she will put a thin, flexible, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope in your vagina and cervix and into your uterus. This telescope allows her to see the tissue lining in your cervix. Dr Victor will then use surgical tools to remove the uterine polyps and uterine fibroids.
Hormonal therapy:
Dr Victor may recommend that you take supplemental hormones to relieve pain and stop the progression of endometriosis. Hormone therapy helps your body to regulate monthly hormonal changes which promote the tissue growth that occurs when you have endometriosis.
Metformin:
Metformin is a drug used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome by improving insulin levels in your body.
Estrogen therapy:
Estrogen therapy is used to help prevent osteoporosis as well as relieve hot flashes. Dr Victor may prescribe oestrogen with progesterone if you still have your uterus because progesterone helps protect the lining of your uterus from precancerous changes that may occur. This combination of hormones will cause your periods to start again.
Dr Victor may recommend surgery as a last resort when all other treatments have failed.
